Duma Works
is recruiting Business
Counsellors for our
client, Technoserve.
General
Information: TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing
world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries.
We are a
non-profit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking
people to information, capital and markets.
With more
than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private
enterprise to transform lives.
Program Description: Small and family run retail businesses locally known as “dukas” face a number of challenges in running efficiently, resulting in less than optimal profits for the entrepreneurs that run them.
These
retailers are mostly informal and operate on a cash basis. Restocking generally
requires the owner to travel to a supplier, often a large retailer, with cash
in order to make the purchase.
This is
expensive and time consuming, and entrepreneurs can only resupply with cash on
hand. This inefficiency results in periods of closure, limited inventory, stock
depletion and ultimately relatively high prices to purchasers and low income
for the storekeepers.
Overcoming
these obstacles presents an opportunity to unleash a wave of growth providing
the entrepreneurs with the ability to develop stronger, more profitable
businesses.
There is
significant potential to increase the efficiency of supply chain management,
and decrease price volatility.
Since January 2016, TechnoServe has been working to increase the profitability of 840 high-potential mom and pop shops in Nairobi, Kenya.
Since January 2016, TechnoServe has been working to increase the profitability of 840 high-potential mom and pop shops in Nairobi, Kenya.
In
partnership with the elea Foundation for Ethics in Globalization and Citi
Foundation, the SmartDuka initiative builds on the success of a similar effort
in Bolivia and provides shop owners in Kenya with the knowledge, training and
tools to significantly improve their incomes.
Purpose: TechnoServe is seeking to fill some positions of business
counsellors, to support in the implementation of program activities in the
informal settlements in Nairobi.
Working
closely with program Associate Business Advisors, the Business counsellors will
be responsible for timely and effective implementation of project activities
and achievement of the project’s goal.
Duties & responsibilities
The Business counsellors will be responsible for the following duties:-
- Provide
support in achievement of deliverables under the program, including
specific outputs and outcomes laid out the program proposal.
- Support
in conducting the baseline survey for the program
- Identify,
vet and select the dukas
- Deliver
formal training in; Business management, financial management,
merchandising, digital technology solutions and supply chain management
- Conduct
a one on one coaching with duka owners to enhance coordination and
collaboration with each other
- Work
closely with duka owners to form business associations
- Work
closely with the Associate Business advisor to ensure program deliverables
are met.
- Draft
timely and concise reports on project implementation and share best
practices and lessons learned from the project
- Ensure
program monitoring and evaluation and reporting for project
- Through
critical review of project activities in the field, work with the ABA to
eliminate risks that may hinder effective implementation of the Project
- Establish
and maintain strong relationships with relevant stakeholders including,
government ministries, private sector companies, financial institutions,
business associations, and academic institutions;
- Maintain
project work plan, action plans and ensure timely project implementation
- Understand,
respect and promote TechnoServe’s values, vision, and strategy in the
implementation of assigned duties
Requirements
- Bachelor’s
degree required
- 1-
2 years’ experience of consulting/working with Micro- businesses in
Nairobi
- Conversant
with recent trends in the retail industry in the country
- Strong
and demonstrable report writing skills
- Experience
working with communities living on less than $2 a day
- Excellent
interpersonal, oral and written communication skills a must
- Willingness
to travel frequently in the informal settlements
- Proficiency
in MS Office especially Excel and PowerPoint
- Training
experience will be an added advantage
Reporting
Unit / Supervisor: Associate
Business Advisor
Apply
Submit your application by email to apply@dumaworks.com marking the subject as “2259”, Your Full name & Phone number e.g. 2259, Barack Obama, 07xxxxxxxxx.
Please include the following in your application;
(1) cover letter describing your interest
(2) curriculum vitae
(3) three years’ salary history
(4) telephone contacts of three professional referees.
Please include all requirements in a single document (pdf). Applications will be treated confidentially. If you don’t follow these instructions, your application will not go through.
Deadline for receiving applications: 17th June 2016