Business Counsellors Jobs in Nairobi, Kenya

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.

Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. 

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. 

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