Readvertisement: Business Counselor 1
Job Summary
TechnoServe is seeking to fill 4 positions of Business
Counselors to support the implementation of program activities in Nairobi and
Kisumu counties. The Business Counsellor is responsible for the day-to-day
implementation of field activities under the program, focusing on supporting
program participants through mobilization, training, and business advisory
services. The role contributes to achieving program deliverables through close
collaboration with Business Advisors.
Program Overview:
Since 2023, TechnoServe has supported women micro-retailers with disabilities within Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) retail distribution chain as a consortium partner under the Global Labor Program – Inclusive Futures program. TechnoServe has received funding to continue implementation of components of this activity. The program will provide business management skills training, and coaching, and facilitate strategic linkages with CCBA for women with disabilities in Kisumu, Nairobi and neighboring counties.
REsilience for Women with disAbilities through micro-Retail
Development Support (REWARDS) is a targeted initiative designed to build upon
TechnoServe’s successful work supporting women micro-retailers with
disabilities. The program will empower participants through business skills
training, financial inclusion, digital adoption, and peer network development
to create sustainable enterprises capable of withstanding economic challenges.
REWARDS will expand lessons learned integrating retailers into the CCBA value
chain into additional revenue earning opportunities in complementary value
chains.
REWARDS is designed to create lasting change by addressing the
barriers faced by women entrepreneurs with disabilities through an integrated
approach that builds skills, expands access to financial services, leverages
digital solutions, and fosters supportive communities.
Through the formation and establishment of business groups, the
program will foster greater connectivity among these entrepreneurs, enhancing
their ability to share knowledge, access markets, and advocate for their needs.
Additionally, the initiative will expand its reach to new cohorts of women with
disabilities across diverse sectors, including the food industry and
agribusiness – broadening economic opportunities and deepening impact through
strategic partnerships.
Responsibilities
Program Participant
Recruitment and Mobilization
- Conduct
area mapping to identify potential locations and beneficiaries.
- Mobilize
and recruit program participants in line with predefined criteria and
inclusion principles.
- Maintain
accurate records of beneficiary selection and onboarding.
Training and Business
Support
- Deliver
training sessions to micro-retailers based on program curriculum and
guidelines.
- Provide
one-on-one support and follow-up with participants to reinforce learning
and application.
Linkages and Market
Access
- Facilitate
linkages between micro-retailers and financial institutions, suppliers,
and other key ecosystem players.
- Support
access to relevant business services, markets, and products that enhance
business operations.
Monitoring, Evaluation,
and Reporting
- Support
data collection activities including surveys, assessments, and routine
monitoring.
- Submit
timely weekly and monthly reports on program activities and progress.
- Document
lessons learned, challenges, and program success stories.
Coordination and
Communication
- Maintain
open and regular communication with Business Advisors and fellow
Counsellors to ensure cohesive implementation.
- Attend
regular team meetings and contribute to planning and review sessions.
- Understand,
uphold, and promote TechnoServe’s values, mission, and strategy in all
program activities.
- Perform
any other duties as assigned by the Business Advisor or Program Manager
that are consistent with the role and contribute to program success.
Qualifications
- Experience
in community mobilization, training delivery, or field-level advisory
roles.
- Experience
of working with micro-retailers or small enterprises preferred.
- Conversant
with recent trends in the retail industry in the country and familiarity
with financial inclusion and market linkage approaches.
- Experience
with digital training and delivery mechanisms
- Experience
working with Persons with disability and basic sign language is desirable
- Strong
and demonstrable report writing skills
- Experience
working with communities living on less than $2 a day and willingness to
travel frequently in the informal settlements
- Excellent
interpersonal, oral and written communication and organizational
skills
- Proficiency
in MS Office especially Excel and PowerPoint
How to Apply
