Project Assistant – Entrepreneurship Development

DanChurchAid (DCA) seeks a highly talented and dynamic individual for the position of Project Assistant – Entrepreneurship Development. The position holder will be based in Kakuma and will report to the Project Officer – Financial Inclusion (PO-FI) and work in close collaboration with the Project Officer – Food Security & Livelihoods (PO-FSL). The overall objective of the post holder is to support the business development and transformation of micro, and small enterprises in Kakuma refugee camp, Kalobeyei Settlement, and the host community. The position holder will primarily support project participants production / business activities to grow and sustain profit.

The main responsibilities of the Project Assistant – Entrepreneurship Development are:

Strengthen agri-production and non-agri businesses activities to sustainable micro businesses.

• Identify growth potential of micro enterprises (agricultural climate smart technologies ventures as well as non-agribusinesses) to profitable ventures for enhanced resilience by project participants.
• Ensure that the micro enterprises within the project area have an efficient and functional supply chain through linkage creation.
• Ensure that existing micro level ideas and enterprises are well structured and managed to create revenue for self-sufficiency.
• Support micro enterprises to identify potential priority areas of support and develop business strategies/plans that will address the constraints for maximizing opportunities within the value chain.
• Identify opportunities in the micro enterprises value chains and coordinate and support business strategies and plans for the clients.
• Support micro enterprises develop financing arrangements beyond initial set up funding by DCA.
• Ensure that micro enterprises are well linked to have access to supplies, services and markets that are important to increase production, productivity, and incomes.

Capacity building of micro enterprises & partnership engagement

• Build and strengthen sustainable business partnerships among micro enterprises and key value actors, mainly commercial service providers.
• Support micro enterprises to develop and roll out resource mobilization strategies to enhance business investments and growth.
• Improve governance, financial and management skills of micro enterprises and management through the design and delivery of business-related training programs.
• Ensure micro enterprises understand and comply with contractual obligations and regulatory bodies.
• Initiate and create linkages of micro enterprises with the wider BDS ecosystem including opportunities for mentoring and coaching by other peer entrepreneurs.

Planning, reporting, learning and documentation

• Monitor monthly and report on revenue generated per micro enterprise/ agribusiness, cumulative revenue, variance (planned versus realized)
• Business performance and progress reports developed and shared each month for management review and to inform agri & non-agribusiness / entrepreneurship strategies.
• Provide timely documented evidence to commercial service providers including financing partners on the key gaps and opportunities to increase efficiency in accessibility of services.
• Participate in project meetings, to help plan, and deliver on the project objectives as appropriate.
• Participate in business learning forums at ward, sub-county, county and national, and best practices documented and shared.

Any other task assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors’ Degree or equivalent in the fields of Agriculture Economics, Business Administration, Enterprise Development or other related fields.
• At least three years of professional experience in the field of micro-enterprise capacity building. Have a technical experience with commercial sector, agri and non-agribusiness development in a mix of economic growth/trade, value chain competitiveness, investment promotion, or agriculture development.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience working with refugee populations/enterprises or in a refugee context will be an added advantage.
• Significant experience in building public/private partnerships, preferably in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sectors.
• Strong consumer marketing, financial analysis, and management skills.
• Strong hands-on experience in managing or providing technical support to micro enterprises.
• Knowledge of market system development
• Experience business start-ups, mentoring and coaching.
• Track record of building strong client and stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to generate innovative solutions in work situations.

About DCA: DanChurchAid (DCA) is working in Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyandarua, Nakuru and Nairobi counties with refugees and local communities to enhance peace, livelihoods and resilience. DCA implements projects directly as well as through local partner organizations. For more information on DCA, please visit www.danchurchaid.org

DCA offers: The position is for ­­­­24 months (renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds), with a three-month probation period. DCA offers a competitive salary package (salary, insurance, and benefits) in accordance to experience and DCA Kenya HR Manual.