Entrepreneurship Development Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) is an international development organization that aims to tackle poverty and inequality through the power of volunteering. Established in 1961, VSO has a mission to bring people together to share skills, build capabilities, and promote sustainable development. The organization operates in over 20 countries, focusing on areas such as education, health, and livelihoods. VSO values diversity and promotes equal opportunities, ensuring that its workforce reflects the communities it serves. With a dedicated team of employees and volunteers, VSO works with some of the poorest communities in the world, striving to create lasting change through collaborative efforts.

Job Overview:
The Entrepreneurship Development Advisor role is designed to provide comprehensive business development services specifically tailored for green entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in the waste management sector. This position focuses on enhancing the capabilities of emerging small enterprises by offering support in critical areas such as business planning, financial management, market access, and compliance with environmental regulations. The advisor will play a pivotal role in equipping these entrepreneurs with essential business skills, resources, and networks, ultimately aiming to foster sustainable business growth, create green jobs, and improve environmental management through effective waste collection, recycling, and value addition. The role requires a proactive approach to mentoring and training youth-led startups, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of the green economy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties and responsibilities of the Entrepreneurship Development Advisor include:

• Providing tailored business development services to green entrepreneurs, focusing on the waste management sector.
• Conducting assessments to identify the specific needs of small enterprises and developing customized support plans.
• Facilitating training sessions and workshops on business planning, financial management, and market engagement strategies.
• Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with market actors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to enhance access to resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
• Supporting entrepreneurs in compliance with environmental and regulatory standards, ensuring sustainable practices are integrated into their business models.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of business development interventions, providing feedback and recommendations for improvement.
• Actively participating in community outreach and engagement activities to promote the benefits of green entrepreneurship.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Entrepreneurship Development Advisor position should possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in providing business development services to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in the context of youth employment and empowerment programs.
• Strong mentorship and training skills, with a demonstrated ability to guide and support youth-led startups in various aspects of business management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Capacity to build and maintain strategic networks with market actors and financial institutions, fostering collaboration and resource sharing.
• Specialized knowledge in waste management and the green economy, with a passion for promoting sustainable business practices.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this role. Candidates should ideally hold a degree in business administration, entrepreneurship, environmental management, or a related field. Additional certifications in business development, financial management, or sustainability practices will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in business development, particularly in supporting small enterprises or startups. Experience working in the waste management sector or with green businesses is highly desirable. Familiarity with the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in developing economies will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Kenya would be advantageous, as it would facilitate better engagement with local entrepreneurs and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Nairobi, Kenya. The contract duration may vary based on project needs and funding availability. VSO offers an allowance and accommodation to support volunteers, which meets reasonable living expenses in the country but may not be sufficient for sending money home. The organization emphasizes the importance of equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds.