Title: Business Advisor (hiring 3 Business Advisors)
Reporting Unit/Supervisor: Program Manager ED
Location: Preference Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
TechnoServe Background:
TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of businesses and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty. Smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs gain the skills, connections, and confidence they need to create viable businesses, improve their incomes, and build brighter futures. We work directly with farms and businesses and across whole market systems to make them more sustainable—environmentally, socially, and commercially.
Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...and they are lasting. Farmers and entrepreneurs improve their operations, respond to climate change, and access new markets. Women are earning more money and are able to make economic decisions. Living conditions for families get better, and they are able to access health care and education. Communities and countries are better off.
Programme Description:
The Mpumalanga Enterprise Development Programme is a 12-month pilot to support the development of Mpumalanga-based entrepreneurs to grow strong SMME businesses that can provide employment to themselves and others in the long term. In order to improve the prospects for SMMEs, we will support entrepreneurs by further developing their business skills. We will implement two key activities to build the business skills capacity of entrepreneurs in the Mpumalanga Province. The core activities focus on providing business skills development training and advisory to the selected businesses. It will be followed by aftercare support to entrepreneurs, where the trained entrepreneurs continue to be supported to shift to growth and job creation. We will target an initial intake of 500 enterprises that will receive Tier I support in order to identify the most promising 100 enterprises that will receive Tier II and Tier III support. At both selection points, we will also prioritise businesses in the green sector with high potential for growth/job creation in that space, in line with GIZ's strategic priorities.
Position Description:
TechnoServe seeks a full time experienced and hands-on Business Advisor for the 12-month pilot period with a potential for renewal beyond the pilot period. The role of the Business Advisor will be to ensure the project delivers per the contract with the donor.
The Business Advisor will support the overall strategic direction to the programme; and will be responsible for the delivery of specific results including:
Identifying and recruiting beneficiaries to the project
On-boarding of beneficiaries in line with TNS policies and procedures
Support the Design and Preparation of the implementation plan for the project
Track beneficiary data on all relevant information systems for monitoring purposes
Compile business analysis for the business entities to be supported
Assist the Senior Business Advisor to diagnose the challenges being faced by beneficiary businesses
Ensure proper procedures are followed and fully documented for evidence and evaluation purposes
Work with the rest of the team to build the skills of the beneficiaries
Provide virtual training to beneficiaries on the approved TNS modules
Consult with beneficiaries and provide business advice, (mentorship and coaching) under the supervision of a Senior Business Advisor
Has a clear understanding of the Business Model Canvas and how it applies to business growth
Guide beneficiaries to implement business solutions
Help beneficiaries secure resources from external sources
Help beneficiaries secure markets and off take arrangements
Manage some project risks and issues
Coordinate processes around beneficiary trainings and events
Collect all data required for M&E and for reporting to the donor requirements
All other tasks assigned by the program leadership
Required Skills & Experience:
Bachelor Degree in relevant field such as B Comm, Entrepreneurship, Business Studies
More than 3 years of experience in entrepreneurship support environment
Proven track record employing business solutions on ground level
Business advisory experience, ideally working with small businesses
Strong skills in business software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.)
Be familiar and able to use different social media platforms
Creative, analytic and task orientated
Interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationship and leverage networks
Organisational and planning skills, with ability to work on multiple projects in parallel
Written and verbal communication
Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
How to Apply:
Qualified and interested applicants should apply via the link on or before 13 October 2023. Please identify the position for which you are applying in the subject line. Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be considered or contacted. Applications will be considered as received. No phone calls, please.
TechnoServe is an equal opportunity employer
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