Business Mentor Opportunity
(6 Months)
Practical Action is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that uses technology to challenge poverty in developing countries. We find out what people are doing and help them to do it better.
Practical Action is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that uses technology to challenge poverty in developing countries. We find out what people are doing and help them to do it better.
We are looking for a
qualified business mentors to join our Practical Action Consulting team to
support in mentorship of the last mile women entrepreneurs in selected regions
or clusters shown below as per the duties and responsibilities listed below.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. The Mentor deployed by
Practical Action on a full time basis will implement a mentoring plan developed
jointly with his/her supervisor. Mentorship sessions will be delivered
through one on one coaching, group sessions and telephone conversations with
selected last mile women entrepreneurs of solar lighting products.
Business mentorship course
will cover but not limited to:
a. Basic business management
skills
b. Business records and book keeping skill ensuring that the entrepreneurs keep relevant and updated business records
c. Costing and pricing of the solar lighting products
d. Business plan development; ensuring that the mentored entrepreneur has a feasible business plan by the end of the mentorship program
e. Marketing skills that employ the 4Ps, among others
f. Source of business finance and financial linkages
b. Business records and book keeping skill ensuring that the entrepreneurs keep relevant and updated business records
c. Costing and pricing of the solar lighting products
d. Business plan development; ensuring that the mentored entrepreneur has a feasible business plan by the end of the mentorship program
e. Marketing skills that employ the 4Ps, among others
f. Source of business finance and financial linkages
2. Perform a one-on-one
monthly session with the women entrepreneurs based on identified gap and
needs. Develop action plan drafted by the entrepreneur with guidance from
the Mentor.
3. Follow up on the time
bound action points highlighted in the action plan and provide entrepreneurs
with technical advice and motivation in areas of difficulty. Ultimately the
business mentor will facilitate the development of business acumen and
self-confidence of the entrepreneur in management of the business over the
period of engagement.
4. Avail information and
market intelligence to the entrepreneur to aid in formulating decisions for the
uptake of quality-verified off-grid lighting products by the entrepreneurs for
re-sale. The mentor will also provide linkage of the entrepreneur to suppliers
and or distributors of the off-grid lighting solar products and where necessary
to last mile retailers.
Specifically, the mentor will
transfer knowledge to the entrepreneur on inventory management (skills in
determining optimum stock levels and re-order levels of the off grid lighting
products).
5. Organize Supplier
presentations and demos with the objective of facilitating product knowledge
and linkage to certified products. In addition the mentor will liaise with
Micro Finance Institutions and other business development service providers
will to be invited to the group mentorship sessions.
6. Hold and facilitate Two
Community of Practice (CoP) type forums in each region the mentor will be
assigned over the project implementation period. These will help to identify
common challenges among the women entrepreneurs which will be discussed under
the project’s CoP protocol and methodology.
7. The Project mentor will be
required to submit a monthly mentorship progress summary report in a Google
form template that will be provided by Practical Action. Additionally a monthly
narrative brief report that Captures and records opportunities, challenges and
lessons observed during the project implementation.
8. At an opportune time, the
mentor will hold at least one sensitization session for spouses (men), based on
willingness and availability. This is in order to build additional support
mechanisms for the women entrepreneurs from a family and social front.
9. Capture and record challenges
and lessons that may arise during the project implementation.
10. This position will be for
a fixed term contract of seven months.
11. The mentors will be based
in the clusters below and they’ll be required to travel across a region to
remain in close touch with the entrepreneurs.
Cluster A:
- Western
–Kakamega, Siaya, and Kisumu where LA and PA already have a
footprint.
- Rift Valley –
Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Laikipia
Cluster B:
- Eastern:
Makueni, Machakos, Embu
- Central Kenya
–Kiambu
- Coast: Kilifi
12. Any other tasks relevant
to project implementation that may be assigned by supervisor
Requirements
A graduate degree in Business
related discipline, Sales and Marketing or any other relevant field.
The ideal candidates will
have over 2 years working experience in business development services for micro
enterprises.
Experience in household
energy value chains and Agency Empowerment programs for women entrepreneurs and
will be an added advantage.
The incumbent will have strong communication in English & Swahili, training and coaching skills as well as excellent time management, organizational, networking and liaison skills.
The incumbent will have strong communication in English & Swahili, training and coaching skills as well as excellent time management, organizational, networking and liaison skills.
He/She will also have In-depth knowledge and understanding of the off grid renewable energy sub-sector of Kenya.
He/She will be proficient in
Computer application with knowledge in use of online reporting platforms and
report writing.
In addition, the incumbent
will be self-motivated and with ability to work under minimal supervision.
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest expressing their motivation for the Mentorship position and including an updated CV to Practical Action Consulting, Eastern Africa Regional Office by email: recruitment@practicalaction.or.ke no later than 9 November 2016.
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest expressing their motivation for the Mentorship position and including an updated CV to Practical Action Consulting, Eastern Africa Regional Office by email: recruitment@practicalaction.or.ke no later than 9 November 2016.
Indicate “PAC Business Mentor
Opportunity” and your preferred location in the email subject line.
Practical Action is an equal opportunity employer; qualified women are encouraged to apply.
Practical Action is an equal opportunity employer; qualified women are encouraged to apply.
Website: www.practicalaction.org
