Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) Jobs in Kenya

The Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT), is a Kenyan Organization whose Founders are the Government of Kenya and The European Union. MESPT Provides wholesale loans to Microfinance Institutions and Saccos.

MESPT also provides capacity building support to the loan and non loan clients.

In addition, MESPT has a fully fledged Business Development Services (BDS) Department, that is involved in the implementation of donor funded and other programmes mainly in the Agriculture Sector.

In October, 2007 the Government of Kenya and the European Commission signed a five year Financing Agreement aimed at providing Assistance to Micro and Small Enterprises (ASMEP).

The Programme funded under the 9th EDF has a budget of € 7 million and is being implemented by the Ministry of Trade (MoT), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT). MESPT is implementing the following three sub-components.
1 (b) Institutional and Capacity Building for Financial Organisations active in rural areas.

3(a) Horticulture Sector; to improve the income of small scale farmers across the sector through reduced post harvest losses and value addition to be achieved through improved processing and packaging, including storage and addressing sector constraints along the entire value chain.

3 (b) Fisheries; Proposed interventions under this programme will focus on reduction of post harvest losses and value addition to coastal and inland fisheries.

To complete the ASMEP implementation team, the Micro Enterprises Support Programme wishes to recruit the following key staff members on a two year fixed contract.
Value Chains Programme Officers (Horticulture and fisheries)

The Value Chain Programme Officers will work in their specific value chain of specialization (Horticulture or Fisheries), under the direct supervision of the Business Development Services Manager and will be expected to carry out the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Participate in the preparation of Project procedures manuals for the Fisheries and Horticulture Value Chains.
  • Participate in the identification and evaluation process of applications for funding in the Horticulture and Fisheries sectors.
  • Provide technical assistance, regular guidance and support and training to projects in the respective value chain.
  • Support the BDS Manager and the International TA in the finalization of contracts for the selected project implementers.
  • Ongoing management, monitoring and support to contractors implementing sub-sector projects with regular visits to project sites and activities.
  • Review reports from the sub-project implementing partners and ensure that progress against output performance contracts are being achieved, highlighting any major issues to the BDS Manager.
  • Review grantee invoices against output performance contracts for projects within the portfolio and make recommendations for payment.
  • Maintaining contact with key stakeholders and other development partners in the Horticulture and Fisheries sectors.
  • Support the quarterly reporting process to the MESPT Board and the ASMEP PSC.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
  • A Bachelor degree in a related field.
  • 3-5 years work experience in with smallholder producer groups or at any level in the Fisheries and Horticulture Value Chains.
  • Experience in value chain and/or market development support for the relevant value chain.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • High computer literacy.
  • Strong reporting and writing skills.
  • Familiarity with EDF Procedures will be highly advantageous.
BBS Department Administrator (Senior Administrative Assistant)

MESPT also wishes to recruit an Administrator (Senior Administrative Assistant), for the Business Services Department to take up the assignment as soon as possible.
Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Business Development Services (BDS), Manager, the Administrator will support the BDS Department team as follows:.
  • Provide administrative support to the BDS Department by ensuring implementation of the MESPT administration policies and procedures.
  • Organise all the logistics for the BDS Department such as travel, workshops, seminars and conferences.
  • Arrange procurement of various items for the department in consultation with the relevant department.
  • Ensuring that the department adheres to the processes and procedures agreed upon with each donor (particularly the EDF procedures in respect to the implementation of ASMEP Programme Components).
  • Prepare and present the required monthly and quarterly reports to the BDS Manager and the Finance and Administration Manager.
  • Draft correspondence on routine administrative matters
  • Custodian of office petty cash in a transparent manner and disbursement of funds in accordance with MESPT petty cash rules and regulations.
Required Skills and Experience:
  • A Bachelors Degree in Business Administration or similar qualifications.
  • At least 6 years work experience in an administration post with reputable organisations.
  • Computer Literate in most packages (Knowledge of Microsoft Office Packages mandatory)
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, pay great attention to detail, work well in a team, demonstrate appreciation for different cultures and practices, project a positive image, self-motivated and able to recommend options for resolution of issues.
  • Knowledge of EDF Procedures will be highly advantageous.
Qualified Candidates interested in these vacancies should send their applications by Post, Courier or online, to be received by 16th July 2010 and include: Detailed CV, email address, daytime telephone contacts, current and expected remuneration package, names and email contacts of three referees and the academic certificates and other testimonials to the following address:

The Chief Executive Officer
Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT)
2nd Floor, Vision Tower, (Formerly First Assurance Plaza),
Muthithi Road, Westlands
P. 0. Box 187, Sarit Centre 00606, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel.3746354, 3746764, 3749942
Fax 3746764
Cell phones: 0722 207905 and 0735 333154

E-mail: asmep@mespt.org

Websites:
 www.microfinancetrust.org and www.mespt.org

Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

Those who do not hear from us by 30/07/10 should consider their applications unsuccessful.