Title: Associate Business Advisor
Reports to: Project Manager
Location: Maun
Travel: 10% Domestic,
TechnoServe Background:
TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.
Program Description:
In Botswana, TechnoServe implements an enterprise development program called Tokafala, which focuses on helping existing micro, small and medium enterprises in Botswana to grow their businesses.
For entrepreneurs looking to develop their company, Tokafala offers the following support:
- Personalized business mentoring and advisory support tailored to the specific needs of the enterprise
- Help clients evaluate their financing needs, building financial models and preparing loan applications
- Market access support, helping enterprises establishing linkages to potential buyers
Since inception Tokafala has supported over 350 SMMEs, raising revenues by 39% and supporting over 2000 jobs.
Building on the success of its enterprise development support, Tokafala expanded its scope to support Botswana youth through a dedicated youth development programme called STRYDE (Strengthening Youth Development through Enterprise). The STRYDE program delivers a comprehensive model of support to youth (18-35) including personal effectiveness, professional effectiveness, entrepreneurship and personal finance management.
Position Description:
The Associate Business Advisor will be responsible for providing high quality mentorship and advisory services to youth that are participating in the program.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Take lead with the support of the STRYDE Manager in planning, developing and managing STRYDE tasks based on agreed activities and milestones,
- Ensure the measurable performance standards/criteria set by the STRYDE Manager are met to ensure delivery of high quality work,
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with local stakeholders, trainers/Business Counselors, sub-contractors, volcons, government officials and participants.
- Working closely with the STRYDE Manager during youth mobilization and recruitment to ensure program deliverables are met,
- Provide training and advisory services to STRYDE youth that have been assigned to him/her by the Program Manager,
- Support entrepreneurs in the development of loan applications if selected to apply
- Support planning for advisory cycles for small business and provide advisory workshops
- Support the STRYDE Manager to eliminate risks that may hinder effective implementation on the project, including coaching, resolving issues and serving as a link between stakeholders and STRYDE beneficiaries.
- Conduct diagnostics, baselines and impact assessments as required,
- Conduct 6 months’ aftercare activities, including employment and market linkages,
- Report to the STRYDE Manager timely and accurate records of mentorship and advisory provided,
- Keep up-to-date on business developments, locally and globally, in terms of markets, competition, technology, etc.
- Ensure adherence to branding guidelines established by the STRYDE program and partners.
- Any other duties assigned by the Program Manager and the Program Director.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Marketing or other relevant area.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in business administration, business development, finance and/or marketing
- Private sector experience and deep knowledge of Botswana’s business environment
- Experience in mentoring
- Proven ability to develop business plans
- Ability to quickly grasp the financial health and business needs of a company
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal skills; excellent oral and written communication skills
- Computer Skills (MS Office)
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