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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:

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 of 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.
• Have 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.).
• Familiarity with different social media platforms.
• Creative, analytical, and task-oriented.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships 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.