Business Mentor - West Pokot County (Pokot North Subcounty)

Role Responsibilities

Micro Enterprise Development

• Develop micro-enterprises according to the Village funding cycle and start microenterprises within the assigned region.
• Complete all required Village documentation for each micro-enterprise as specified in the Business Mentor manual.
• Mobilize qualified groups to participate in the Village Enterprise program.
• Ensure high-quality program implementation across the entire sub-county.

Training and Disbursement

• Provide comprehensive training to new business owners under the Nourish RCT framework following the project's Training Manual.
• Coordinate with Village Enterprise staff to facilitate grant disbursements for business groups once pre-funding training is complete.
• Conduct supplemental training sessions and evaluate performance post-disbursement.

Mentoring

• Provide mentoring on choosing and running a business using methods outlined in the Mentoring Manual, requiring at least one visit to each business per month.
• Provide advice and support in designing business-mentoring methodologies that are most appropriate for the types of enterprises supported.
• Prepare a monthly report detailing the progress of business groups including successes, challenges, general observations, and changes to business groups.
• Help business owners in producing credible business and marketing plans, including how to balance positive cash flow and maintain accounts.
• Connect enterprises up and down the value chain by identifying relevant stakeholders and suppliers to create sustainable commercial relationships.

Business Savings Group (BSG)

• Organize BSGs of at least 18 participants in respective village clusters.
• Train business groups on BSG formation for self-directed savings and loans.
• Attend monthly savings group meetings for the first nine months to provide assistance.
• Provide information and materials useful for marketing, value addition, business development, and motivation.

Regional Exposure and Analysis

• Assist Field Associates and Managers in introducing Village’s program to local government agencies.
• Work with the County Lead to help identify the most viable businesses in the region.
• Consult with other Business Mentors to determine best practices and share information.
• Attend Business Mentor Training and participate in monthly County Business Mentor meetings.
• Organize business visits as requested by the Country Office and teach business owners how to conduct engaging presentations for visitors.
• Facilitate peer-to-peer lesson-learning exchange events between different supported enterprises.

Reporting and Safeguarding

• Submit monthly reports and quarterly business profiles.
• Continuously sensitize program participants on safeguarding policies.
• Ensure compliance with VE’s safeguarding policies and report any incidents immediately.

Physical Environment and Demands

• Field-based in a rural setup.
• Full-time field work requiring travel via public transport or motorbike (bodaboda).
• Frequent interaction with communities and local leaders.

Requirements and Qualifications

• A minimum certificate in community development, business management, education, or other fields related to rural development.
• At least one (1) year of experience in a comparable and relevant position.
• Experience with teaching, training, mentoring, and/or community service.
• Shown merit and ability in work performance and results.
• Fluent in the local language, Kiswahili, and English.
• Highly self-motivated, dedicated, and hardworking.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the Village Enterprise careers portal at villageenterprise.careers.flair.hr.