Enterprise Development Manager

Background:

The Jasiri Consortium, comprising Grassroots Organizations Operating Together in Sisterhood (GROOTS Kenya), Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW), Collaborative Center for Gender and Development (CCGD), Centre for Domestic Training and Development (CDTD), and Advocates for Social Change Kenya (ADSOCK), is jointly implementing the Jasiri Scale Up Program over a period of 5 years (2023-2028). The Jasiri program builds on the achievements of a pilot program implemented by the consortium during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the high incidences of gender-based violence (GBV). The program seeks to deepen meaningful and responsive financial support to the most at-risk young women who are survivors of GBV in 16 counties in Kenya through the Jasiri Fund – an affordable and accessible loan facility that seeks to strengthen survivors’ recovery and resilience. The fund targets women, young people, and persons with disabilities from vulnerable communities. The program seeks to support and collaborate with community skilling partners (Shelters, master artisans) and TVETS to provide skilling opportunities (life skills, apprenticeship, entrepreneurship) to GBV survivors and most at-risk Adolescent Girls and Young Women.

GROOTS Kenya seeks to recruit an experienced Enterprise Development Manager who will lead and coordinate the implementation of enterprise development activities, focusing on supporting young women entrepreneurs and survivors of GBV.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning and Program Management:
   • Develop and implement enterprise development strategies and activities to support survivors of GBV.
   • Ensure that enterprise development programs are gender-transformative and inclusive, especially for vulnerable young women survivors of GBV.
   • Collaborate with Jasiri consortium partners and key stakeholders to identify and address barriers faced by survivors of GBV in starting, growing and sustaining businesses.
2. Business Development and Support:
   • Provide technical assistance and mentorship to young women entrepreneurs to enhance their business acumen and entrepreneurial skills.
   • Facilitate access to business development services, including market research, business planning, financial literacy, and skills training.
   • Identify and promote market opportunities and linkages for women-owned businesses to enhance their market presence and competitiveness.
3. Team Leadership and Capacity Strengthening:
   • Provide leadership and guidance to the enterprise development team in effectively implementing business support activities for survivors of GBV.
   • Conduct training and capacity strengthening activities to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of GROOTS Kenya staff and partners.
   • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and transparency in the management of enterprise development initiatives.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):
   • Liaise with GROOTS Kenya MERL Manager to develop MEL frameworks to track and monitor the performance and impact of enterprise development activities on the socio-economic resilience of survivors of GBV.
   • Utilize MEL findings to identify areas of improvement in enterprise development practices and inform strategic decision-making and implementation.
   • Document and share lessons learned and best practices related to gender-responsive and inclusive enterprise development for young women entrepreneurs.
5. Partnership Development and Resource Mobilization:
   • Establish and maintain partnerships with Jasiri Consortium partners, financial institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to leverage resources and support for enterprise development initiatives.
   • Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote access to finance and business support services for survivors of GBV at local, national, and regional levels.
   • Mobilize additional resources for enterprise development, focusing on securing funding for initiatives supporting survivors of GBV.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business administration, entrepreneurship, economics, international development, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in enterprise development, business support, or entrepreneurship, preferably in development programs or organizations focused on gender equality, youth empowerment, or economic empowerment.
• Proven track record of effectively supporting business development and growth, including experience in business planning, market analysis, and financial management.
• Strong understanding of gender-transformative inclusive business practices, with the ability to design and implement programs that address the specific needs of marginalized populations, including survivors of GBV.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to inspire and manage teams towards achieving set goals.
• Commitment to gender equality and women’s rights, and demonstrable experience working with non-governmental entities on designing and implementing economic empowerment programs.
• Fluency in English and Swahili.