Senior MSME Training Coordinator

Job Title: Senior MSME Training Coordinator

Grade: 6

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Reporting to: Program Manager

About TechnoServe

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of businesses and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.

The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...when incomes increase, and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off.  

Role Description:
 The Senior MSME Training Coordinator will play a pivotal role in the delivery of training and advisory services to Tier 1 and Tier 2 MSMEs within TechnoServe’s value chain programs. This position will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating group training sessions and one-on-one advisory support to help MSMEs build their capacity, develop clear and efficient business plans, and improve their overall business operations. The MSME Training Coordinator will work closely with MSMEs to monitor their progress, connect them to funding opportunities, and support the implementation of their business action plans. The MSME Training Coordinator will also facilitate MSMEs’ access to business opportunities and encourage the adoption of best practices that enhance business growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Training Coordination and Delivery
  
  
  • Coordinate and deliver group training sessions and one-on-one advisory sessions for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 MSMEs, focusing on areas such as business management, marketing, financial literacy, and production efficiency.
  • Tailor training modules to address the specific needs of MSMEs, ensuring that training is relevant to their business goals and sector requirements.
  • Provide continuous support to MSMEs throughout the training process, offering practical tools and advice to help them improve business operations.
    
    
• Business Plan Development and Support
  • Support MSMEs in developing clear, efficient, and actionable business plans that align with their growth objectives and address any operational challenges they face.
  • Ensure that business plans are inclusive, with specific attention to the integration of youth and women entrepreneurs.
  • Provide ongoing support in the implementation of business plans, including monitoring progress, offering guidance on adjustments, and troubleshooting challenges.
    
    
• Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Track the progress of MSMEs on a monthly basis, evaluating the evolution of their businesses in terms of productivity, profitability, and market access.
  • Use diagnostic tools and regular follow-ups to assess training effectiveness and adapt support strategies as needed.
  • Ensure the successful adoption of best practices and business strategies that contribute to the sustainable growth of MSMEs.
    
    
• Linking MSMEs to Funding Opportunities
  • Identify appropriate funding opportunities for MSMEs and provide guidance throughout the application and negotiation process.
  • Support MSMEs in preparing for and engaging with potential funders, ensuring that they are well-positioned to secure financing.
  • Facilitate discussions between MSMEs and financial institutions, helping to bridge the gap between businesses and funding opportunities.

• Facilitating Business Opportunities and Market Linkages
  • Assist MSMEs in identifying and accessing new business opportunities, both within their local markets and beyond.
  • Facilitate market linkages by connecting MSMEs with potential buyers, suppliers, and business partners.
  • Support MSMEs in building long-term business relationships that contribute to their growth and market presence.
    
    
• Ensuring Inclusivity and Gender Equity
  • Ensure that all training and support activities are inclusive, specifically addressing the challenges faced by youth and women entrepreneurs.
  • Design training programs that are accessible to marginalized groups and encourage their active participation in the MSME development process.
  • Monitor the inclusion of women and youth in all MSME-related activities, ensuring they are provided with the tools and opportunities to succeed.
    
    
• Collaboration and Reporting
  • Collaborate closely with the Program Manager and other team members to ensure the seamless delivery of training services and alignment with overall program goals.
  • Provide regular progress reports on the training activities, including feedback on the effectiveness of the training, the progress of MSMEs, and any adjustments needed.
  • Support the program’s monitoring and evaluation efforts by contributing to data collection, analysis, and reporting on training outcomes.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration,Agribusiness,Economics,Education or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in delivering business training, capacity building, or advisory services to MSMEs, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, leather, or essential oils.
• Experience in designing and delivering training programs tailored to the needs of small businesses, with a strong focus on practical, actionable content.
• Demonstrated ability to work with youth and women entrepreneurs, with a proven track record of fostering inclusion and supporting underrepresented groups.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with experience in conducting group training sessions and one-on-one advisory support.
• Proficiency in project management, monitoring, and reporting tools.
• Fluency in English; Swahili proficiency is an asset.

Core Competencies:

• Advisory Skills: Ability to offer tailored, actionable advice that addresses the unique challenges of MSMEs and helps them improve their operations.
• Training & Capacity Building : Strong ability to design and deliver practical, engaging training content that meets the diverse needs of MSMEs.
• Inclusion & Equity: Commitment to ensuring that youth and women are included in all aspects of the program and provided with the support they need to succeed.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Ability to track and assess the progress of MSMEs, making necessary adjustments to training and support based on performance data.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to achieve program goals.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas in a clear and accessible way.

Application Instructions:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe's vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply.

With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability, and all other protected classes.

We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.

If you have a disability that affects your ability to use our online system to apply for a position at TechnoServe please contact Human Resources at recruitment@tns.org or call +1 202 785 4515.