Role Title: Assistant Project Officer – MESPT

ABOUT MESPT

Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) was established in 2002 by the Government of Kenya and European Union. EU later relinquished their position to the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DANIDA) through a Trust Deed of 2013.

The Trust is a development organization with a purpose to grow small holder farmers and Agri SMEs to increase productivity, incomes and enhance competitiveness for job creation especially for youth and women. This is achieved through capacity building which includes skills development, technical support, business advisory, financial and market linkages.

Our focus is to facilitate support and provision of integrated financial and business development services for small holder farmers and Agri SMEs in Kenya. This is aimed at enabling beneficiaries to access finance, increase agricultural productivity, agro-processing, and access markets/ trade opportunities. For over a decade, MESPT has partnered with development agencies, donors, and investors to build the capacity of the business services sector and the agricultural sector in Kenya through a unique tripartite business model that links Farmers, Agri- SMEs, and Financial Institutions – creating linkages along value chains.

We pride ourselves for successfully implementing 12 agriculture-based Programmes that have seen us facilitate creation of 70,000 decent jobs at various levels of the agriculture market systems. We have also cumulatively disbursed KES 6.4 billion to financial institutions and over 250,000 end users have accessed finance.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

This project aims to address skills gaps through the collective business model in the Coastal region of Kenya. It targets 500 youths participating in agribusiness and entrepreneurship training, value addition, market and financial linkages. The project is expected to directly contribute to sustainable development goals such as ending poverty (SDG 1), Zero hunger (SDG2), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) – opportunities for technological innovations through the implementation of sustainable farming methods and reduce inequalities (SDG 10).

For more information kindly visit our website www.mespt.org

VACANT POSITION

MESPT is seeking for a highly committed, result-oriented and self-driven Assistant Project Officer with excellent project management skills to support the programme achieve its objectives and targets.

Job Title: Assistant Project Officer

Department: Programmes: Challenge Fund for Youth Employment Programme (CFYE)

Position Reports to: Partnership & Fundraising Coordinator

Duty Station: Mombasa, Kilifi

Salary: Grade 5

Benefits: 25 working days annual leave, Medical Insurance, 20% Gratuity, 7.5% Leave travelling allowance.

Expected Travel: Significant

Terms: Two-year contract, three-month probation and notice period of one month.

Job Purpose

The successful candidate will be tasked with planning project management activities, analyzing financial information to keep projects on track, and collaborating with different teams to ensure all parties understand where a project is in the development process.

Key Responsibilities

Develop Training Programs:

• Design and develop comprehensive enterprise development training programs tailored to the specific needs and challenges of Agri enterprises.
• Create training modules covering key business development areas such as market research and analysis: Business Planning and Strategy: Financial modelling and forecasting: Sales and Marketing, Innovation and Product Development: Negotiation and Communication Skills: Customer Service Excellence: Digital Marketing and Online Presence:
• Incorporate innovative methodologies and approaches to maximize the learning outcomes of participants.

Facilitate Training Sessions:

• Deliver training sessions to Agri entrepreneurs and business owners, ensuring the effective transfer of knowledge and skills.
• Utilize interactive and participatory training techniques to engage participants actively and foster an inclusive learning environment.
• Monitor and evaluate the training sessions’ impact, making necessary adjustments to improve the training program’s effectiveness.

Provide Technical Assistance:

• Map agri entrepreneurs along the select value chains.
• Offer personalized coaching and technical assistance to agri enterprises to address specific challenges and opportunities.
• Support start-ups and business owners in developing business plans, marketing strategies, and financial projections to strengthen their business operations.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with participants to track progress and provide ongoing support.

Strengthen Partnerships:

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, financial institutions, and private sector partners, to leverage resources and expertise for enterprise development.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships to enhance the access of agri enterprises to markets, finance, and value chain opportunities.

Market Linkages:

• Identify potential markets and market opportunities for agri enterprises to improve their market access and sales.
• Assist in linking agribusinesses with potential buyers, processors, and value-added industries to create sustainable market connections.

Monitor and Evaluate Impact:

• Establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of the enterprise development training programs.
• Regularly collect data and conduct impact assessments to measure the success and effectiveness of the training initiatives.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of training activities, participant feedback, and outcomes.
• Prepare regular reports on the progress, achievements, and challenges of the enterprise development training programs.

Any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor from time to time.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Programme Managers, Programme Officers, Programme Assistants
• External: Partner organizations & County Government Officials. Stakeholders including farmer groups, co-operatives, donors, and private companies.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in designing and implementing business development training programs, preferably in the agriculture sector.
• Good analytical and critical thinking skills; Problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making skills.
• A proven capability to provide gainful insight and practical and pragmatic solutions to programme challenges with a bias towards action and resolving issues quickly.
• Prior training experience in a relevant field
• Proficient with computer technology and Microsoft Office applications
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Professional and pleasant demeanor to meet with programme stakeholders.

Qualifications/Other Requirements:

• Diploma in agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Administration, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is a plus.
• Strong understanding of agribusiness operations, value chains, and market dynamics.
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance and coaching to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• Knowledge of financial management, market analysis, and business planning for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation methodologies and tools for assessing training program impact.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships.

Behaviour

• Holds self-accountable to deliver on their responsibilities.
• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves.
• Future orientated, thinks strategically.
• Develops new and innovative solutions.
• Willing to take disciplined risks.
• Has integrity.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, external partners, and stakeholders.

**This Job Description only serves as a guide for the position available and MESPT reserves the right to make necessary changes.