Reporting Unit/Supervisor: Team lead
Location: Nairobi or Accra
Travel: Domestic up to 30%
Expected Start Date: Q1 2015
I. TechnoServe Background:
TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.
II. Program Description:
The UK Department for International Development (DFID) has signaled its intention to launch a program that will strengthen the small and growing businesses (SGB) sector and support to start up companies in target countries, including Ghana or Kenya, by developing the local enabling environment and a robust ecosystem for start-ups. The program aims to work within the existing ecosystem to improve access of entrepreneurs to financial capital, skills and professional networks, and other financial and non-financial support to support entrepreneurs to transform business ideas into reality; and thereby increase the creation of high productivity jobs and incomes in key sectors. In Ghana and Kenya, the program will work with investors, incubation hubs, business service providers and other stakeholders to strengthen auxiliary services, encourage investment and enable the growth of the SME sector. In line with DFID's priorities in sub-Saharan Africa, the program will focus upon industries and enterprises with the potential to create jobs for poor people and develop products and services for Base of the Pyramid consumers.
III. Position Description:
In anticipation of this program, TechnoServe seeks a Country Program Director to manage implementation of the abovementioned program to support the development of the start-up ecosystem in Ghana or Kenya. The role of the Country Program Director will be to ensure the program delivers on its deliverables to the UK Department for International Development (DFID).
Specifically, the Director will:
The Country Program Director will provide overall strategic and technical direction to the Ghana or Kenya based activities; and will be responsible for delivery of related results to DFID. Specific responsibilities include:
- Provide overall Country program management, and technical and operational oversight.
- Ensure the program is implemented with sound managerial, technical, personnel and overall programmatic practices; and that the processes and activities adhere to corporate policy, legal and contractual obligations and corporate and donor standards.
- Lead development and execution of the overall strategic vision, goals and objectives of the program.
- Lead strategic planning and contribute to implementation of all activities including capacity building of intermediary organizations, development of strategic partnerships, facilitation of market linkages and access to finance, technology and information, amongst other core areas.
- Manage long term and short term staff working on the program; and improve the performance of the team through mentoring and coaching.
- Lead networking, and build and manage relationships, with private sector representatives, government officials and key institutions, as relevant to the program.
- Act as primary point of contact and liaison with the Team Leader and the client, on program implementation and operational issues.
- With support from M&E expert, develop and manage implementation of M&E framework and system.
- Capture best practices and identify innovative mechanisms for coordinating ecosystem players and sharing learning across the region and continent.
- Attend progress meetings with client.
- Develop and submit all technical reporting requirements to client.
IV. Required Skills & Experience:
- A Master's degree in Economics, Business and/or a related discipline
- At least 10 years of experience in Private Sector Development with demonstrated expertise in SME development, working with start-ups and providing technical assistance in business planning, incubation, and acceleration
- At least 8 years of program management experience
- Demonstrated experience engaging private, public and civil society stakeholders in Ghana or Kenya at various levels, with strong theoretical-practical knowledge of the legislative and regulatory context for local enterprise development in Ghana or Kenya
- Previous experience working for large public donors such as USAID or DFID, ideal.
- Excellent understanding of market-led development programming.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders in government, private sector and on program team/within donor organization
- Ability to structure and manage complex tasks; including experience in work planning and activity budgeting
- Excellent analytical abilities
- Excellent networking and relationship-building skills
- Ability to engage stakeholders and solicit information from various team players and stakeholders
- Ability to work independently – and take initiative while also having strong team building skills
- Superior writing and presentation skills, and proven experience in report writing for large public donor funded programs, such as USAID and DFID.
- Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English
- Willingness to travel domestically.
- Extensive experience working in private sector development in Ghana or Kenya is essential.
V. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- The incumbent must sit for an extended number of hours throughout the day using a computer, talking by telephone or Skype and meeting with others.
- This person must occasionally lift items which weigh up to 20 lbs. and must be capable of lifting and pulling their luggage when traveling.
- Other requirements include climbing stairs, walking and bending.
VI. Application Instructions:
Qualified and interested applicants for this position in any country should submit a Word-formatted single document consisting of cover letter, resume and salary history to jobs@tns.org. Please identify the position for which you are applying and the location in the subject line. APPLICANTS WITHOUT A LOCATION PREFERENCE IN THE SUBJECT LINE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be considered or contacted. No phone calls please. Closing date for applications is 2 December 2014.
TECHNOSERVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER OF MINORITIES, FEMALES, PROTECTED VETERANS, AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
