As an Entrepreneurship Advisor (EA), you will contribute to breaking down unjust barriers to unlock the potential of people with disabilities. You will support the Country Management Team (CMU) and Business Coaches in implementing the 2026 workplan, specifically focusing on the entrepreneurship track and Milestone Based Funding. This role involves facilitating national refresher trainings, supporting business development providers with curriculum contextualization, and conducting quality assurance visits to implementation locations.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Workplan Support: Supporting the Country Management team (CMU) and the Business Coaches with the 2026 workplan.
- Training Facilitation: Facilitating the national ToT (Training of Trainers) refresher and supporting Business development providers with contextualization of curricula.
- Onboarding: Supporting the Country management Team with selection and onboarding days of programme participants.
- Quality Assurance: Visiting implementing locations quarterly for observations and quality assurance, specifically for the Entrepreneurship track and Milestone Based Funding.
- Advisory: Acting as an advisor for the Business development providers while running the WCW Academy, together with the Academy coordinator.
- Community of Practice: Attending monthly community of practice meetings to exchange cross-country learnings and bimonthly conducting community of practice with Business development service providers.
- Capacity Strengthening: Leading capacity strengthening strategies of Business service providers based on action plans.
- Alumni Support: Supporting alumni with referral pathways and building bridges to foster transitions to work after the Entrepreneurship track (START & GROW).
- Stakeholder Engagement: Leading mapping and engagement with financial institutions, VSLAs, microfinance providers, and youth-serving organisations.
- Learning & Review: Supporting CMU with the learning agenda and the after-action review (6/12 months after outcome data synthesis).
Specific Activities and Phases
Preparation Phase
- Select experienced business development service providers competent in supporting persons with disabilities.
- Ensure compliance with Mastercard Foundation Child and Youth Safeguarding Guidelines.
- Host and conduct the national ToT for providers with an emphasis on quality assurance.
- Coordinate the timing of each Academy cohort and track.
Phase B & Scoping
- Execute market assessments to understand demand and agri-value chain opportunities.
- Support the scoping of new locations and assessment of possible new ESOs or agri-experts for the rural academy.
- Identify new technical skilling opportunities with small business owners or artisans.
Participant Recruitment & Selection
- Attend information and enrolment days to explain the Entrepreneurship track and manage expectations regarding Start-Up Support.
- Assist youth with disabilities in identifying their preference for entrepreneurship, technical skilling, or employment streams.
Start-Up Support
- Manage quality assurance for start-up instruments.
- Review business plans; technical skilling participants may be eligible for up to 400 USD for in-kind contributions (stock, material, or equipment).
- Support the implementation of the Access to Finance strategy 2.0 and VSLA pilots.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Agribusiness, Economics, Community Development, or a related field from a recognized Kenyan institution.
- Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of practical experience in entrepreneurship development, MSME support, business coaching, or youth livelihoods programs in Kenya.
- Inclusion Experience: Proven experience working with persons with disabilities, preferably through inclusive economic empowerment projects.
- Sector Experience: Experience supporting entrepreneurs in agricultural value chains or agribusiness startups.
- Policy Knowledge: Knowledge of Kenyan national disability policies (e.g., PWD Act 2003, CRPD, National Youth Policy) is desirable.
- Skills: Strong understanding of Kenya’s business environment, financial literacy, record-keeping, marketing, and familiarity with climate-smart agriculture.
- Language: Excellent communication in English and Kiswahili; local languages are an advantage.
- Travel: Willingness and ability to travel to rural and agricultural project sites within Kenya.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through the provided link. Ensure your application includes:
- A cover letter explaining motivation and suitability.
- An updated CV with at least three professional referees.
- Relevant certifications or evidence of training (optional).
