Program Officer Enterprise Development

Job Ref: PK/POED/2011

Location: Nairobi, Dagorreti Corner

Job purpose

Reporting to the Program Manager Environment & Natural Resource Management (ENRM), the Program Officer will primarily be responsible for supporting partners implementing market-led biodiversity conservation projects; particularly to develop viable businesses and value chains inter-linked to biodiversity conservation.

The role encompasses a range of activities which include: sector study design and implementation, BDS providers’ identification & linkage, business feasibility/VCA studies, enterprise assessments, CSOs and CBOs training, business performance monitoring, mentoring, and development of linkages and partnerships for Nature Based Enterprises.

The position will also be expected to participate in program development for Pact Kenya while liaising with other departments to provide technical support.

Key responsibilities

The main roles and responsibilities of the Program Officer will include but not be limited to the following:

• In collaboration with the ENRM Program Manager, implement a grant making program targeting to build businesses in the NRM sector in Kenya, while contributing to biodiversity conservation.
• Facilitate technical support for partners to develop and implement market-led, sound biodiversity conservation projects within their landscapes.
• Inculcate leading and emerging enterprise development practices among the partners, through tailored training, continuous mentoring and varied practical exposure and support to partners.
• Orient nature-based enterprises towards competitiveness through facilitating:- improved access and utilization of business development services; gainful integration into value chain; full attainment of business compliance as per government & market regulations; development of products and services that are competitive; and adoption of effective business models, systems and practices.
• Facilitate linkages between partners and GoK offices for service delivery in the area of biodiversity conservation, business implementation and other related service needs by the grantees.
• Support partners to interpret and harness ENRM sector policies for improvement of business performance and biodiversity conservation

Preferred Skills:

The minimum required academic and professional skills for the jobholder to perform successfully in their job include:

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Economics, Commerce or related field
• At least 6-7 years’ experience in the private sector or enterprise development field
• Sound knowledge of Business Development Services and Value Chain Approaches; a certificate or diploma in these areas is an added advantage
• Experience with NRM focused businesses and sound knowledge of the Kenyan NRM sector and policies is an added advantage
• Strong analytical and report writing skills as well as excellent presentation and facilitation skills
• Self-driven and able to deliver results with minimum supervision
• Willingness to travel extensively within the region, work extended periods in the field and interact
• effectively with partners and willingness to learn new approaches
• Highly proficient in MS Word, Excel, Access, Power-point and the use of Internet for research

Applicants will be required to submit:

• detailed and current CV
• cover letter demonstrating why they qualify for this position
• contact information for 3 referees; and
• indicate current remuneration package.

If you meet the requirements for any of the advertised positions, please submit your application and CV electronically to hr.admin@pactke.org, quoting the position and reference number provided.

Only candidates short-listed for interviews will be contacted.

Pact Kenya is an equal opportunities employer

Deadline for applications submission is 5:00 pm Friday 30th June 2011