- The Project Officer-Enterprise Development will support design, coordination, and implementation of enterprise development programming aimed at strengthening refugee women-led businesses, improving market access, and enhancing income generation through sustainable enterprise models.
- The Project Officer-Enterprise Development will lead implementation of enterprise development interventions targeting refugee and host community young women and persons with disabilities. The role focuses on strengthening micro and small enterprises (MSMEs), improving business performance, facilitating access to markets and finance, and supporting structured business growth pathways.
- The officer will work across training, incubation, mentorship, value chain integration, and market systems support to ensure sustainable enterprise outcomes for participants.
Enterprise Development Programming
- Coordinate implementation of enterprise development activities for young refugee women and persons with disabilities.
- Support design and delivery of enterprise support models including:
- Business incubation
- Mentorship and coaching
- Financial literacy training
- Market readiness support
- Business growth acceleration
- Support participants in developing and implementing business plans.
- Facilitate transition of participants from training into sustainable enterprises.
- Support group-based enterprises, cooperatives, and savings-led business models.
Business Coaching and Capacity Strengthening
- Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to women-led enterprises.
- Support entrepreneurs to improve:
- Profitability and revenue generation
- Business planning and strategy
- Record keeping and financial management
- Marketing and customer engagement
- Operational efficiency and productivity
- Conduct regular business assessments and performance tracking.
- Provide tailored support to micro, small, and emerging enterprises.
Market Access and Value Chain Integration
- Identify and develop linkages between enterprises and viable market opportunities.
- Support access to:
- Local markets and retail spaces
- Suppliers and input providers
- Financial institutions and savings groups
- Digital and e-commerce platforms
- Industry networks and business associations
- Facilitate participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and networking forums.
- Strengthen women-led enterprises within selected urban value chains.
Program Coordination and Implementation
- Develop workplans and implementation schedules for enterprise development activities.
- Coordinate training sessions, coaching visits, and enterprise support activities.
- Ensure timely delivery of program outputs and activities.
- Support logistics and planning for enterprise development events.
- Collaborate with vocational, protection, and MEAL teams for integrated programming.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)
- Maintain accurate records of enterprises supported and participant progress.
- Track key performance indicators including:
- Business growth and profitability
- Income levels
- Enterprise sustainability
- Market access outcomes
- Support data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Document success stories, case studies, and lessons learned.
- Contribute to donor reporting and program evaluations.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
- Build and maintain relationships with:
- MSMEs and private sector actors
- Financial service providers
- Business development service providers
- Government enterprise support agencies
- Refugee-led organizations
- Represent RefuSHE in enterprise development and livelihoods coordination forums.
- Promote inclusive economic participation of refugee women in Nairobi's economy.
Safeguarding and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with RefuSHE safeguarding, child protection, and PSEA policies.
- Promote safe, ethical, and inclusive programming practices.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional conduct in all engagements.
- Ensure participant dignity and protection are prioritized in all enterprise activities.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in: Business Administration, Entrepreneurship Economics, Development Studies, Commerce, Community Development Or related field.
- ILO/SIYB Training Certification
- Minimum 3 - 5 years' experience in enterprise development, livelihoods programming, or MSME support.
- Experience supporting women-led enterprises or vulnerable populations is highly desirable.
- Experience in market systems development, incubation, or business acceleration programs is an added advantage.
- Experience working with refugees or urban informal economies preferred.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Strong enterprise development and business coaching skills.
- Good understanding of MSME ecosystems and urban informal markets.
- Knowledge of financial literacy and business management principles.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong facilitation and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple enterprise support activities simultaneously.
- Strong reporting and documentation skills.