Key Responsibilities:
Application and selection processes
- Plan and deliver sensitisation and information sharing events for applicants
- Conduct due diligence and support assessment of project suitability for the fund for shortlisted applicants
- Review match funding plans for proposed projects
- Develop a results framework for the shortlisted applicants, in collaboration with the M&E officers
- Support shortlisted applicants to draw up loan applications to partner financial institutions, in collaboration with relationship managers
Grantee management and support
Manage a portfolio of enterprises to fulfil their contractual obligations and to deliver the stated results. Specific tasks include the following:
- Act as the lead contact for an assigned number of enterprises and maintain frequent and regular communication with them
- Facilitate technical assistance (training, coaching and mentoring) to the enterprises after award to ensure increased value chain integration and sustainable and profitable operations
- Facilitate enterprises in networking, business-to-business linkages and strengthening their supply chains
- Assess the enterprises capacity needs and design and provide activities that build their capacity
- Monitor programme performance to enable early anticipation of necessary adjustments to plans and budgets
- Provide guidance in the preparation of quarterly milestone reporting
Programme quality, monitoring and reporting
Work closely with the enterprises and other stakeholders, including SHA programme staff, to coordinate coherent and consistent delivery of the programme objectives. Specific tasks include the following:
- Support programme management on all aspects of the programme cycle: design, planning, implementation, quality and accountability, monitoring and evaluation.
- In coordination with the GREEN Tech4CE, Imani, SHA Zambia and HO Technical Advisors, ensure effective integration of core technical areas.
- Provide technical input for the implementation of the programme including in the preparation of work plans, strategies, training materials, guides and manuals
- Facilitate effective communication between SHA and stakeholders for effective programme management
- In conjunction with the M&E team, conduct monitoring and evaluation of the selected enterprises’ outputs and compile periodic programme reports as required by the donors and SHA
- Work with the Project Support Officer to capture learning emerging from the programme
- Represent the GREEN Tech4CE project at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events in the field in close coordination with the Team Leader and the Country Management Team.
Operations and compliance
- Ensure all documentation for each company is 100% complete and up-to-date on Salesforce – contracts and agreed amendments, financial and narrative reports, official communications, etc
- Support the Team Leader to ensure compliance by SHA and partners with contract requirements in planning, financial management, procurement, monitoring and reporting, and facilitate further training where necessary
- Identify, assess and report on risk elements within the projects and wider programme, including regular updates of the company performance tracker.
- Support the team in programme design and fundraising initiatives that contribute to the growth of the GREEN Tech4CE programme
Occasionally, other duties may be assigned by the Technical Manager to ensure effective project delivery.
External
- EU Delegation in Zambia
- Lead Firms/SMEs/Implementing Partners
- Stakeholders including government, research institutions, regional financial institutions, Financial Service Providers (FSPs), Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers, external auditors, and private companies and coordinating bodies
Knowledge and Experience:
- At least five years’ demonstrated experience in the implementation of entrepreneurship development projects which include.
- Start/MSME needs assessment for capacity development
- Planning and implementing business development support to Startups and MSMEs which include but are not limited to counselling, mentoring, coaching, training, business clinics, incubators and accelerators.
- Performance management and monitoring of Business Development Service Providers
- Facilitating access to credit, grants, and other financial resources.
- Offering advice on financial planning and management.
- Good project management skills with an understanding of business decision-making in competitive market environments; inclusive subsector development and value chain/Market Systems Development
- Strong analytical skills for appraising business case reports and audited financials with an understanding of performance contracting, follow-up, and execution
- Proven experience in investment and financial assets management as an analyst or assistant manager in a financial institution environment
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and team building skills
- Excellent report writing skills and ability to present results succinctly and for a varied audience
Desirable
- Familiarity and experience with EU regulations preferred
- An understanding of the green and circular economy principles and; sustainable business practices
- Commercial business experience from working in the private sector
Qualifications / Other Requirements:
Essential:
- University Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Economics or related field relevant to the role.
- Strong computer skills especially with MS Word and Excel and other related packages such as Sales force.
Role Competencies:
- Results-oriented with excellent organisational and communication skills, as well as enthusiasm and initiative
- Proactive and motivated with a strong commitment to Self Help Africa’s vision, mission and values
- Attention to detail and the ability to produce timely and accurate reports
- Ability to work as part of team across different cultures
- Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative
