TechnoServe seeks a Microentrepreneur Business Advisor for the HAPPY Activity in Ghana, which will focus mainly on poultry, soybean, tomato, and rice value chains.

The Microenterpreneur Business Advisor will provide tailored one-on-one advice to participating entrepreneurs during training and aftercare phases to help their microenterprises grow.

Program Overview: 

Harnessing Agriculture Productivity and Prosperity for Youth (HAPPY) aims to drive shared prosperity in Ghana by creating, sustaining, or improving dignified jobs and increasing agricultural productivity across the poultry, rice, soy, and tomato value chains. HAPPY will bridge the productivity gaps in these four value chains by building resilient youth-led and women-led food systems. The program will harness the power of young women and men to enhance the sourcing and business models of off-takers, pursue innovative entrepreneurial ventures, support the adoption of improved practices and inputs, and influence the enabling environment by making their voices heard. The result will be a more prosperous and inclusive agricultural sector that propels growth across the country.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with team members to launch and manage a campaign to attract young entrepreneurs.
• Develop and validate evaluation criteria for candidates, focusing on their commitment to growth, entrepreneurial drive, and potential to influence their communities positively.
• Provide tailored business development services to youth microentrepreneurs, including business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and operational efficiency.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps and opportunities within individual businesses.
• In collaboration with the Senior Business Advisors, organize and facilitate Sector wide training workshops and capacity-building programs on entrepreneurship, business management, and value chain enhancement.
• Facilitate access to microfinance and credit facilities by connecting entrepreneurs with financial institutions, training them in simple financial statements developing and helping them prepare loan applications.
• Identify common challenges young entrepreneurs face and devise strategic action plans to address these barriers.
• Assist young entrepreneurs in developing and executing robust growth strategies.
• In partnership with the Entrepreneurship Practice, design and implement a comprehensive training program that includes mentorship, technical support, and targeted workshops, rooted in the core principles of business management.
• Educate entrepreneurs on personal effectiveness and leadership, encouraging them to serve as community role models.
• Facilitate access to digital financial tools and mobile financial services for young entrepreneurs.
• Conduct regular follow-ups and monitoring visits to assess progress and provide ongoing support and guidance.
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, potential buyers, suppliers, and other relevant stakeholders to support business ecosystem development.
• Ensure that all activities and support mechanisms are gender-sensitive and promote the inclusion of young women in the value chains.
• Work closely with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team to create effective M&E strategies, transform data into actionable insights for program guidance, and communicate findings and insights effectively.
• Participate in the preparation of detailed reports for donors as required.

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of experience in business administration, economics, commerce, marketing. Alternatively 4 years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in the areas of entrepreneurship, workforce development or community livelihood
• Strong knowledge of business management, marketing plan development, business plan development and supply chain management
• Experience in mentoring and training in business fundamentals and as a facilitator
• Proficient computer skills in business software (Microsoft Office or Google Suite)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong analytical skills including in written form
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills
• Ability to self-start and to generate innovative solutions in work situations