TechnoServe, a global nonprofit organization renowned for its innovative approach to alleviating poverty, is currently seeking a passionate and experienced Enterprise Development Advisor with specific expertise in the Blue Economy to join the team under the transformative BlueBiz Program. This full-time position will be based in Kwale County, Kenya, and will play a crucial role in strengthening youth entrepreneurship and enterprise development along Kenya’s coastal regions.
For over five decades, TechnoServe has worked in more than 30 countries, leveraging the power of private enterprise and local knowledge to empower individuals and communities. The BlueBiz Program, a flagship initiative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, embodies TechnoServe’s vision by focusing on sustainable development through the Blue Economy — a sector that encompasses fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, maritime transport, and marine biotechnology.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to impact lives by supporting youth-led enterprises and local partner organizations. If you are motivated to make a difference, particularly in coastal communities, and possess a strong background in enterprise development, training, and stakeholder engagement, then this position may be the right fit for you.
About the BlueBiz Program
BlueBiz is a 3-year, youth-focused program operating in the counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu, with the overarching goal of creating inclusive economic opportunities through entrepreneurship in the Blue Economy. The initiative empowers youth aged 18 to 35 with the skills, networks, and resources they need to start and grow micro and small enterprises.
Key components of the program include:
- Technical and financial literacy training
- Soft skills development
- Mentorship and coaching
- Access to finance and markets
- Strengthening of local partners’ institutional capacity
- Promotion of youth leadership
The program also features the Bahari Boost Challenge Fund, a USD 1 million grant facility supporting youth-led enterprises at varying stages of growth. This fund is instrumental in catalyzing innovation and resilience in the region’s coastal economy.
Position Summary: Enterprise Development Advisor – Blue Economy
Job Title: Enterprise Development Advisor with Blue Economy Expertise
Program: BlueBiz Program
Location: Kwale, Kenya
Reports To: Sub-awards & Enterprise Development Manager
Grade: 7
Requisition Number: ENTER005053
Job Type: Full-Time
Application Process: Rolling basis
The Enterprise Development Advisor will provide embedded, hands-on support to local partner organizations participating in the BlueBiz Program. The advisor will be responsible for building the technical and operational capacity of these partners in delivering enterprise development services aligned with the Blue Economy. This involves training, coaching, materials development and adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and continuous support to ensure the partners can sustainably implement program goals.
Key Responsibilities
1. Capacity Building and Training
- Review and enhance TechnoServe’s enterprise development methodologies and training materials, adapting them to suit the Blue Economy sector.
- Build technical and programmatic capacity of partner organizations in youth engagement and enterprise development delivery.
- Train local trainers through Training of Trainers (TOT) and Training of Trainees (TTT) modules customized for Blue Economy enterprises.
- Develop and customize business development curricula addressing the unique challenges and potential of coastal and marine-based businesses.
- Ensure all enterprise training aligns with the environmental and economic dynamics of the Blue Economy.
2. Diagnosis and Evaluation
- Guide and support partners in implementing effective program activities targeting the Blue Economy sector.
- Build capacity of implementing partners to conduct key surveys (baseline, midline, end-line) and deliver data-driven enterprise support.
- Support the rollout of one-on-one coaching, digital training tools, and business group formation activities.
- Work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to ensure accurate data collection, management, and reporting within the Blue Economy context.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
- Engage and collaborate with local stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, community groups, and private sector actors in the Blue Economy.
- Provide communication support to enhance outreach and visibility of the program’s Blue Economy initiatives.
- Map local and regional actors involved in Blue Economy enterprises for strategic partnership and engagement opportunities.
4. Reporting and Knowledge Management
- Document and share lessons learned, success stories, and best practices related to Blue Economy enterprise development.
- Assist partner organizations in mapping regions and identifying youth beneficiaries for targeted program implementation.
- Promote the use of digital and regenerative learning platforms tailored to coastal enterprise development.
5. Aftercare and Ongoing Support
- Deliver continuous support through shadowing, coaching, and regular field visits to partner organizations.
- Provide weekly reports detailing progress, challenges, and emerging lessons within the Blue Economy sector.
- Collaborate with the Partnership Manager to ensure aftercare support is integrated and responsive to partner needs.
- Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the program’s enterprise development goals.
Required Skills and Experience
- A Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field (e.g., Marketing, Business Administration, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, or Management Information Systems).
- At least 3 years of experience working with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), preferably within the Blue Economy sector.
- Demonstrated success in conducting Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions tailored to the unique characteristics of the Blue Economy.
- In-depth understanding of coastal communities and their socio-economic context.
- Experience in curriculum design or adaptation with a focus on marine-based economic activities.
- Strong communication skills in both English and Swahili.
- Planning, problem-solving, and innovation capabilities within dynamic environments.
- Proven ability to write, present, and synthesize data and analysis in a professional manner.
- Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
- Familiarity with the local and national Blue Economy policy and development landscape.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Performance Milestones
First 30 Days: Orientation and Integration
- Gain a solid understanding of TechnoServe’s approaches, tools, and philosophies.
- Review partner organizations and their alignment with the Blue Economy.
- Engage with stakeholders and program implementation teams in assigned counties.
- Familiarize with monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management systems.
First 60 Days: Support Structure Set-Up
- Co-develop capacity-building plans for each partner organization.
- Deliver initial TOT sessions focusing on youth entrepreneurship in the Blue Economy.
- Finalize adaptation of digital training content.
- Map key stakeholders and identify potential for collaboration.
First 6 Months: Program Implementation
- Ensure all partners consistently use TechnoServe’s delivery models and tools.
- Confirm that partner trainers effectively utilize digital content.
- Complete a full cycle of training and support for each partner.
- Lead knowledge-sharing initiatives focused on coastal enterprise success stories.
First 12 Months: Impact Measurement
- Track measurable improvements in partners’ ability to deliver enterprise services.
- Facilitate successful support to Blue Economy enterprises operated by youth.
- Contribute to the documentation of innovations, case studies, and impact stories.
- Ensure accurate, timely MEL reports on program reach, enterprise growth, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strengthen relationships with local actors and build feedback systems that enhance the sustainability of interventions.
Organizational Culture and Commitment
TechnoServe is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce and in our programming. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, disability, or other legally protected statuses.
In line with our safeguarding policy, all candidates must pass rigorous background checks. We are committed to protecting our staff, partners, and beneficiaries from any form of exploitation or abuse.
Candidates with disabilities who face challenges using the online application system are encouraged to reach out for assistance via [email protected] or call +1 202 785 4515.
Application Process
This position is open on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged. We welcome individuals who believe in creating long-term, scalable solutions to youth unemployment through the power of enterprise and sustainable development.
To join a team dedicated to transforming Kenya’s coastal economy and empowering youth through the Blue Economy, submit your application today.
