Strathmore University Business School (SBS) is widely recognized across Africa as a leading center of excellence in business education, thought leadership, and practical solutions to contemporary social and economic challenges. Through various partnerships and initiatives, SBS has consistently worked to strengthen enterprises, support leadership growth, and promote sustainable business models that drive impact in communities.
One of its flagship initiatives, the Sisters Blended Value Project (SBVP), aims to equip Catholic Sisters with the knowledge, skills, and resources to create and sustain impactful social enterprises. These ventures play a vital role in addressing pressing social and economic challenges within local communities across Africa. From agriculture to education, healthcare to manufacturing, and hospitality to retail, the enterprises run by Sisters have an undeniable footprint in improving lives and creating opportunities for marginalized populations.
To ensure these enterprises thrive, Strathmore University Business School is seeking to engage Social Enterprise Advisors. These professionals will provide technical support, mentorship, and strategic guidance to Catholic Sisters managing social ventures in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Malawi. This consultancy offers a unique opportunity for passionate, skilled experts to contribute to shaping sustainable, impact-driven enterprises with long-term relevance.
Position Overview
Job Title: Social Enterprise Advisor, Sisters Blended Value Project (SBVP)
Department: Strathmore University Business School
Reporting To: Principal Investigator, SBVP
Location: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, or Malawi (applicants must be based in one of these countries)
Type of Role: Part-time consultancy
The Social Enterprise Advisor will play a critical role in providing advisory and technical support to Catholic Sisters managing diverse social enterprises. The advisor will not only help strengthen business models but will also ensure these enterprises align with their intended social impact. This role is designed for dynamic, resourceful professionals who can seamlessly combine business advisory skills with social impact orientation, while working closely with faith-based communities.
Key Responsibilities
The Social Enterprise Advisor will undertake a wide range of duties designed to strengthen and grow enterprises run by Catholic Sisters. The scope of responsibilities includes, but is not limited to:
1. Advisory Support
- Provide ongoing advisory services to Catholic Sisters who have completed SBVP training and are actively managing enterprises.
- Focus on businesses in agriculture, healthcare, education, hospitality, manufacturing, fashion and design, and retail.
- Help congregations refine their business models, streamline operations, and align with measurable social outcomes.
2. Business Model Development and Operational Efficiency
- Guide congregations in improving efficiency, productivity, and accountability within their enterprises.
- Support the application of best practices in marketing, sustainable business strategies, and use of digital tools.
- Ensure enterprises balance profitability with mission-driven impact.
3. Investment and Partnership Readiness
- Support congregations in identifying potential partnerships with investors, markets, and ecosystem enablers.
- Prepare enterprises for investment by strengthening financial management systems, resource mobilization plans, and overall investment readiness.
- Connect enterprises with relevant actors such as mentors, financial institutions, impact investors, and networks.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
- Collaborate with the SBVP Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team to track enterprise progress.
- Document learnings, identify challenges, and recommend improvements.
- Contribute to impact measurement reports and ensure that knowledge gained is shared for continuous growth.
5. Risk Management and Governance
- Advise congregations on governance frameworks, risk management practices, and accountability systems.
- Support in creating sustainable leadership and governance structures that enhance enterprise longevity and resilience.
6. Capacity Building and Mentorship
- Mentor Sisters in applying acquired skills in business operations, financial literacy, and customer engagement.
- Strengthen congregations’ capacity to integrate digital solutions into their enterprises for growth and impact.
- Provide hands-on support to ensure Sisters can implement strategies that enable enterprise scalability.
7. Knowledge Sharing and Reporting
- Document and share success stories, case studies, and impact reports that highlight the achievements of SBVP enterprises.
- Contribute to the development of technical briefs and publications that demonstrate the contribution of Sisters’ enterprises to community transformation.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must demonstrate evidence of the following qualifications, attributes, and experience:
- Must be based in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, or Malawi.
- A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Social Entrepreneurship, or any enterprise-related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in social enterprise advisory, entrepreneurship development, or management consulting.
- Practical experience working with faith-based organizations, women-led enterprises, or community-driven initiatives is highly desirable.
- Exposure to at least two of the following sectors: agriculture, healthcare, education, hospitality, manufacturing, fashion and design, or retail trade.
- Strong understanding of social enterprises, impact-driven business models, and sustainability strategies.
- Proven experience in financial management, investment readiness, customer development, and governance structures.
- Demonstrated ability in market research, business development, and use of digital business tools.
- Excellent communication, networking, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proficiency in using financial management software, impact measurement tools, and data platforms.
- Prior experience working with Catholic Sisters or in faith-based communities will be an added advantage.
Key Competencies and Skills
To succeed in this role, applicants must demonstrate the following core skills and attributes:
- Strong knowledge of business development, social enterprise management, and impact investment.
- Ability to analyze business models and provide context-specific, practical advisory support.
- High-level skills in partnership building, ecosystem mapping, and stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to monitor and evaluate enterprise performance and report measurable social impact.
- Financial literacy with capacity to guide fundraising, investment readiness, and access to finance.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills for training and mentorship.
- Competence in applying digital tools, marketing strategies, and sustainable practices to strengthen enterprise growth.
Why Join This Project?
The Sisters Blended Value Project is not just about strengthening enterprises; it is about empowering Catholic Sisters to continue their legacy of service, but with stronger, sustainable, and more scalable models. By joining as a Social Enterprise Advisor, you will:
- Play a critical role in shaping the future of social enterprises across Africa.
- Work directly with dedicated women religious leaders who are transforming communities through impactful ventures.
- Contribute to sustainable development in sectors that matter most: healthcare, education, agriculture, and beyond.
- Be part of a pioneering initiative that combines business excellence with social impact.
This is a unique chance to blend professional expertise with purpose, and to leave a mark on ventures that will continue impacting generations to come.
Application Deadline
Interested applicants should submit their applications no later than Tuesday, 30th September 2025, at 5:30 pm (EAT).
How to Apply
If you are interested in this role and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.
Please forward your application letter together with a copy of your updated resume, quoting “Social Enterprise Advisor, SBVP”, to the People and Culture Manager, Strathmore University Business School, via email:
Important Notice:
Strathmore University Business School is an equal opportunity employer. We do not, under any circumstances, request money from applicants during the recruitment process. If you receive such requests, please exercise caution and disregard them. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
