Job Title: Business Counselor – Waste Management and Community Aggregator Coordination
Program: Smart Duka Initiative
Reports to: Program manager
Location: Nairobi
Travel: To locations of program activities
Grade: 3
TechnoServe Background
Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.
The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people whose small-scale businesses are critical drivers of economic development. However, these businesses face constraints, including limited access to markets, finance, infrastructure, and services. These challenges are often more pronounced for women, youth, and other underserved groups. By working alongside local entrepreneurs, TechnoServe supports sustainable income growth, improved livelihoods, and stronger communities.
Program and Smart Duka Background
Over the past seven years, TechnoServe and the Moody’s Foundation have partnered to strengthen Kenya’s micro-retail sector through the Smart Duka Program, equipping more than 8000 micro-retailers across Nairobi and Kisumu with the business skills, networks, and systems needed to grow and formalize their enterprises.
As the program enters its eighth year, the Transition Grant (Smart Duka 8.0) aims to consolidate the gains from Smart Duka 7.0 and earlier phases, finalize the handover of core functions to the NDO, and secure long-term sustainability through corporate partnerships, strengthened institutional capacity, and robust data and knowledge systems.
Position Description
The Business Counselor – Waste Management & Community Aggregator Coordination will support the implementation of Smart Duka program activities related to waste management and environmental sustainability. Working closely with the Program Manager and the NDO, the role will support coordination with community aggregators, recyclers, and private-sector partners to operationalize waste collection and aggregation models at the micro retail level.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
The Business Counselor will be responsible for the following duties:
● Support area mapping, mobilization, and onboarding of dukas participating in Smart Duka waste management activities.
● Sensitize dukas on waste segregation, storage, and handling practices in line with program guidelines.
● Coordinate implementation of waste collection and aggregation activities across assigned locations.
● Identify, onboard, and support community aggregators working with Smart Duka dukas.
● Facilitate linkages between dukas, aggregators, and recyclers to ensure regular off-take of waste.
● Support engagement with county waste programs and private-sector actors to align activities with local systems and regulations.
● Support the delivery of training sessions and provide follow-up advisory support to dukas and aggregators.
● Collect and report routine data on waste volumes, participation, and income generated.
● Prepare weekly activity updates and contribute to monthly and quarterly reporting.
● Maintain project work plans and support the timely implementation of assigned activities.
● Identify risks in field implementation and work with the Business Advisor to address them.
● Understand, respect, and promote TechnoServe’s values, safeguarding principles, and inclusion standards.
● Perform other duties as assigned by the Business Advisor or Program Manager.
Required Skills and Experience
● Bachelor’s degree in environmental management, business, community development, or a related field.
●At least 2 years’ experience working with community-based programs, informal enterprises, or waste management initiatives.
● Familiarity with circular economy, waste aggregation, or environmental sustainability practices is an advantage.
● Experience working in informal settlements or low-income communities.
● Strong coordination, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
● Demonstrable report writing and documentation skills.
● Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
● Ability to work independently and travel frequently within assigned locations.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe’s vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply. With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability, and all other protected classes.
We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.
If you have a disability that affects your ability to use our online system to apply for a position at TechnoServe please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or call +1 202 785 4515.
