TechnoServe - Business Advisor - Green Entrepreneurship Accelerator

Business Advisor Green Entrepreneurship Accelerator

- TechnoServe will launch a multiyear 'Green Entrepreneurship Accelerator' program, to build the capacity of small and growing entrepreneurs (SGBs) with an aim to have a transformative impact.

- The ambitious program aims to achieve environmental and sustainable goals by scaling up small & growing green businesses.

- The program team will work with green small and growing enterprises directly impacting the businesses in waste, textiles and forestry industries over the next 3-4 years.

- The program will enable Green SGBs to achieve greater environmental impact, and enable them to operate at scale.

The project will support program participants and lead SGBs addressing key areas for their growth :

i) Provide training on business and management skills, and planning advisory to develop business plans and identify short term and mid-term priorities.

ii) Provide one to one business advisory support and mentorship by industry insiders.

iii) Identify partners for access to finance and support in developing fundraising plans.

iv) Facilitate linkages between Green SGBs and financial institutions, green financing firms, government subsidies.

v) Provide exposure to a gamut of service providers through seminars, etc.

vi) Enable access to knowledge sharing and ecosystem platforms for Green SGBs.

vii) Facilitate peer networking within Green SGBs.

viii) Facilitate access to green technologies and research institutes and assistance by specialized consultants.

Role Description :

The incumbent will be accountable for :

A. Project Management :

- End to end project management leading a large scale project implementation

- Facilitate and provide support in Mobilization and Selection of Green Entrepreneurs

- Ensure program timelines and deliverables are adhered

- Monitor and track progress of businesses in the program specific to their vertical

B. Partnerships and strategic initiatives :

- Oversee development, preparation of training and workshops to the beneficiary businesses/entrepreneurs.

- Work closely with a group of Business Advisors to provide sector specific comprehensive business advice in key areas (marketing and sales, costs and finances, operations, legal aspects, among others).

- Provide guidance to Business Advisors to help the program beneficiaries scale their businesses and improve their environmental impact

- Oversee and track development of business growth plans for all program beneficiaries, with clear milestones.

- Facilitate Business Advisors with access to start-up funding and business support for beneficiaries through green financing firms (venture capital and impact investors).

- Support Business Advisors in developing strategic tools that contribute to strengthen knowledge and improve the performance and growth of the businesses.

- Review periodic meetings/workshops conducted by Business Advisors that are held for peers to exchange ideas of tested green solutions, business models, marketing strategies, etc.

C. Stakeholder Management :

- Support in helping the businesses to connect with green networks to promote information sharing, collaboration, and nurture innovation.

- Support the program in anchoring important discussions with market players; research organisations, market buyers, financial Institutions, industry experts, etc

- Provide technical & program management support to senior management in monitoring the project.

- Liaise with industry experts from each of the three sectors, who will provide Green SGBs with high level strategic advice, referrals and access to their networks

D. Knowledge management :

- Enhance knowledge sharing through exposure visits, sharing experiences of similar projects undertaken, approach paper, development of manuals; guidelines; good practice notes; knowledge materials, etc.

- Create a repository of knowledge on markets, value chain partners and different financial institutions and their products.

E. Reporting and analysis :

- Consolidate and report key program data, field level intelligence, performance of enterprises and cohort and oversight to administration activities.

- Coordinate with M&E team and suggest key insights to ensure project targets are on track.

Requirements :

- MBA in Management / Business Administration / Economics / Marketing / Development from reputed institutions

- 12-18 years of experience with development sector or corporate organizations

- 5 years of management consulting and project management experience preferred

- Experience of managing projects focused on entrepreneurship development is desirable

- Exposure to working with small and green enterprises will be added advantage

- Flare for travel as the job profile requires frequent travel

- Experience of managing diverse teams

- Sound knowledge M/S Word/ Excel/ PPT

- Demonstrated ability to independently create and maintain relationships with external stakeholders

- Applicants should be open to relocate to any of the project location