SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all. In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. Together, we are committed to effective and efficient stewardship of resources and maximising positive, lasting impacts.

Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on our operations in Kenya and SNV generally visit our website: www.snv.org

About the Project

SNV is part of the EU/DG INTPA-funded Team Europe Initiative “Investing in Young Businesses in Africa” – Supporting Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development” (IYBA SEED). The partnership consists of implementing partners from France (lead), Belgium, Germany, and Slovakia, next to SNV representing The Netherlands. The geographic scope of the programme is on Benin, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, and Togo, with SNV assuming activities in Benin and Kenya. The project will start on 1/1/2023 and have a duration of 4 years.

IYBA-SEED is part of the third Building Block of the Team Europe Initiative “Investing in Young Businesses in Africa (IYBA)”, supporting the ecosystem, with a special emphasis on women and young people. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to creating decent jobs for women and youth and resilient economies by strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems in a number of sub-Saharan countries so that they can increase access to Business Development Services (both financial and non-financial) for SEED beneficiaries. SNV will lead the project’s activities in a component that addresses the business environment (rules, regulations, and policies conducive to the creation and growth of SEED beneficiaries) and strengthened public-private dialogue processes and consultations to advocate for the creation and growth of SEED beneficiaries.

The Advisor – Deputy Country Lead will be a seasoned professional who can work with minimum supervising to ensure interpretation and implementation of business environment theme at country level. S/he will line-report to the SNV Country Director in Kenya. Project-wise s/he will report to Project manager while liaising with the business environment component lead based in Brussels: The component lead will provide strategic and technical direction as well as practical oversight related to ‘business environment’.

• Specific duties and responsibilities:
  Co-implementing the Strategic Action Plan in close cooperation with the lead partner’s country lead in Kenya.
• Procuring and ensuring oversight of consultants
• Overseeing the SNV activity budget allocation and absorption
• Facilitating and strengthening public-private dialogue processes and consultations to advocate for the creation and growth of entrepreneurship ecosystem actors in Kenya.
• Improving the business environment in Kenya, advocating rules, regulations, and policies conducive to the creation and growth of actors in the entrepreneurship ecosystem
• Working and connecting with various actors in the entrepreneurship ecosystem: Entrepreneurship Support Organisations; Financial Actors; Policy makers, Educators, Communicators (media, influencers, etc).
• Implementing the project’s approach and deliverables towards business environment.
• Ensure M&E of activities implemented at country level.
• Support mapping of existing policies and regulations and of relevant stakeholders at country level.
• Identifying resources that can be mobilised in Kenya (experts, reports, and relevant documentation)
• Supporting the component lead and Project Manager in a learning and knowledge agenda on business environment.
• Building relationships, organising meetings with diverse stakeholders relevant to delivery of the ambitions of the project.
• Coordinating with co-implementing agencies at a country scope.
• Reporting as required.

Education:

Master’s degree in Business Economics, Entrepreneurship/ investment promotion, or related field.
Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in Entrepreneurship development; SME development; Business Development Support Services; Business Environment (rules, regulations, policies)
• At least 5 years of experience related to improving the business environment in Kenya, advocating rules, regulations, and policies conducive to the creation and growth of actors in the entrepreneurship ecosystem
• Experience in facilitating and strengthening public-private dialogue processes and consultations to advocate for the creation and growth of entrepreneurship ecosystem actors in Kenya.
• Able to work and connect with various actors in the entrepreneurship ecosystem: Entrepreneurship Support Organisations; Financial Actors; Policy makers, Educators, Communicators (media, influencers, etc).

Contract duration – 2 years contract (extendable to 2 more years subject to good performance)

Location - Nairobi, Kenya (Based at lead partner’s office in Nairobi)

How to apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply by clicking on the “I AM INTERESTED” tab on this page and submitting a CV in English (as an attachment) and an application letter in English on or before 17 March 2023.

NB:

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

SNV does not require you to pay any amount of money for you to be recruited nor does it require you to undertake any medical examinations prior to being engaged for an assignment.