Program Internship at TechnoServe

Job Title: Program Interns (2)

Program: BlueBiz Program

Reports to: Partnerships Manager

Location: Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu & Tanariver

About TechnoServe

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. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing…when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off.

Job Summary:

The BlueBiz program seeks a motivated and organized intern to support our Enterprise Development Advisors in various administrative and operational tasks. As an intern, you will play a crucial role in assisting with planning, scheduling, and facilitating various activities aimed at fostering synchronized flow of events and tasks.

This internship offers valuable hands-on experience in enterprise development and provides an opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainability.

Program Overview:

The BlueBiz program is implemented by TechnoServe in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation to sustainably respond to the key constraints that young women and men face in starting and growing microenterprises in Kenya’s Blue Economy. Over a four-year duration (2023-2027), the project will work towards the larger goals of Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works Strategy and draw on TechnoServe’s experience and lessons learned from implementing youth enterprise development initiatives. The program aims to create a pathway to dignified and fulfilling work for disadvantaged youth in Kenya’s riparian coastal counties (Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, and Tana River). The program will work with 15,000 youth entrepreneurs in these highly marginalized and high-poverty counties to grow micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and ultimately reduce poverty.

BlueBiz will address key constraints that young women and men (project participants) face in starting and growing microenterprises in Kenya’s Blue Economy by affecting change at the systems level through engaging and catalyzing local actors (project partners). Identified constraints, which are also the base implementation pillars, are a) skills development, b) access to financial solutions and appropriate technology, c) links to markets, and d) enhanced networks and leadership

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

The selected intern will be responsible for the following:

  • Calendar Management: Assisting in scheduling meetings, appointments, and events for the team. Ensuring that calendars are up-to-date and conflicts are resolved promptly.
  • Communication: Making calls for invitations for events/ training. Maintaining professionalism and clarity in all communications.
  • Event Planning: Assisting in the planning and coordination of events related to the program. This includes researching venues, coordinating logistics, and ensuring all necessary arrangements are made.
  • Payment Processing: Facilitating payment processes for various activities such as transport reimbursements, ensuring that payments are made accurately and promptly, while adhering to organizational policies.
  • Procurement Support: Assisting in procuring necessary materials, supplies, and services required for activities and training.
  • Documentation: Maintaining organized records and documentation on the workspace. Ensuring that all relevant information is accurately recorded and easily accessible.
  • Support for Training: Providing logistical support for training sessions, workshops, and seminars organized by the team. This includes arranging venues, coordinating materials, and assisting with participant registration.
  • Administrative Support: Providing general administrative support to the team as needed. This may include preparing reports, drafting correspondence, and assisting with other ad-hoc tasks.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Commerce, Business Management, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or related course.
  • At least 6 months of relevant experience. Willingness to work in a dynamic work environment to undertake program and administrative duties as assigned.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in work.
  • Interest in enterprise development, business management, or related fields is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

Should be stationed in Mombasa

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Time management
  • Organization skills

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

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 the Human Resources at recruitment@tns.org or call +1 202 785 4515.