TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. Our work is rooted in the idea that hardworking people can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives. Our success in creating business solutions to poverty is due in large part to our talented and highly committed team. TechnoServe employs more than 900 people, the vast majority of them host-country nationals working in the field. Our staff combine business expertise with local knowledge, relationships and context to help hardworking men and women generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. In 2014, TechnoServe’s work made a difference in the lives of 1.7 million people in more than 29 countries, creating a better life and better world for this generation and the generation to come.

Program Description:

TechnoServe is implementing the 3-year program, which seeks to advance education through skills development aimed at technical, enterprise development, financial literacy, and soft skills that young people need to launch, operate and grow microenterprises in the “Blue Economy”. For the purpose of this project, the Blue Economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. Blue Biz will focus on the 5 coastal counties of Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Mombasa and Lamu counties in Kenya.

The Program is designed to sustainably respond to the key constraints that young women and men face in starting and growing microenterprises in Kenya’s Blue Economy by affecting change at the systems level through engaging and catalyzing local actors. Constraints addressed include skills development, access to financial solutions and appropriate technology, links to markets, and enhanced networks and leadership, with specific plans tailored to the local context, core issues, and solutions identified by youth leadership.

About Job

The main purpose of this position is to provide support to the Partnerships Manager in engaging closely with subaward partners to strengthen their administrative, financial, and procurement structures, enabling them to absorb and manage project funding effectively and efficiently

 Key Roles and Responsibilities

Assessment and Diagnosis:

• Conduct thorough assessments of subgrantees’ systems through walkthroughs and analysis.
• Diagnose gaps in financial, operational, and administrative processes.
• Provide strategic advice based on assessment outcomes.

Financial Auditing and Compliance:

• Review support documentation and processes to ensure alignment with approved donor budget and reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with donor-specific financial regulations and reporting guidelines.

Capacity Building Planning and Execution:

• Collaborate with Grants & Contracts Departments to develop and deliver training on donor-related requirements.
• Create a continuous learning plan for subgrantees to enhance their financial and operational capabilities.

Training, Coaching, and Workshops:

• Identify capacity gaps within subgrantees’ teams.
• Design and facilitate coaching sessions, workshops, and training tailored to address identified gaps.

Financial System Improvement:

• Evaluate subgrantees’ financial systems for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Recommend improvements and assist in implementing changes to enhance financial processes.

High-Touch Support and Mentorship:

• Offer personalized support and mentorship to subgrantees as needed.
• Be available for addressing challenges and providing guidance on financial and operational matters.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Guide subgrantees in adhering to donor policies, including Procurement, Vehicle Usage, and Conflict of Interest.
• Provide field staff with guidance on proper expense reporting procedures.

Audit Assistance and Compliance:

• Support subgrantees during audits and reviews by assisting in gathering required documents.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure smooth audit processes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting:

• Collaborate with Senior Finance Manager and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with project goals and reporting requirements.
• Prepare regular reports on capacity-building activities and outcomes.

Ad Hoc Responsibilities:

• Undertake any additional duties assigned by the Senior Finance Manager to meet project needs.
• Proactively contribute to organizational improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Experience 

• University degree (Bcom/Finance) and CPA II or
• CPA finalist and undertaking the degree course
• At least 3 years’ experience working in a busy accounts department
• Familiar with computerized accounting programs
• Have good analytical skills and pays attention to details
• Accurate, thorough, able to meet deadlines
• Must have good knowledge of Excel.
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality in relation to sensitive and confidential financial information and decisions