Program Intern (Access to Finance)

Job Title: Program Intern (Access to Finance)

Program: BlueBiz Program

Reports to: Enterprise Finance Advisor (Access to Finance pillar)

Location: Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu & Tana River

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 Finance Advisor (Access to Finance pillar) in various administrative and operational tasks. As an intern, you will play a crucial role in assisting with planning, scheduling, and facilitating various activities associated with the Bahari Boost Challenge Fund (BBCF), aimed at fostering synchronized flow of events and tasks.

BBCF supports program participants by providing catalytic funding to help them grow, innovate, and strengthen their enterprises. It enables participants to test new ideas and expand operations, ultimately increasing incomes and improving access to sustainable finance. By doing so, the fund strengthens resilience and supports participants in creating meaningful, long-term impact within their communities.

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:

Bahari Boost Challenge Fund Support

•  Assist in drafting, reviewing, and preparing communication related to Bahari Boost Challenge Fund applications.
•  Support the application review process, including preliminary screening and documentation checks.
•  Assist in preparing feedback and correspondence to applicants.
•  Support the maintenance of application records and tracking systems.

Due Diligence Support

•  Assist in coordinating and conducting due diligence processes for local partner organizations.
•  Support the review and organization of due diligence documentation.
•  Assist in compiling and summarizing due diligence findings.

Monitoring and Reporting Support

•  Support the review of monitoring and progress reports submitted by partner organizations and grantees.
•  Assist in identifying gaps or follow-up requirements in submitted reports.
•  Support documentation and filing of monitoring reports.

Documentation and Compliance

•  Assist in ensuring all Access to Finance documents, records, and trackers are updated and submitted in a timely manner.
•  Support document management to ensure compliance with program and donor requirements.

General Support

•  Assist in other Access to Finance activities and assignments as required.

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 Requirements :

Should be stationed in Mombasa

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills
• Time management
• Organization skills

Supervisory Responsibilities: None