Entrepreneurship and Private Sector Engagement Officer

Our client, The Wyss Academy for Nature, a Swiss foundation, is looking for is a of Entrepreneurship and Private Sector Engagement Officer to be based in Nanyuki to support the Regional Stewardship Hub East Africa.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Business Model and Product Development Specialist to join our dynamic team. Our ideal candidate will have a strong background in business model
development, product development, marketing, and working with local communities and small producers. This role requires demonstrated skills in setting up and championing social enterprises, the ability to bring innovative ideas from conception to prototyping and market launch (locally and, if possible, even internationally), entrepreneurial hands-on experience, and sales and marketing expertise. Experience in restorative and regenerative business practices is a plus. Experience in developing non-livestock value chains in arid and semi-arid areas is highly advantageous (optional).

Responsibilities

Product Development

• Collaborate with local communities and smallholders to develop products that meet market needs and promote nature restorative practices.
• Guide the product development process from ideation, proof of concept to prototyping to market launch.
• Build relationships with key market stakeholders and distribution channels to drive sales and ensure market penetration.

Business Model and Business Plan Development

• Support the design and implementation of business models that align with the Wyss Academy’s mission and goals.
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities for new business models and refine existing ones.
• Develop comprehensive business plans/roadmap with strategies, goals, and financial projections to guide execution and scaling.

Social Enterprise Development

• Establish and champion social enterprises that support local communities and sustainable development goals.
• Passion and commitment for community and social enterprise development.
• Identify opportunities for start-up creation derived from the Hub´s programme portfolio.
• Provide training and support to local entrepreneurs to enhance their business capabilities.

Innovation and Prototyping

• Ability to develop logical approach and framework of enterprise development.
• Foster a culture of innovation by generating new ideas and approaches to product and business model development.
• Lead the prototyping phase and ensure the successful transition of prototypes to market-ready products.
• Proven track record of accelerating enterprise development

Policy Engagement

• Participate in relevant policy engagement activities and collaborate with Wyss Academy staff at the EAF Hub and globally in their implementation, e.g. in public consultations, thematic working groups as well as with relevant actors influencing politics.
• Participate in relevant policy dialogues (e.g. working groups, conferences). Broadly have an understanding of partnerships and PPP approach to communal enterprise success

Qualifications

• Graduate (Master’s) degree in business, commerce, social entrepreneurship, environmental entrepreneurship, innovation, ecological economics, or a related field.
• At least five years’ experience in a similar position.
• Proven hands-on experience in entrepreneurship principles and practices, particularly in the sustainability area.
• Proven and hands-on experience in product and business plan development.
• Proven understanding of market systems dynamics.
• Proven experience in commercialization of ideas
• Excellent networking, engagement and communication skills, with proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and competencies to work both independently and collaboratively in a diverse team environment across disciplines, backgrounds and cultures.
• Willingness to learn and unlearn.
• Proven proactive problem-solving skills.
• Proven agile project management and organizational skills.
• Experience working in Kenya.
• Fluency in English and Swahili, both written and oral.

Interested candidates should visit https://www.wyssacademy.org/careers to apply and access the full job description for this position. Applications should be received by 15th September, 2024.

For more information about this position, please write to hr@wyssacademy.org

The Wyss Academy for Nature values diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome all applications from qualified individuals who meet the required criteria. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Dossiers submitted through employment agencies will not be considered