Inkomoko supports entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in order to improve livelihoods and to create thriving communities. 

Founded in 2012, Inkomoko has worked with more than 41,000 entrepreneurs across East Africa, including thousands of refugee entrepreneurs, resulting in thousands of new jobs and more than $50M in new revenue in communities.  

Inkomoko provides a combination of training, consulting, access to finance, and market-level systems change.  We are the largest lender to refugee entrepreneurs in Africa, and seek both social impact and financial sustainability.  

Inkomoko has +200 staff in 18 offices across Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Through Inkomoko’s 2030 strategic plan, we are expanding to 5 additional countries to serve more than 550,000 entrepreneurs with our services and growing our $30M loan fund. 

Company Values

All staff at Inkomoko are connected to a shared set of organizational values:

• Purpose: be solutions-oriented and produce high-quality work and be a global leader.

• Achievement: push yourself to reach beyond what you think is possible. 

• Improvement: be humble and committed to continuous learning and growing through giving and receiving open and accurate feedback.

• Bravery: willing to take risks, create a safe space for others, be compassionate, inclusive.

• Turikumwe/Tuko Pamoja/ Abren Nen (“We are together”): appreciate your colleagues, celebrate success, and support each other in hard times.

About the Opportunity

Inkomoko Ethiopia seeks a highly talented and experienced Business Development Advisor to work directly with entrepreneurs to help them develop the skills to scale their businesses. The BDA will support an entrepreneurship development program in Kabribeyah refugee camp and host community. Reporting to the Business Development Manager, the BDA will be the person to run training delivery, strategic consulting, entrepreneur relationship and a supervisor to the Business Advisor. 

Responsibilities

TRAINING:

• Manage training for all incoming refugee and host entrepreneurs in the Micro Business Solutions Department;

• Implement training as part of the ongoing classes scheduled for Inkomoko entrepreneurs;

• Deploy a wide variety of training methods - both in person and digital - iterating as needed;

• Develop new and review existing content to match entrepreneurs needs and refugee business dynamics;

• Draft training reports and update the online reports;

• Mobilize and follow up on entrepreneurs to ensure high attendance;

• Coordinate with Training Support Associate for smooth logistics;

• Participate in capacity building workshops on a range of topics related to business growth, including HR, accounting, finance, marketing, human centered design and innovation.

STRATEGIC ADVISING & ENTREPRENEUR RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: 

• Conduct business assessment to identify entrepreneurs needs and market opportunities;

• Develop business strategies and comprehensive business plans for entrepreneurs;

• Generate financial statements, forecasts, and profitability analyses for entrepreneurs;

• Develop and implement accurate financial reporting and booking systems for entrepreneurs;

• Assist entrepreneurs with implementation of business plan recommendations;

• Advise entrepreneurs on financing and investment opportunities/challenges;

• Help entrepreneurs prepare for financing or investment opportunities (Investment and equity financing);

• Provide expert advice; help entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and make sound business decisions

• Conduct assessments of entrepreneur businesses to understand business needs, challenges, and opportunities;

• Conduct research on the industry, competitors, and customers;

• Manage entrepreneur relationships and provide a single point of contact for assigned entrepreneurs;

• Manage the schedule and delivery of services throughout entrepreneur engagements;

• Regularly track and report on progress of entrepreneur work and deliverables;

• Maintain and organize entrepreneur files;

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION: 

• General maintenance of entrepreneur files, reports and coordination with colleagues.

• Work with the Executive team to develop annual goals for Inkomoko Ethiopia.

• Contribute to staff meetings, annual retreats, monthly entrepreneur Services meetings. 

• Participation in on-going entrepreneur tracking and implementing Inkomoko’s impact evaluation programs every quarter/year 

• Represent Inkomoko Ethiopia in partners meeting and any other events in camps as assigned

• Participate in the development of Inkomoko goals, strategies, and planning

• Represent Inkomoko Ethiopia in the local business community and at conferences or other events

• Keep up to date on latest business and industry trends in Ethiopia and across Africa

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about entrepreneurship, and have the skills and experience to help entrepreneurs make lasting change to their businesses. We are seeking candidates who work quickly and thoroughly, collaborate, and are both kind and serious. 

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: 

• Skilled/ with expertise in market linkages and value chain management to MSMEs;

• Excellent Somali, English and Amharic;

• Experience in working with refugees (Kabribeyah camp / Somali region) and to be a native from Jigjiga region would be an advantage;

• Background in finance or ability to produce financial reports/projections for entrepreneurs; 

• Deep understanding of go-to market strategies and growth strategies for businesses in the area of consumer goods; 

• Past experience writing business plans in preparation for investment;

• Ability to work with high-profile individuals and companies by demonstrating exemplar levels of professionalism; 

• Strong presentation and training skills, and ability to teach others business concepts;

• Possess business acumen, original thinking; 

• Excellent computer skills – including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Odoo, Kobo collect, Google Drive, etc.

• 3+ years’ experience, work with MSMEs is required; 

• Bachelor’s degree required in a Business related field; 

• Additional Master’s studies or CPA skills preferred; 

• Good at translation from English to Somali language would be an advantage

• Ready to reside in Kebribeyah / Somali region

What You'll Get

This role is a tremendous opportunity to work in a high-growth, mission-driven organization. Our compensation includes both a great culture and a competitive market-based package, including:

• Incredible company culture, including deep investment in your learning and growth, and a commitment to inclusion and diversity

• Opportunity to work with a talented, passionate, and committed team of professionals across the region

• Ability to make a significant social impact and contribute to economic growth

• Competitive salary, and potential KPI-based bonus

• Favorable policies like health insurance, staff savings program, parental leave, sabbatical program, and more.

How to Apply

Register using the following LINK

If you have matching qualifications for the role, please submit your cover letter and CV. 

This position will prioritize female candidates.  Inkomoko seeks to reflect the communities we serve so women, people with disabilities, and refugees are strongly encouraged to apply. Inkomoko’s policies ensure that diverse candidates can thrive on staff once they’ve been hired as well.

N.B: We do not employ staff whose background is not suitable. All employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.