Junior Technical Advisor – MSME Support (WIDU.africa)

A. Background

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in international cooperation for sustainable development.

GIZ is seeking a Junior Advisor to support the regional programme “The support Platform for Micro and Small enterprises in Africa in collaboration with Diaspora in Europe, (WIDU)”. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-financed by the European Union, WIDU.africa operates in ten African countries: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, The Gambia, Senegal, Togo and Tunisia.

WIDU.africa promotes employment and income generation by supporting start-ups and micro and small enterprises through diaspora-linked financing, matching grants and tailored business coaching. Through the digital platform www.widu.africa, diaspora members and entrepreneurs jointly submit business projects and contribute to the proposed investment. Following verification and approval, WIDU provides a matching grant and business coaching to support implementation and enterprise growth.

Under the current grant model, first-time applicants may receive grants ranging from EUR 300 to EUR 3,000, based on a 1:1:2 contribution ratio between the entrepreneur, diaspora member and WIDU. Eligible enterprises may subsequently access grants of between EUR 500 and EUR
5,000 under a 1:1:1 ratio. WIDU also implements local calls targeting specific sectors, regions and groups, through which entrepreneurs can receive grants and coaching without a diaspora contribution.

The platform manages the application, verification, coaching, monitoring and reporting processes, enabling the programme to track results related to business growth, employment and income generation.

B. Summary of responsibilities

The Junior Advisor will support the effective implementation of WIDU in Kenya, with responsibility for:

• Conducting assigned project moderation and quality-assurance processes;

• Coordinating business partner registration and supporting grant payments;

• Monitoring project completion and closure; and

• Supporting knowledge management, documentation and workflow improvement.

Project Moderation and Quality Assurance

• Conduct M4 and M8 moderation steps on the WIDU platform in accordance with WIDU procedures and quality standards.

• Review receipts, invoices and other supporting documents submitted by entrepreneurs as evidence of the joint contribution and the use of WIDU grant funds.

• Verify that submitted documents correspond with the approved investment plan, budget
  and intended investments.

• Assess the completeness, consistency and technical plausibility of the supporting documentation submitted by entrepreneurs.

• Follow up with entrepreneurs to obtain missing information, clarifications or corrected
  documentation.

• Clearly document moderation findings, decisions and follow-up actions on the WIDU
  platform.

• Identify and escalate incomplete, inconsistent or potentially irregular documentation in
  accordance with established WIDU and GIZ procedures.

• Provide guidance to entrepreneurs on documentation and accountability requirements to
  improve compliance and reduce delays.

• Identify recurring documentation challenges and recommend improvements to user guidance, platform processes and project workflows

Business Partner Registration and Project Closure

• Coordinate and monitor the registration of entrepreneurs and other relevant recipients as business partners in the GIZ system.

• Review registration submissions and ensure that all required supporting documents are complete, accurate and submitted in accordance with GIZ
  standards.

• Follow up with entrepreneurs, the project team, the relevant service unit and the GIZ Country Office to resolve outstanding business partner registration requirements.

• Maintain an up-to-date tracker of business partner registrations and promptly escalate delays or unresolved issues.

• Take responsibility for following up and monitoring the closure of completed projects.

• Ensure that outstanding coaching, reporting, accountability and documentation requirements are completed before project closure.

• Maintain an updated project-closure tracker and follow up on delayed or incomplete closures.

Knowledge Management and Process Improvement

• Create, update and organise technical and procedural documentation relating to platform workflows, moderation, business partner registration, grant payments and project closure.

• Identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in existing workflows and recommend practical improvements.

• Document training events, workshops, meetings, forums and other project activities.

• Manage the programme’s repository of resources, including presentations, templates, terms of reference, guidelines and final reports.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties and tasks assigned by the line manager or required by the programme.

• Participate actively in relevant programme activities, internal training and professional development opportunities.

• Continuously develop the knowledge and skills required to perform the role effectively.

C. Required qualifications, competences and experience

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Business Administration, Finance, Development Economics, International Development Studies or another relevant field.
  

Professional experience

• Initial relevant professional experience in operating or supporting digital platforms and technology-enabled programmes.
  

• Knowledge of micro and small enterprises, entrepreneurship and business development.
  

• Experience in using ICT solutions to support business development, particularly for micro and small enterprises.
  

• Experience in maintaining accurate records, trackers and supporting documentation.
  

• Strong analytical, reporting, presentation and problem-solving skills.
  

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary and intercultural project team.
  

• Excellent written and spoken English.
  

Other knowledge, additional competences

• Very good working knowledge of ICT technologies (related software, phone, email, internet), Excel and other computer applications (e.g. MS Office);
  

• Strong communication skills, good interpersonal skills and a willingness to cooperate effectively with colleagues;
  

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
  

• Pro-active, independent and flexible attitude.
  

• Commitment to compliance with GIZ procedures, data-protection requirements and quality standards.
  

Assignment Details

Duty Station: Nairobi

Duration: Up to 31.12.2028

Vacancy Reference Number: GIZ/SED/02/10/2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

GIZ Kenya is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all and do not tolerate discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected status.

Ethics

GIZ is committed to safeguarding the safety, dignity, and well-being of staff, partners, community members, and programme participants. Sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, child abuse, and all forms of misconduct are strictly prohibited. Staff are expected to uphold high ethical standards, comply with local laws, and complete mandatory ethics training upon engagement.

Data Confidentiality

Candidate applications will be retained for six (6) months in accordance with GIZ's data protection policy and deleted thereafter.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.