Interns - REWARDS Program at TechnoServe

Have you graduated in the recent past and eager to apply your academic knowledge to real world social challenges? TechnoServe is seeking two passionate program Interns to support Business Counsellors in the REWARDS program in conducting field activities, focusing on supporting program participants through mobilization, training, and business advisory services and Business group formation.

Title: Program Interns (2)

Travel to: Kisumu/Nairobi and Neighboring Counties

Program: REWARDS (Resilience for Women with disabilities through micro-Retail Development Support)

About TechnoServe

At TechnoServe, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better life. For over 50 years, we have given smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs the skills, connections, and confidence to lift themselves out of poverty. We leverage the power of markets and the private sector to create sustainable economic growth to benefit people and the planet. Our unique mix of business solutions, deep knowledge of local contexts, and data-driven insights is helping to fight poverty across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

TechnoServe staff are local–95% are from the countries in which they work. We put a high premium on collaboration and entrepreneurship. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. And we focus on delivering lasting impact for our mission.

Program Overview :

Since 2023, TechnoServe has supported women micro-retailers with disabilities within Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) retail distribution chain as a consortium partner under the Global Labor Program – Inclusive Futures program. TechnoServe has received funding to continue implementation of components of this activity. The program will provide business management skills training, and coaching, and facilitate strategic linkages with CCBA for women with disabilities in Kisumu, Nairobi and neighboring counties.

Resilience for Women with disAbilities through micro-Retail Development Support (REWARDS) is a targeted initiative designed to build upon TechnoServe's successful work supporting women micro-retailers with disabilities. The program empowers participants through business skills training, financial inclusion, digital adoption, and peer network development to create sustainable enterprises capable of withstanding economic challenges. REWARDS will expand lessons learned integrating retailers into the CCBA value chain into additional revenue earning opportunities in complementary value chains.

REWARDS is designed to create lasting change by addressing the barriers faced by women entrepreneurs with disabilities through an integrated approach that builds skills, expands access to financial services, leverages digital solutions, and fosters supportive communities.

Through the formation and establishment of business groups, the program will foster greater connectivity among these entrepreneurs, enhancing their ability to share knowledge, access markets, and advocate for their needs. Additionally, the initiative will expand its reach to new cohorts of women with disabilities across diverse sectors, including the food industry and agribusiness - broadening economic opportunities and deepening impact through strategic partnerships. The program is currently in its second year and has a cohort of 600 participants from Kisumu, Nairobi and neighboring counties.

One of the interns will act as both a role model and a resource, helping the team apply inclusive practices and inspiring women with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities :

• Assist in the delivery of training workshops to participants based on the program curriculum and guidelines.
• Accompany Business Counselors in conducting regular site visits to monitor business progress and provide practical solutions to challenges.
• Document success stories to clearly showcase the tangible impact of the REWARDS program.
• Support Business Counsellors in field monitoring activities to ensure all participant data and progress metrics are accurately recorded.
• Assist in the mobilization and recruitment of women with disabilities for program participation.
• Work closely with the Program team, actively participate in Program meetings, and assist with report writing.
• Serve as a champion for disability inclusion and accessible practices across REWARDS program operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. A strong interest in social impact, specifically focusing on micro-retail as a tool for financial independence and resilience.
• Prior experience working with or supporting persons with disabilities is highly desired.
• Be a person with lived experience on disability

Preferred:

• Basic multimedia skills (photography and videography) with the ability to capture dignified content of participants.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills to effectively support data collection and field monitoring.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to assist in the mobilization and recruitment of participants.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally to accompany Business Counselors on site visits in Kisumu, Nairobi, and neighboring counties.
• Demonstrated understanding of disability inclusion principles and ability to advocate for accessible practices in a professional setting
• Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration

Apply for this vacancy

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