CREDIT AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INTERN

JOB DESCRIPTION: CREDIT AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INTERN

Introduction to MESPT

Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) was established in 2002 by the Government of Kenya and the European Union. The EU later relinquished its position to the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DANIDA), through a Trust Deed of 2013.

The Trust is a development organization aimed at growing smallholder farmers and Agri SMEs to increase productivity and incomes, enhancing competitiveness for job creation, especially for youth and women. We achieve this through capacity building, including skills development, technical support, business advisory, financial, and market linkages.

Our focus is to facilitate the provision of integrated financial and business development services for smallholder farmers and Agri SMEs in Kenya. This aims to enable beneficiaries to access finance, increase agricultural productivity, agro-processing, and access markets/trade opportunities. Over the years, MESPT has partnered with various development agencies, donors, and investors to build the capacity of the business services sector and the agricultural sector in Kenya through a unique tripartite business model that links Farmers, Agri-SMEs, and Financial Institutions – creating linkages along value chains.

We take pride in successfully implementing 12 agriculture-based Programs that have facilitated the creation of 70,000 decent jobs at various levels of the agriculture market systems. Additionally, we have cumulatively disbursed KES 6.4 billion to financial institutions, and over 250,000 end-users have accessed finance.

For more information, kindly visit our website at www.mespt.org.

JOB TITLE: CREDIT AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INTERN

Organization: Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT)

Department: Credit and Business Development

Position Reports to: Credit and Business Development Officer

Duty Station: Nairobi, Westlands

Benefits: Stipend as per MESPT Internship policy

Expected Travel: None

Terms: 3-month contract

Job Summary:

Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) is seeking a Credit and Business Development Intern to join our dynamic team. This internship opportunity is designed for students aspiring to gain practical experience in finance and credit administration. As an intern, you will have hands-on interaction with the MESPT credit and business development team, allowing you to work on analyzing credit packages, learning the basics of credit analyst work, record management, and developing skills to identify the various strengths and weaknesses of credits, development, and technical writing.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Record Management:

Under the supervision of the Credit and Business Development Officer, the intern will:

• Support credit officers in record management, including physical, soft, and security records.
• Assist credit officers in identifying records ready for archiving/destruction.
• Ensure proper storage of records received from clients in soft and hard copies.
• Maintain a record inventory of all physical and electronic records.

Data Management:

• Collect and evaluate data as per the covenants shared between MESPT and partners.
• Conduct timely follow-ups on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) data with Financial Institutions (FIs).
• Analyze data per client, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Develop a consolidated data set for all clients.

Financial Analysis:

• Support credit officers in data input of financial information into data analysis tools.
• Assist the credit department in reviewing and enhancing financial and data analysis tools.

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite products, including Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive, Power BI, etc.
• Experience in report writing will be an advantage.
• Familiarity with data and record management from previous internships, jobs, or employment would be highly advantageous.
• Professional work experience is not required, but those with it are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications/Other Requirements:

• Degree or Diploma in fields such as statistics, monitoring, and evaluation, or equivalent.

Behavior:

• Positive, energetic self-starter with a high level of personal drive and resilience.
• Willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated integrity and a positive attitude.

How to Apply:

To apply for the Credit and Business Development Intern position, please follow these steps:

1. Prepare Your Application: Ensure you have a brief cover letter stating your interest in and qualifications for the post, along with your current CV.
2. Combine Documents: Group all your documents into one single PDF document.
3. Submit Your Application: Send your application letter & CV (combined in one PDF document) to jobs@mespt.org with the subject line “Credit and Business Development Intern-HR/02/INT/2024”.
4. Submission Deadline: The deadline for applications is 23rd February 2024 at 5.00 pm EAT.
5. Legal Eligibility: Applicants must legally be eligible to live and work full-time in Kenya.
6. Document Submission: Please do not send certificates at this stage.

Subsequent Employment:

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment but to complement an intern’s studies.

MESPT is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) committed to Gender, Equity, and Diversity. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for Credit and Business Development Intern Position:

1. Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter and CV to highlight relevant experiences and skills related to credit management and business development.
2. Showcase Your Skills: Provide concrete examples of your proficiency with MS Office Suite products and your experience with data analysis and report writing.
3. Highlight Your Achievements: If you have any achievements from previous internships or jobs related to data and record management, be sure to emphasize them.
4. Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn: Express your enthusiasm for learning and growing in the field of finance and credit administration.
5. Exhibit Professionalism: Maintain a professional tone throughout your application materials and correspondence with the hiring team.
6. Follow Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the application submission guidelines and ensure that you submit all required documents in the specified format.
7. Research MESPT: Familiarize yourself with MESPT’s mission, vision, and values to demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization.
8. Seek Feedback: If possible, seek feedback on your application materials from mentors or peers to ensure they are polished and effectively showcase your qualifications.
9. Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, thoroughly prepare by reviewing common interview questions and practicing your responses.
10. Express Gratitude: Finally, after submitting your application, express gratitude for the opportunity and convey your excitement about the prospect of joining MESPT as a Credit and Business Development Intern.

Sample Cover Letter for a Credit and Business Development Intern Position

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number] [Date]

Hiring Manager

Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT)

[Nairobi, Westlands]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Credit and Business Development Intern position at Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT), as advertised. With a background in [mention your relevant educational background or experiences], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to MESPT’s mission of empowering smallholder farmers and Agri SMEs.

During my [mention relevant experience or coursework], I have developed strong skills in data management, financial analysis, and report writing, which I believe align well with the responsibilities of the Credit and Business Development Intern role. My proficiency in MS Office Suite products, including Excel and PowerPoint, coupled with my attention to detail, will allow me to excel in supporting credit officers in record and data management tasks.

I am particularly drawn to MESPT’s commitment to gender equity and diversity, and I am eager to contribute to your efforts to create positive impacts in Kenya’s agricultural sector. Furthermore, I am impressed by MESPT’s track record of facilitating job creation and financial inclusion, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to be part of such meaningful work.

I am confident that my passion for finance and credit administration, coupled with my academic background and relevant skills, make me a strong candidate for this internship opportunity. I am eager to bring my energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the Credit and Business Development team at MESPT.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of MESPT further. Please find my enclosed CV for additional information.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is the duration of the internship?

The internship is for a period of three months.

2. Is this internship paid?

Yes, the internship comes with a stipend as per MESPT Internship policy.

3. Are there opportunities for subsequent employment after the internship?

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment but to complement an intern’s studies.

4. What documents do I need to submit with my application?

You need to submit a brief cover letter stating your interest and qualifications for the post, along with your current CV combined into one single PDF document.

5. When is the deadline for applications?

The deadline for applications is 23rd February 2024 at 5.00 pm EAT.

6. Who is eligible to apply for this position?

Applicants must legally be eligible to live and work full-time in Kenya.

7. How will I know if my application has been shortlisted?

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.

8. What is MESPT’s commitment to diversity and inclusion?

MESPT is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) committed to Gender, Equity, and Diversity.

9. Can I send my certificates along with my application?

Please do not send certificates at the application stage.

10. Where can I find more information about MESPT?

You can visit our website at www.mespt.org for more information about MESPT’s mission, programs, and impact.

Possible Credit and Business Development Intern Interview Questions With Answers:

1. Question: Can you tell us about your experience with record management and data analysis? Answer: During my previous internship at [mention company/organization], I was responsible for maintaining both physical and electronic records, ensuring their accuracy and completeness. I also collected and analyzed data to support various projects, which has equipped me with the necessary skills for this role.
2. Question: How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment? Answer: I prioritize tasks by assessing their urgency and importance, and then allocating time and resources accordingly. I also make use of tools such as to-do lists and calendars to stay organized and ensure that deadlines are met.
3. Question: How do you handle challenges or setbacks in the workplace? Answer: I approach challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. I believe that setbacks are opportunities for growth and use them as motivation to find creative solutions. Additionally, I am not afraid to seek assistance from colleagues or supervisors when needed.
4. Question: What do you know about MESPT and our work in the agricultural sector? Answer: I am familiar with MESPT’s mission of empowering smallholder farmers and Agri SMEs to increase productivity and incomes. I am impressed by the organization’s track record of facilitating job creation and financial inclusion, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful work.
5. Question: How do you stay updated on industry trends and best practices? Answer: I stay updated on industry trends and best practices by regularly reading relevant publications, attending seminars and workshops, and networking with professionals in the field. I am committed to continuous learning and strive to incorporate new knowledge into my work.

Best wishes in your application, and remember that MESPT is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not charge any application/recruitment fee.