Enterprise Development Specialist

Enterprise Development Specialist

Project Preparation Trust of KZN (PPT) seeks an experienced, motivated and self-managing Enterprise Development Specialists for phase 4 of its Informal Economy Support Programme (IESP) which will be rolled out in eThekwini, Ilembe and Umhlathuze Municipalities from 2026-2029. The IESP supports selected, high-potential, black-owned micro and informal enterprises (MIEs) in order to stimulate business growth and job creation. The IESP has completed three successive phases since 2013 supporting 289 high potential enterprises and creating 1,880 new jobs. The successful incumbent will have excellent business development and team-work abilities and be able to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. The IESP during phase 4 is co-funded by the Jobs Fund, the Industrial Development Corporation, KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and eThekwini Municipality. For more information about PPT refer to www.pptrust.org.za

Salary: Subject to negotiation. Remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Start date: October 2026.

Duration: A three-year period and a probationary period will apply.

Responsibilities:

·         Provide business development support to micro and informal enterprises with a view to business enhancement/expansion and job creation including:

o    Assessing and screening enterprises using the IESP’s selection criteria;

o    Developing business development plans and related budgets;

o    Directly providing support/assistance to enterprises in some or all of the following, noting that a panel of specialists is also available to provide additional technical support where required: Profitability and cash-flow analysis; records and book-keeping; workspace access and optimisation (e.g. machine layout); accessing finance; markets and selling (e.g. identifying and accessing new markets, establishing new business collaborations); human resources management and compliance; product/service and production (e.g. refinement, re-development, differentiation, improved manufacturing methods); Logistics (e.g. bulk ordering from wholesalers, shared transport to market); legal and compliance (e.g. tax, VAT, health safety, labour); procurement (e.g. raw materials/input services), or other specialised services;

·         Ensure that new jobs are created within the framework of the approved business development plan and related budget for each assigned enterprise.

·         Ensure that the rate at which new jobs are created is within the stipulated ‘earned value’ framework as per the IESP’s ‘budget limiter tool’ which prevents expenditure on business support past a specified threshold unless a specified number of jobs has been created.

·         Work effectively within the IESP project team in a collaborative and efficient manner.

·         Compile high quality reports and profiles on enterprises supported including main achievements and learning.

·         Gather data on enterprises including evidence relating to jobs created.

·         Assist with monitoring and evaluation.

·         Work effectively with diverse external stakeholders.

Requirements:

Essential:

·         At least five years’ experience with micro and informal enterprise development including the provision of business support services, enterprise diagnosis, and business development plans.

·         Experience and understanding of the informal economy.

·         Self-motivated and self-managing.

·         Excellent conceptual and report-writing skills and numeracy.

·         Excellent computer literacy.

·         Strong analytical and strategic skills.

·         Excellent communication and people skills.

·         Strong skills in planning, organising and team-work.

·         Ability to work with diverse stakeholders (government, NGOs, private sector, communities etc.)

·         Ability to help develop new opportunities, strategic relationships and secure funding.

·         Knowledge of the developmental environment, conditions and stakeholders in KZN.

·         Ability to assist in developing promotional materials including use of social media.

·         Valid S.A. driver’s licence and own car.

Strongly preferred:

·         A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. business, development economics etc.).

·         Durban-based.

·         Relevant tertiary qualification.

·         Available to start immediately.

·         Existing relationships/networks with key KZN stakeholders (e.g. communities, government, professionals, NGOs).

·         More than ten years’ relevant work experience.

·         isiZulu-speaking.

·         Experience in social facilitation.

How to apply:

Please email a cover letter, CV with contactable referees, and copies of educational qualifications to iesp@pptrust.co.za by 09th October 2026. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you are not contacted within 2 months of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful. PPT reserves the right not to appoint anyone to this position.