Technical Lead

How to Apply: Submit your Expression of Interest in a plain sealed envelope clearly marked with reference number KE-MSEA-554965-CS-INDV together with detailed curriculum vitae, academic and professional certificates. Deposit in the tender box located on the mezzanine floor, Utalii House, along Utalii Lane to the address below by Tuesday 25th August 2026 at 1100 hours. Chief Executive Officer, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, Utalii House Mezzanine Floor, P.O. Box 48823-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

Show You Can Steer World Bank Projects from Day One

This role sits at the heart of a World Bank-funded initiative, so the hiring panel will be looking for someone who can speak the language of development finance, results frameworks, and compliance. Your CV and interview answers need to prove you've done this before, not just that you understand the theory.

1. Lead with your World Bank experience: If you have managed or contributed to World Bank-funded projects, put that front and center on your CV. Use specific examples: mention the project name, your role, and the results achieved. If you haven't worked directly with the World Bank, highlight similar donor-funded projects (e.g., DFID, USAID, EU) and emphasize your familiarity with their procurement and reporting requirements.

2. Quantify your project management wins: Instead of saying 'managed projects', say 'led a 12-month, USD 2M project with 15 stakeholders, delivering on time and under budget'. Numbers grab attention and show you can handle the scale of this role. Prepare a few such metrics for your interview.

3. Prepare a stakeholder map: This role involves coordinating with government agencies, private sector, and development partners. Before the interview, map out who the key stakeholders would be for a project like KJET and how you'd engage each. Be ready to discuss how you've managed similar multi-stakeholder environments.

4. Show your technical depth in MSME development: The posting emphasizes MSME cluster development and BDS delivery. Be ready to discuss your experience with business development services, value chain interventions, and how you've supported MSMEs to grow. Give concrete examples of diagnostics or growth plans you've overseen.

5. Demonstrate your report writing prowess: You'll be preparing technical progress reports for MSEA and the World Bank. Bring samples of reports you've written for donor-funded projects. Highlight your ability to translate complex technical information into clear, results-oriented narratives.

6. Emphasize your risk management approach: The role requires identifying risks and proposing mitigation measures. Talk about a time you spotted a major risk early and how you handled it. Show that you're proactive, not reactive, when it comes to compliance and safeguarding.

7. Prepare for procurement-related questions: You'll provide technical input into TORs and evaluation criteria. Brush up on World Bank procurement guidelines and be ready to discuss how you've contributed to procurement processes in past roles. Even if you weren't the procurement lead, show you understand the importance of clear specifications and fair evaluation.

8. Show your leadership style: The role involves leading teams and processes. Be ready to describe your leadership approach with examples. How do you motivate teams to meet tight deadlines? How do you handle underperformance? Show that you can lead with both authority and empathy.