SMME Ecosystem Consultant – Energy Transition

About the role

The client seeks an experienced SMME Ecosystem Consultant to strengthen the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) ecosystem supporting South Africa's Just Energy Transition Funding Platform. Reporting to the Funding Platform Manager, the consultant will translate ecosystem‑mapping insights into a coordinated support architecture, with a focus on Mpumalanga, women‑led enterprises, youth entrepreneurs, and transition‑affected communities.

Key responsibilities

• Review existing ecosystem‑mapping data and produce an inception report with a 12‑month workplan.
• Design a graduation framework that guides enterprises from ideation to investment readiness and scale, aligned with funding windows.
• Formalise partnerships with at least 20 incubators, accelerators, hubs, business‑development service providers and funders, establishing clear referral protocols.
• Provide hands‑on navigation for beneficiaries, facilitating workshops, clinics and bilateral engagements to match 100 projects with appropriate support services.
• Develop and maintain a centralised resource platform covering active partners, eligibility criteria, support programmes and blended‑finance options, especially for Mpumalanga.
• Support the design and evaluation of future expressions of interest for project‑preparation services.
• Submit quarterly progress reports and a final report detailing partnerships, referrals, graduation progress, KPI performance and recommendations.

Required profile

• Post‑graduate degree in business development, development studies, economics, public policy, environmental science or a related field.
• Minimum eight years of experience in SMME development, enterprise support or ecosystem coordination.
• Proven track record delivering results with incubators, accelerators, hubs or comparable enterprise‑support organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage formal partnerships, including MOUs or letters of agreement.

Required skills