Entrepreneurship, Savings & Business Development Volunteer

Background

I Will Stand International is a Christian organization founded in 2012 that works to rescue, restore, equip, and empower vulnerable women and children around the world. The majority of work is currently focused in Rwanda with efforts to identify vulnerable people in need of immediate help or rescue from desperate and dire situations and working through a process to restore their lives through Christ’s redemptive power, giving them the basic necessities to live, educating and equipping with trainings, knowledge, schooling and/or vocational training, and empowering them to stand strong and independent while beginning to work on giving back and empowering others.

The Women Empowerment Program aims to empower at least 200 vulnerable women over the next five years through vocational training, entrepreneurship development, financial literacy, mentorship, and spiritual support. The long-term goal is to create a scalable graduation model that enables women to achieve sustainable livelihoods, economic independence, and lasting transformation within their families and communities. The program operates through a cohort-based structure that guides women from training and stabilization into active income generation, business ownership, and financial independence.

Position Title

Entrepreneurship, Savings & Business Development Lead (Volunteer)

Location

Kigali, Rusororo

Duration 

1 year 

Time Commitment

3 days a week, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Position Type

Entrepreneurship, Savings & Business Development Volunteer

Reports To

Program Coordinator & Mentorship Lead

Position Summary

The Entrepreneurship, Savings & Business Development volunteer plays a central role in helping women transition from learning into active economic participation and sustainable income generation. This volunteer position focuses on entrepreneurship training, financial literacy, savings group strengthening, business mentorship, and market-oriented business development.

The volunteer will work closely with women participating in both the Training Phase and the Business & Work Phase of the Ultra-Poor Graduation Model. The role requires a passion for women’s empowerment, community development, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and financial inclusion. 

Key Responsibilities

Entrepreneurship & Business Training

• Facilitate entrepreneurship and small business development training sessions during Empowerment Mondays
• Teach foundational business principles i
• Help participants develop entrepreneurial thinking, confidence, and problem-solving skills
• Support women in identifying viable business opportunities based on local market demand

Financial Literacy & Savings Development

• Train participants in budgeting, savings habits, financial discipline, and responsible borrowing
• Support the development and strengthening of the program savings group system
• Assist women in understanding internal lending processes, repayment structures, and loan accountability
• Promote a culture of regular saving, peer accountability, and financial ownership
• Support accurate tracking of savings, loans, repayments, and group financial records

Business Mentorship & Coaching

• Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to women starting or growing businesses
• Support women in applying lessons learned during training into real economic activities
• Conduct follow-up discussions with participants regarding business progress, challenges, and growth opportunities
• Encourage women to diversify income streams and strengthen household resilience
• Help participants build confidence in decision-making and financial management

Income Generation & Market Linkages

• Support participants in identifying market opportunities for products and services
• Help connect women to customers, small contracts, and income-generating opportunities
• Support demand-driven production activities linked to sewing and vocational work
• Encourage quality improvement, productivity, and customer satisfaction
• Assist participants in understanding local market trends and customer preferences

Collaboration & Program Support

• Work closely with the Program Coordinator & Mentorship Lead and Vocational Skills Leads
• Participate in program planning, evaluation, and participant progress discussions
• Support participant accountability and attendance monitoring
• Contribute ideas for strengthening the graduation model and improving participant outcomes
• Help maintain a supportive, empowering, and encouraging learning environment

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• Background in entrepreneurship, business development, microfinance, community development, or related fields
• Experience working with women’s empowerment, savings groups, cooperatives, or vulnerable communities preferred
• Understanding of small business management and informal market systems
• Strong facilitation, mentorship, and communication skills
• Ability to teach practical financial literacy concepts in simple and relatable ways
• Passion for community transformation, economic empowerment, and mentorship
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Integrity, patience, accountability, and cultural sensitivity
• Ability to work collaboratively within a faith-based and community-centered environment

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