Here are **sample answers** tailored to the **Business Development Advisor (BDA)** role at

**Inkomoko Ethiopia**, aligned with Inkomoko’s mission of **empowering entrepreneurs and creating
economic opportunities for refugees and host communities**. These answers incorporate Inkomoko’s
values and focus on supporting underserved populations.

1. Introduction & Motivation**

1. **Can you tell us about yourself and your professional background?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I hold a degree in Business Administration and have over five years of experience working with small
businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved communities. In my previous role, I provided
business development support, including financial literacy training, market access strategies, and data
collection. I am passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and have worked closely with women and
youth to help them grow their businesses."

2. **Why do you want to work with Inkomoko Ethiopia as a Business Development Advisor?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I am inspired by Inkomoko’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and create economic opportunities
for refugees and host communities. I want to contribute my skills in business development and advisory
services to help small businesses thrive. This role aligns perfectly with my passion for supporting
underserved populations and driving sustainable change."

3. **What do you know about Inkomoko’s mission and work in Ethiopia?**

*Sample Answer:*

"Inkomoko supports micro and small businesses in refugee camps and host communities by providing
training, access to finance, and market linkages. The organization focuses on empowering women,
youth, and refugees to build sustainable livelihoods. I admire Inkomoko’s holistic approach to
entrepreneurship and its commitment to inclusivity."

4. **How does your previous experience align with the responsibilities of a Business Development
Advisor?**

*Sample Answer:*
 "In my previous role, I worked directly with small business owners, helping them improve their
financial management, access new markets, and increase profitability. I also collected and analyzed data
to measure the impact of our interventions. These experiences have equipped me with the skills needed
to support Inkomoko’s clients effectively."

---

### **2. Client Sourcing & Recruitment**

5. **How would you approach outreaching and mobilizing new clients for Inkomoko’s programs?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I would use a combination of community engagement, partnerships with local organizations, and
targeted marketing strategies to attract new clients. For example, I would organize community events to
introduce Inkomoko’s programs and collaborate with refugee leaders to build trust and awareness."

6. **What innovative methods have you used to attract potential clients to business development
services (BDS)?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I leveraged social media platforms and local radio stations to reach a wider audience. I also used
success stories from previous clients to build trust and interest in the program. For instance, I shared a
video testimonial from a client who successfully expanded their business with our support."

7. **How do you ensure that client recruitment targets are met in challenging environments like refugee
camps?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I set clear goals, track progress regularly, and adjust strategies as needed. For example, I identified
underserved areas and partnered with local leaders to increase outreach, which helped me exceed
recruitment targets in a refugee camp setting."
8. **Describe a time when you successfully onboarded new clients and ensured they understood the
program’s benefits.**

*Sample Answer:*

"I provided a detailed orientation session, including a program overview, benefits, and expectations. I
also followed up with clients to address any questions or concerns. For example, I once organized a pre-
training workshop to ensure participants understood the program’s objectives and benefits."

---

### **3. Business Training & Facilitation**

9. **How do you plan and deliver training sessions for entrepreneurs with limited literacy or education?
**

*Sample Answer:*

"I use simple, clear language and visual aids, such as pictures and diagrams, to explain concepts. I also
break down the information into smaller, manageable parts and use real-life examples. For instance, I
once used a mock budget to teach financial literacy to a group of entrepreneurs with limited education."

10. **What strategies do you use to ensure high attendance and engagement during training sessions?
**

*Sample Answer:*

"I send reminders via phone calls and SMS, provide transportation support if needed, and address
barriers like childcare. For example, I once organized a childcare service during a training session, which
increased attendance by 20%."

11. **How do you adapt training content to meet the unique needs of refugee and host community
entrepreneurs?**

*Sample Answer:*
 "I conduct needs assessments and tailor the content to address specific challenges, such as limited
access to markets or financial literacy gaps. I also use local examples and case studies to make the
content relatable."

12. **How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your training programs?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I use pre- and post-tests to measure knowledge gain and gather feedback from participants. I also
track business performance metrics, such as sales growth, to assess the long-term impact of the
training."

---

### **4. Business Advisory & Entrepreneur Relationship Management**

13. **How do you conduct business assessments to identify entrepreneurs' needs and market
opportunities?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I use structured questionnaires, interviews, and market research to assess business needs and
opportunities. For example, I identified a gap in the local market for handmade crafts and helped a client
develop a product line to meet this demand."

14. **Describe your experience in developing business strategies and plans for small businesses.**

*Sample Answer:*

"I have developed business plans that include market analysis, financial projections, and growth
strategies. For instance, I helped a client expand their bakery business by identifying new distribution
channels and securing a microloan."

15. **How do you assist entrepreneurs in preparing for financing or investment opportunities?**

*Sample Answer:*
 "I help entrepreneurs create investment-ready business plans, improve their financial records, and
practice pitching to investors. For example, I coached a client who successfully secured a $10,000
investment for their agribusiness."

16. **How do you manage relationships with entrepreneurs to ensure their long-term success?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I maintain regular communication, provide ongoing support, and track progress against goals. I also
celebrate their achievements and address challenges promptly to keep them motivated."

---

### **5. Market Linkage & Investment Engagement**

17. **How do you train clients on market linkage and investment readiness?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I provide training on market research, pricing strategies, and networking. I also help clients prepare
investment plans and connect them with potential investors or buyers."

18. **Describe a time when you helped an entrepreneur secure a market linkage or investment
opportunity.**

*Sample Answer:*

"I connected a client with a local supermarket chain, which agreed to stock their products. I also
helped them negotiate favorable terms, resulting in a 50% increase in sales."

19. **How do you advise entrepreneurs on market opportunities and challenges?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I conduct market research and share insights on trends, competition, and customer preferences. I
also help entrepreneurs develop strategies to overcome challenges, such as limited access to capital or
distribution networks."
20. **What steps do you take to ensure entrepreneurs are ready for investment opportunities?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I help entrepreneurs create investment-ready business plans, improve their financial records, and
practice pitching to investors. For example, I coached a client who successfully secured a $10,000
investment for their agribusiness."

---

### **6. Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning (MERL)**

21. **How do you ensure high-standard data management practices in your work?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I use digital tools like KOBO for data collection and ensure accuracy by verifying information with
clients. I also maintain organized records and update them regularly."

22. **How do you use data to improve service delivery and decision-making?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I analyze data to identify trends, measure program impact, and make evidence-based
recommendations. For example, I used attendance data to adjust training schedules, which improved
participation rates."

23. **Describe your experience in using technology-based tools like KOBO for data collection and
reporting.**

*Sample Answer:*

"I have used KOBO to collect and analyze data on client performance, sales, and expenses. This helped
me track outcomes and provide tailored support to entrepreneurs."
24. **How do you address MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning) queries and ensure timely follow-
up?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I respond to queries promptly and collaborate with the MEL team to resolve issues. I also use
feedback to improve data collection and reporting processes."

---

### **7. Problem-Solving & Adaptability**

25. **Describe a time when you provided real-time advice to a client to solve a business challenge.**

*Sample Answer:*

"A client was struggling with inventory management, leading to frequent stockouts. I advised them to
implement a simple inventory tracking system and trained their staff on how to use it. This reduced
stockouts by 30% and improved customer satisfaction."

26. **How do you handle situations where a client’s business is not performing as expected?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I start by analyzing the root cause of the underperformance, such as market conditions or
operational inefficiencies. Then, I work with the client to develop a revised strategy. For example, I
helped a client pivot from retail to online sales during the pandemic, which saved their business."

27. **Imagine a client is hesitant to take on investment due to fear of failure. How would you advise
them?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I would address their concerns by explaining the benefits and risks of investment and helping them
develop a risk mitigation plan. I would also share success stories to build their confidence."

---
### **8. Collaboration & Teamwork**

28. **How do you collaborate with different departments to achieve organizational goals?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I participate in cross-departmental meetings, share insights, and align my activities with
organizational priorities. For example, I worked with the MEL team to develop a client tracking system
that improved data accuracy."

29. **Describe a time when you worked with a team to organize a successful event or activity.**

*Sample Answer:*

"I collaborated with a team to organize a business fair. My role was to coordinate logistics and
communicate with participants. The event attracted over 100 entrepreneurs and strengthened
community engagement."

30. **How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within a team?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I address conflicts by listening to all perspectives and finding a solution that works for everyone. For
example, I resolved a disagreement about event timing by adjusting the schedule to accommodate all
team members."

---

### **9. Alignment with Inkomoko’s Mission**

31. **Why do you want to work with Inkomoko, and how does your experience align with our mission?
**

*Sample Answer:*
 "I am passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and have experience working in refugee and host
communities. My skills in business development, training, and advisory services align with Inkomoko’s
mission to create economic opportunities."

32. **How do you ensure inclusivity and equity when working with refugee and host community
entrepreneurs?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I prioritize the needs of marginalized groups, such as women and youth, and tailor my approach to
address their unique challenges. I also ensure that all clients have equal access to opportunities and
resources."

33. **What motivates you to work with small businesses and entrepreneurs in challenging
environments?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I am motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. Seeing a client’s
business grow and thrive is incredibly rewarding."

---

### **10. Scenario-Based Questions**

34. **Imagine a client is struggling to implement their business plan. How would you assist them?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I would review the plan with the client, identify barriers, and provide targeted support. For example,
I helped a client streamline their operations by introducing a simple inventory management system."

35. **How would you handle a situation where a training session has low attendance?**

*Sample Answer:*
 "I would investigate the reasons for low attendance, such as scheduling conflicts or lack of awareness,
and adjust accordingly. For instance, I once rescheduled a session to a more convenient time, which
doubled attendance."

36. **A client is resistant to your advice and insists on pursuing a strategy you believe is unsustainable.
How would you handle this situation?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I would listen to their concerns, explain the risks of their strategy, and provide alternative solutions.
If they still insist, I would support them while monitoring the situation closely."

---

### **11. General Skills & Competencies**

37. **How do you prioritize and manage multiple clients and tasks simultaneously?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I use a task management tool to organize my workload and set priorities based on deadlines and
importance. I also communicate regularly with my team to stay aligned."

38. **How do you stay updated on the latest business and industry trends in Ethiopia and across Africa?
**

*Sample Answer:*

"I attend industry conferences, read relevant publications, and network with professionals. I also
participate in training programs to enhance my skills and knowledge."

39. **Describe your experience in representing an organization at conferences or events.**

*Sample Answer:*
 "I represented my previous organization at a regional entrepreneurship conference, where I
presented our programs and networked with potential partners. This led to new collaborations and
increased visibility for our work."

---

### **12. Closing Questions**

40. **What do you hope to achieve in your first 90 days as a Business Development Advisor at
Inkomoko?**

*Sample Answer:*

"In my first 90 days, I aim to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, understand their
needs, and deliver impactful training and advisory services. I also plan to contribute to Inkomoko’s MERL
efforts by ensuring accurate data collection and reporting."

41. **What unique skills or experiences do you bring to this role?**

*Sample Answer:*

"I bring a combination of business development expertise, training facilitation skills, and experience
working in challenging environments. My ability to adapt to diverse contexts and build trust with clients
sets me apart."

42. **Do you have any questions for us about the role or Inkomoko’s work?**

*Sample Answer:*

"Yes, I would like to know more about how Inkomoko measures the long-term impact of its programs
on refugee and host community entrepreneurs. Additionally, what are the key challenges the
organization is currently facing, and how can I contribute to addressing them?"

---
These answers are tailored to Inkomoko’s mission and the Business Development Advisor role. They
demonstrate your **technical expertise**, **problem-solving abilities**, and **commitment to
empowering underserved communities**. Let me know if you need further assistance! 😊