About the position

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Service (BDS) Expert to join our team in Gambella, Ethiopia. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing project components related to private sector actors (MSMEs) development (technical support and access to finance) and the set-up of the public-private partnership activities.

Scope:

• Manage operational implementation and management of project components related to private sector actors (MSMEs and IGAs) development (technical support and access to finance) and the set-up of the public-private partnership activities.

• Mapping of all the relevant stakeholders and value chain actors, both in the two target refugee camps of Jewi and Nguenyyiel and in the Gambella host community.

• Lead SMEs’ capacity building on financial management and business development

• Develop linkages of the supported SMEs, IGAs, micro-businesses, and small-scale agricultural producers and cooperatives with local and micro-finance institutions to support their operations.

 Duties & Responsibilities:

1.          Project Implementation:

• Develop detailed implementation business plans for IGAs and livelihood components of the project.

-          Conduct BDS needs assessment and develop specific business management training materials.

-          Organization of training in Business Development & Life Skills for beneficiaries in the centers of Jewi, Nguenyyiel, Karmi, and Gambella

-          Accompaniment the individual start-up of SMEs, Income-Generating Activities and micro-businesses for refugee communities in the centers of Jewi and Nguenyyiel by developing and constantly updating detailed business plans for each micro-business and IGA supported by the project

-          Promotion of income-generating activities of cooperatives and / or works through the selection and provision of start-up kits

-          Promotion, supervision, and provision of managerial and technical support to  6 “community workshops” and other IGAs supported by the VIS in Gambella

-          Support and supervise the promotion of pilot school-work transition actions in Gambella

• Coordinate the implementation of project activities to ensure quality and timely delivery of project outputs, in cooperation with the Project Manager.

• Identify and propose the development of new programs and contribute to the development of VIS Ethiopia's strategy in the area of intervention.

2.     Study and Survey:

• Assess socio-economic reality in the area of intervention.

• Evaluate potential and opportunities for SMEs, IGAs, micro-businesses and small-scale agriculture producers and cooperatives.

 3.     Reporting:

• Design a work plan and reporting system and produce periodic and progress reports.

• Collect and analyze report feedback from implementing partners and stakeholders.

• Support and coordinate with the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager in collecting data in compliance with the project logical framework

• Contribute to donor reports and produce narrative and financial reporting with the support of administrative staff in Gambella.

4.     Coordination:

• Coordinate with SDB and partners to implement activities planned in the project

• Participate in coordination meetings with the consortium NGO and relevant authorities in Gambella, as well as humanitarian stakeholders.

• Regularly interact with stakeholders and project beneficiaries.

5.     Capacity Building:

• Enhance the capacity of project staff on technical skill and provide technical assistance.

• Facilitate training sessions and understand beneficiaries' training needs.

6.     Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop monitoring and evaluation tools for project activities.

• Design effective follow-up and implement for the trained and supported start-ups

• Share best practices and lessons learnt with consortium partners.

• Maintain proper filing systems of all project documents, reports, and other relevant technical documents in both hard copy and soft copy.

Job Requirements

Requirements

• Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree in economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or any other relevant discipline;

• Previous experience in Cooperation Projects in business development services/enterprise development to industries/SMEs (5 years minimum). Working experience in Emergency contexts will be considered an added value;

• Experience in delivering enterprise level advisory/consultancy supports/conducting management staff trainings for SMEs;

• Good networking skills to engage with SMEs and other partners;

• Excellent knowledge of the areas of intervention;

• Aptitude for working in safety-critical contexts and problem-solving orientation;

• Strong interpersonal skills/abilities;

• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English;

• Excellent computer knowledge (Office package)

How to Apply

Applicants who fulfill the minimum requirements can send their CV and cover letter with 3 referenes, directly through THIS LINK

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.