SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalyzing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Building on 60 years of experience we support our partners with our technical and process expertise and methodological rigor. We do this in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. By being adaptable and tailoring our approaches to these different contexts, we can contribute to impact at scale, resulting in more equitable lives for all.

The Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) program, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and implemented by SNV, supports innovative, inclusive business models that engage and benefit low-income populations in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Zambia. This program operates a challenge fund to identify and support promising innovations that contribute to poverty reduction and inclusive development in these countries.

The Business Development and Private Sector (BDPS) Advisor is part of the Ethiopia SNV Country Organisation and the IAP Program Management Unit. The BDPS Advisor will be responsible for partnering with IAP country teams on work related to the development and operationalization of strategies and advisory services, including the identification of possible delivery partners, assessments, training in thematic areas (innovation, inclusion, gender equality, and environmental impact) and monitoring of business development services during project implementation. The BDPS Advisor will also support grantees of the Challenge Fund in accessing knowledge and relationships with BDS services both in-country and globally.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct direct outreach through organizations and networks, marketing the Challenge Fund through relevant stakeholders, including enterprise development and investment ecosystems, industry associations, and BDS providers

• Ensure that the Challenge Fund outreach methodology is targeting appropriate private sector players as per country contexts

• Lead IAP’s advisory offering and BDS ecosystem advancement in operational countries.

• Expand advisory support to meet a wider variety of grantee needs, including increased inclusive business practices, gender equality, and marketing & distribution support.

• Support the development and delivery of innovative products and services, business growth, and opportunities for People Living in Poverty (PLIP).

• Ensure training and mentoring to local BDS providers to support the growth of IAP grantees and other businesses takes place

• Lead the pilot of the investment readiness tracking tool in coordination with the investment readiness unit

• Play an active role in national, regional, and global dialogues about enterprise development approaches.

• Build and support networks of local BDS providers, including training and intensive mentoring on inclusive business and marketing & distribution support.

• Work closely with networks to identify capable providers for other areas of support, upskilling these providers as needed.

• Coordinate support for grantees and the development of BDS providers, focusing on sustainability and decreasing IAP support over time.

• Support grantees in developing Terms of Reference (TORs) and identifying and assessing relevant BDS providers.

• Collaborate with partners to develop a training and mentoring program for a small number of BDS providers, preparing them to support business growth more effectively.

• As and when needed, serve as a Deputy to the Multi-Country Project Manager.

Job Requirement

• Master’s degree (Proficiency level equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline and (minimum 6 years) relevant experience in development work, project management, and sector(s) in an international, multiple-country context.

• At least 3 years of work experience managing a team.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gain insights into situations, problems, and processes by systematically deconstructing issues and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the context.

• Experience working with the private sector and BDS ecosystem

• Demonstrated ability to work with teams by fostering cooperation to achieve objectives, set goals and priorities, assess required actions, make decisive decisions, analyze and solve problems systematically, and take proactive measures to meet or exceed objectives.

• Setting high-quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.

• Interest in private sector development and the fight against poverty and inequality

• Initiative and creativity in solving problems

• High attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and with a team

• High degree of initiative, flexibility, reliability, discretion, and willingness to learn

• Good oral and written communication skills in English

• Solid computer skills in MS-applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Internet, etc.)

• Knowledge of SAP by Design and Sharepoint is an added advantage

• Contract Duration: Two years with the possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability.

How to Apply

• Register using the following link CLICK HERE