Microentreprise And Business Development Officer

The Microenterprise Officer will be responsible for leading efforts through the Livelihoods Centre in Akkar to develop microenterprise counseling, business planning and start up support.   Key Working Relationships: Position Reports to:  Private Sector Engagement Manager Position directly supervises:  NA Other Internal and/or external contacts: External: Employers, Partners (MFIs), other local economic actors Internal: Job Counselor, Sr. Livelihoods Officer, Legal Counselor, Protection Mainstreaming Officer   Major Responsibilities: General Responsibilities Contribute to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) for microenterprise support Support the Private Sector Manager in developing detailed activity plans in line with program objectives, ensuring that those plans are implemented and any expected delays and / or modifications are communicated and raised in a timely manner with the ERD Coordinator.   Support to existing employers: Help conduct assessments to determine challenges, gaps and support needs of local vendors and SMEs With the Private Sector Manager, identify targeted business skills & financial management training needs of ERD program beneficiaries (including SME/Vendors) With the Private Sector Manager Assess, identify access to finance constraints and develop referral system with relevant Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) Ensure appropriate supervision of support provided to local employers through monitoring visits and consultations. Participate in designing and leading the collection and analysis of data on relevant trainings and any follow up with participants.   Support to New Entrepreneurs Coordinate entrepreneur referrals working closely with the Job Counselor and other staff at the Livelihoods Center Lead consultations at the Livelihoods Center with individuals or small groups with microenterprise ideas, coaching them to articulate the idea and business start up plan. Develop template for a microenterprise start up plan and basic business plan. Following consultations, send business plan and suggested support (in-kind, further coaching, small grants) to Microenterprise Committee for final support decisions. Monitor ongoing supported microenterprises and provide additional support as necessary. Work in partnership with the Private Sector Engagement Officer to develop a business planning training for new entrepreneurs Identify access to finance constraints and develop referral system to Microfinance Institutes (MFIs) for additional clients or client groups that have been previously supported. Work with clients to plan and manage debt   Job Qualifications Education: University Degree in International Development, Business Management or a related field Postgraduate degree or MBA an advantage Work Experience: Previous experience in the areas of entrepreneurship, access to microfinance and/or business planning 2-3 Years of experience working with or in the private sector Demonstrated Skills and Competencies: Knowledge of private sector situation/networks in Lebanon Desire to work with vulnerable populations and help clients with a variety of education develop their ideas and dreams Self-starter able to adapt to a variety of new situations Ability to interact with numerous clients and co-workers on a daily basis and remain open to discussing all ideas and challenges.  Public speaking and representation skills Good organizational and time management skills Strong project planning and strategic design skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Word and Excel) and web based applications Language Skills:  Fluent in oral and written Arabic with strong English skills   Working Environment:  Travel and other requirements: staff will be based in Akkar, Northern Governorate, with some travel required between the field office and the main IRC office in Beirut.  This position will be required to travel within Akkar to visit clients at their business or home business.