TIF - Business Development Associate

Project Background:

The USAID/Lebanon Trade and investment Facilitation (TIF) Activity will facilitate the export of Lebanese goods and services to generate foreign exchange through investments and business enabling environment reform that simultaneously promote job creation, income generation, and improved livelihoods throughout the country. TIF has three objectives: 1) increased exports of Lebanese goods and services, 2) investment facilitation leading to increased domestic investment, and 3) improved business and investment enabling environment. Communicating results through outreach and sharing knowledge with private and public sectors is a crosscutting objective.

Purpose:

The Business Development Associate will support the Senior Business Development Specialists in the outreach, formulation, development, implementation, and monitoring of technical projects within the sectors TIF selected sectors – Manufacturing, Agro-Food Processing, Knowledge Economy and Services or Tourism and Hospitality.

Responsibilities and Key Tasks:

• Support in evaluating the two sectors’ performance in Lebanon and identify opportunities for growth and areas of interventions for TIF. Additionally, update the sector’s baseline study, action plan, and stakeholders’ database, as needed.
• Assist the Senior Business Development Specialists in drafting project proposals and summary reports and collecting essential data from project partners during the co-creation phase.
• Assist in organizing and coordinating relevant sector events and roundtables in support of TIF’s objectives, as needed, by engaging relevant stakeholders and partners.
• Execute planned field visits to project beneficiaries, as needed.
• Coordinate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to ensure results and impact data is collected and documented accurately according to guidelines set forth in the MEL Plan. In addition, assist in completing or collecting baseline surveys, progress reports, cost share, and other performance data.
• Coordinate with the Procurement team to follow up on project procurement requests for project partners.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by the Senior Business Development Specialists in the related sectors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, management, economics, or related field.
• Familiarity with one or more of TIF selected sectors – Manufacturing, Knowledge Economy or Tourism and Hospitality. Prior work experience in this sector is preferred but not required;
• Excellent analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to collect and summarize relevant data, identify and understand challenges and opportunities, present acceptable solutions using effective methodologies, and take action as needed.
• High level of fluency in English, with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and to write concise and clear communications and reports.

• Timely and efficient, with a strong ability to work on multiple tasks and within tight deadlines;
• Excellent team player, comfortable working and collaborating within teams.
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic about economic development work.