Business Advisor – Bekaa Based

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be resourceful and use desk and field research creatively and independently to compile a list of sub–sectors, and target companies to approach.
• Use personal and professional networks to make linkages, identify networking opportunities and initiate collaborations that will generate leads.
• Engage with SMEs that could benefit from the programs and onboard them after a criteria–fit assessment and initial needs assessment.
• Understand the requirements/needs of SMEs and the source of business problems and suggest solutions accordingly.
• Perform a thorough diagnosis of the SMEs; quickly grasp the challenges and recommend solutions as well as technical assistance allowing the beneficiary to grow their sales, create sustainable jobs, and have an impact on their immediate environment.
• Advise and encourage the buyer–led approach to beneficiary SMEs: produce what you can sell, not sell what you can produce.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Education: Master’s degree in business, engineering, and/or economics.
• Experience: At least 7 to 10 years in the private sector, preferably in a position managing or assisting SMEs, ideally in the agriculture and/or agrifood sectors.
• Languages: Fluent in Arabic and English, French is a plus.

Additional Skills:

• Willingness/ability to travel throughout Lebanon, as needed, to deliver on the assignment.
• Able to perform at a quick pace and in a changing environment.
• Business acumen and experience: able to assess the SMEsneeds, set KPIs, designtechnical assistance support scheme, evaluateif a business proposition is worth pursuing.
• Analytical thinking with excellent planning and organization skills.
• Customer orientation to deal with beneficiaries and donors.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trustworthy and professional relationships with business owners and community members.
• Maintain and develop arobust personal and professional network.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to learn new tools and methodologies to perform the assignment better.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Integrity and trustworthiness.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proven interpersonal / people skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Logical, analytical and financial skills.
• Professional commitment.
• Thorough understanding of cost accounting principles and procedures.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.