Business Project Officer

Job Summary

Concern Worldwide is seeking a candidate for the position of Business Project Officer to be based in Beirut, Lebanon and support the Livelihoods program. Concern Worldwide Lebanon Livelihoods program is designed around three themes: Skill building and income generation, Sustainable Agriculture and value chain development, and Micro & Small enterprise Development. Concern Lebanon aims to decrease household economic vulnerability and reliance on harmful coping strategies by increasing access to livelihoods and protection information and skills; home-based income-generating activities; and training and career guidance linked to savings and protection.

In response to the Beirut Blast, Concern Worldwide’s Livelihoods Program is providing support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) impacted by the blast to protect the livelihoods of their employees, and ensure their continued provision of goods and services to the neighbourhoods in which they operate. The Project Officer will support the implementation and coordination of MSME support activities in blast affected areas to ensure the project adequately selects, mentors and supports MSMEs at risk of shutting down or struggling to stay open due to the effects of the blast. The Officer will work closely with selected MSMEs to achieve key deliverables and will provide ongoing monitoring of businesses supported.

Roles and responsibilities

• Identify target MSMEs based on selection criteria through clear assessments on the field.
• Support in conducting a needs assessment to identify needs and requirements for targeted MSMEs.
• Support the MSMEs in submitting a sound procurement plan and facilitate the disbursement of grants or procurements of materials
• Follow up daily on the progress of work in selected SMEs and provide business support counselling and tailored trainings if need be
• Link MSMEs with other service providers or initiative to meet their needs comprehensively
• Stay available in project sites to monitor the implementation of Concerns activities, gather feedback from beneficiaries and submit a weekly detailed report about the activities and findings to the Project Manager
• Responsible for following up with suppliers on delivery of project materials on time
• Field visits to approximately 20 MSMEs to monitor the progress of work following the work plan provided by the Project Manager
• Develop relationships with potential partners with which to collaborate to enhance project objectives and sustainability.
• Participate in data collection activities in collaboration with the MEAL department
• Provide day-to-day support and coordination, including administrative, financial and logistical support. Troubleshoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to the Project Manager.
• Assist in filing and record keeping of project activities
• Refer beneficiaries or any person in needs to the appropriate services providers following Concern’s referral system
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Concern Worldwide and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
• Participate in emergency assessment and response if requested including Rapid Needs Assessment and distribution of Shelter and NFIs
• Other assigned tasks, as necessary. 

Reporting and representation:

• The Business Project Officer will be in charge of reporting the activities on a weekly basis to the Project Manager.
• Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in the sector in close collaboration with the Project Manager
• Represent Concern at local coordination meetings, where relevant and as instructed by the Project Manager

Work Ethic:

• Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in the Code of Conduct and associated policies,
• Support and promote the standards outlined in the Concern Code of Conduct and associated policies to their team, partner and stakeholders and be committed to providing a safe working environment.

Skills and Competencies:

• BA/S or equivalent in social science, management, economics, international development, or other relevant field
• At least 2 years of experience in humanitarian projects
• Experience working with communities on the small business grant, vocational skills, cash-based programming, community-based credit schemes 
• Experience in budget management
• Strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills;
• Fluency in English and Arabic – both written and verbal.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Computer proficiency in word processing, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and values

Non-judgmental attitude and respect for Concern’s beneficiaries, other staff and people that Concern deals with.