Livelihoods - MSME support Specialist

Job Summary:

Under the direct guidance of the Livelihoods Program Manager, the MSME Support Specialist will function to manage and support a Business Development component of the “Value chains for improved socio-economic well-being of Syrian refugees and Lebanese host communities” funded by the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM). The project intends to provide capacity building for farmers and livestock holders on topics related to good agricultural practices for the implementation of agricultural value chains. It also aims to provide support for agricultural, agro-food processors and cooperatives through business development services, in kind support, market linkages and development of marketing strategies.

Incumbent will be required to coordinate with very diverse technical team and project partners with an array of time pressing activities. Concern is looking for a team player, an individual with solid Business support and project management experience in addition to work experience which may have involved either working for agricultural businesses, food processing industries and experience with working in non-profit or public institutes to heavily support business development, business and marketing trainings, grant disbursement and formalization of businesses.

Roles and responsibilities:

• 100% implementation and management responsibilities of Business Development trainings, support to MSMEs and cooperatives as per Concern’s SoPs, and transfer of grants and assets.
• Under the supervision of the livelihoods Program and Project Manager and in collaboration with MEAL department, support in the development and design of all BDS components tools.
• Leads the selection, assessment, training and business planning for the MSMEs in coordination with the technical team, consultants and project partners. S/he will be responsible for the through filing and record keeping of activities;
• In collaboration with project consultants, lead on the development of BDS approach that reflects the current economic situation and the different levels of vulnerability of the project’s participants.
• Development of MSMEs status, capacities, needs, and potentials assessment with a scoring tools for businesses to graduate to receive the in-kind grants.
• Ensure that overall implementation of BDS component as per donor agreement and Concern guidelines and agreed implementation strategy is carried out on time with quality provision of services
• In collaboration with Consultants and project partners, ensure a close coordination with private sector, businesses and value chain actors, analyse business models and financial information, determine appropriate products and services, and provide coaching to beneficiaries to improve productivity and profitability of selected businesses.
• Provides day-to-day support on administrative work, financial and logistical support. Trouble shoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to managers;
• Support Livelihood Project Manager in implementing activities, organizing meetings and trainings, monitoring of project progress, and selecting livelihoods interventions to access available economic opportunities;
• Works closely with the consultants and local partners and service contracts to schedule trainings and coordinate with the staff of Concern Worldwide to ensure that all logistical, administrative and financial matters are fulfilled appropriately;
• Provide his/her technical inputs for the preparation of donor reports to be submitted to the Livelihood Program Manager and to meet donor and internal requirements.
• 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;
• Other assigned tasks, as necessary. 

Representation and Coordination

1. Represent Concern Lebanon at local, regional and national level if necessary in regards to meetings with local partners, stakeholder and other relevant actors as necessary.
2. Coordinate project activities with other actors, stakeholders, local partners and service providers in the programme area as necessary.

Work Ethic:

1. Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct.
2. Support and promote the standards outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct to their team, partner and stakeholders and be committed to providing a safe working environment.

Qualification and experience:

• Minimum Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration or Management, Marketing, or any other related field.

• Minimum 3 years of progressive and proven experience in Livelihoods sector working specifically with business and marketing support (access to finance, access to market, development of marketing strategies, capacity building, etc.
• Experience and familiarity in SME and local economy knowledge, market, labour market, cooperative support as well as training and facilitation for staff and community groups.
• Strong and proven experience of minimum 3 years in private sector or private sector related projects.
• Experience of working with agriculture and agro food businesses will be an asset.

• Ability to communicate accurately and objectively under high pressure.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing. Strong writing skill in Arabic.

• Significant knowledge and understanding of the current political, economic, cultural and historical context of Akkar and the North of Lebanon, including prior experience.
• Demonstrated attention to detail; ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently as well as cooperatively with team members and consultants. Strong empathy skills and genuine care and respect for needs of others.
• A belief in empowering marginalized and disenfranchised people without any discrimination.
• Proven ability to understand data, data analysis and research.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and values
• Non-judgmental attitude and respect for Concern’s beneficiaries, other staff and people that Concern deals with.