Microentreprise And Business Development Officer

The ERD program will develop synergies with the other programs implemented by the IRC in Lebanon, particularly working closely with the Protection sector to mainstream protection principles into livelihoods approaches and expand program offerings.  The ERD program will also seek synergies with the Women’s Protection and Empowerment and Children Protection sectors.   Job Overview/Summary: The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Officer will be responsible for leading efforts to support existing employers and new small and medium size entrepreneurs to develop their businesses and gain access to finance.   Key Working Relationships: Position Reports to:  Private Sector Engagement Manager Position directly supervises:  NA Other Internal and/or external contacts: External: Employers, Partners (MFIs) 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: Conduct assessments to determine challenges, gaps and support needs of local vendors and SMEs Carry out assessments and analyze data to determine specific interventions that would help business better manage day to day needs (including better implementation and tracking of distributions/vouchers) and support overall growth 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) With support from ERD Technical Advisor identify, adapt, develop relevant training materials and corresponding monitoring tools Provide training of trainers to training assistants and other identified partners Ensure appropriate day-to-day supervision of trainings including working with training assistants, partners and participants on attendance sheets, pre and post-tests, logistics and other issues. Participate in designing and leading the collection and analysis of data on relevant trainings and any follow up with participants. Ensure that SME related activities are meeting target indicators in relation to approved milestones and of the desired quality to achieve desired goal/impact.   Support to New Entrepreneurs Coordinate entrepreneur referrals working closely with the Job Counselor at the Livelihoods Center 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)  Ensure that MFIs are responsibly lending to client Work with clients to plan and manage debt Adjust support models based on feedback from SMEs and monitoring information   Job Qualifications Education: University Degree in International Development, Business Management or a related field Postgraduate degree an advantage but not required Work Experience: Previous experience in the areas of 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 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 Mount LebanonGovernorate, with some travel required between the field office and the main IRC office in Beirut or Akkar. (Economic Recovery and Development Program)