MOST SMEs Officer (Kindly do not send emails to lb-recruitment@mercycorps.org)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

The Market-based Opportunities and Skills Training for Women and Youth project will improve the livelihoods of Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian women and youth (aged 15-34) in Lebanon, will contribute to women empowerment, will strengthen the resilience of individuals, communities and systems to withstand the regional crises and will contribute to longer-term development. Activities undertaken under this project will foster growth that works for everyone by working toward equal participation of women in Lebanon’s economy, specifically through skills training and support, technical assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop their business and create employment opportunities, and by supporting businesses in providing services assisting women’s participation in the workforce.

This project will link youth and women to market-driven skills training, in partnership with the private sector to connect youth with employment opportunities. Mercy Corps will work with SMEs and help entrepreneurs by providing technical assistance or in-kind support packages to accelerate growth and foster merit-based hiring practices. Training and/or business coaching will also be provided to potential start-ups to help create employment. Moreover, recognizing that a supportive environment is essential to address barriers that prevent women from taking an active economic role, the project will be underpinned by community outreach to increase support for enhancing the skills of women and girls, and their expanded participation in the workforce. Project activities will also support businesses to develop gender-inclusive practices to increase hiring and retention of women, and an analysis of barriers impeding women and girls from accessing skills and job opportunities will also be conducted. Following this, the project will identify services that enable women and youth to overcome barriers to employment (such as daycare and transportation), and will help develop such services.

 

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The Nabatieh-based Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) Officer will support the SME Senior Coordinator and in the implementation of the SME component of the the four-year Market-based Opportunities and Skills Training for Women and Youth project program. This program aims to strengthen youth and women-led business in Mount Lebanon and South Lebanon through increased access to business support, small grants and improved networks.

Working closely with local partners, the SME Officer will work closely with selected SMEs in South Lebanon to to achieve key deliverables in the SME development component. 

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

 

Project Implementation:

Support the SMEs Senior Coordinator & MOST team in planning and implementing project activities to meet project deliverables based on timeline and scope agreed with the donor;

Provide day-to-day support and coordination, including administrative, financial and logistical support. Trouble shoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to the SMEs Senior Coordinator;

Support the SMEs Senior Coordinator in implementing activities and monitoring of project progress;

Build relationships with unions and local municipalities to introduce the project and facilitate access to information related to project activities and scope. Arrange for meetings with local entities and authorities, as requested;

Participate in team planning and coordination meetings and trainings;

Support the SMEs Senior Coordinator in conducting periodic risk assessments to update implementation plan accordingly;

Support monitoring and evaluation efforts to document project outputs, outcomes, and impact to inform donor and other internal reporting;

Assist in filing and record keeping of project activities;

Closely adhere to internal Mercy Corps procurement processes;

Prepare weekly reports to be submitted to the SMEs Senior Coordinator. Contribute to quarterly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;

Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;

 

Project Coordination for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Support

Assist with the SME support design processes and implementation in order to deliver maximum impact;

Facilitate field coordination of assistance to small and medium enterprise (SMEs), limited in-kind grants and linkages to existing business support services to lower risks and strengthen the ability of companies to grow their workforce;

Coordinate financial and operational feasibility studies for SME support packages that promote job growth and employment;

Coordinate developed strategies to meet MOST’s job creation targets through market-oriented solutions and devising short and long term employment opportunities through SME support;

Ensure that all SME support-related interventions are in compliance with international norms and standards, national laws and policies, technical standards and organizational policies;

Assist with monitoring and evaluation (M&E), accountability and learning systems for optimal SME development and support.

 

Coordination and Representation

Liaise with local officials including municipalities, local NGOs and INGOs, project partners, key community leaders, SMEs, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure successful deliverables;

Develop and maintain working relationships and coordinate with relevant international and local agencies active in the livelihoods and economic development sector;

Represent Mercy Corps at local coordination meetings, where relevant.

 

Other

Ensure all activities are gender sensitive and follow Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy;

Apply Do No Harm standards to ensure activities do not have detrimental effects on vulnerable communities;

Contribute to monthly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;

Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops;

Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;

Other assigned tasks, as necessary.

 

Organizational Learning 

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve.  We expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

 

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

Reports directly to: Senior Coordinator SMEs

Works directly with:  MOST team members, Operations, Finance, Program, and M&E Teams

 

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

BA/S or equivalent in social science, management, women’s studies, economics, international development, or other relevant field.

At least two years of progressive experience and proven high level of competence in working in economic and market development and/or development-related programs, ideally in relief and/or post-conflict settings.

Ability to successfully implement economic development programming.

Specialized background in SME support and/or economic and market development-preferred.

Experience with relief and socio-economic development work in a vulnerable context.

Some knowledge of Lebanon, in particular its displacement context, protection threats, economic challenges, social stability and resilience mechanisms relevant to internal conflict preferred.

Proven track record in staff and stakeholder training and capacity building.

Strong leadership and communication skills.

Ability and interest to work with a multi-ethnic team in a culturally appropriate manner.

Solid knowledge of the socio-economic context of South Lebanon

Proficiency in English essential

 

SUCCESS FACTORS

A successful candidate will have the ability to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment with a capacity to promote new approaches to programming and inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. S/he will have proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results.  Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures, a desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, and a great sense of humor.