Business Development and Livelihoods Assistant

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking a Business Development and Livelihoods Assistant to support in the implementation of Livelihoods activities within a project funded by the US Bureau of Population, Refugee and Migration (BPRM). The Business Development & Livelihoods Assistant is expected to assist in the implementation of business skills training, vocational training, data collection and partner’s capacity building.

For over 100 years, NEF has worked to build more sustainable, prosperous and inclusive communities in the Middle East and Africa through education, governance, and economic development initiatives. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF currently operates in nine countries. Its programs are organized around three themes: Peacebuilding; Sustainable Agriculture; and Micro-Enterprise Development.

Position Description:

The Business Development & Livelihoods Assistant has the responsibility to ensure smooth and quality implementation and proper documentation of the objectives and activities of a US BPRM-funded project. The project aims to reduce household economic vulnerability and reliance on harmful coping strategies of Syrian refugee and vulnerable Lebanese families by increasing access to livelihoods and protection information and skills; and supporting the creation of home-based income-generating activities. The role also involves working with two local implementing partners.

Under the supervision of the Business Development & Livelihoods Officer, the Business Development & Livelihoods Assistant will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the Business Development & Livelihoods Officer, the Business Development & Livelihood Assistant will be responsible for following up on the day-to-day activities of the project, including conducting data collection on beneficiaries and SME environment in Lebanon, attend meetings, reporting any issues in implementation and developing success stories.
• Attend external Livelihoods meetings when required.
• Assist in the development of related materials for vocational training and support in training provided by partners. She/he will be accountable for the smooth operation and delivery of all Business development services that NEF provides to its beneficiaries.
• Support the preparation and delivery of Business Development training to beneficiaries. Conduct interviews with granted beneficiaries and gather needed data required by the donor. Conduct focus group discussions with CBO trainers based on NEF partner’s assessment questionnaire.
• Support in the selection of needed vocational training.
• Liaise with relevant service providers on training types and needs.
• Assist and support the implementation of VT and activities within the Siraj centers
• Record monthly results and report back to the Business Development & Livelihood Officer.

Reporting and documentation

• Ensure proper filing of attendance sheets, business plans, and scoring sheets.
• Follow up on all paperwork and reporting needed.
• Conduct phone calls and follow up with beneficiaries if necessary.
• Collect case studies and success stories according to NEF guidelines.

Other responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with applicable donor and NEF policies and regulations.
• Any other duties relating to the nature of the job as requested by the supervisor.

Key Qualifications:

• University degree in a relevant field such as Business Development, Economics, Business, Education etc.;
• At least 2 years of relevant experience with humanitarian and/or development organizations, including significant experience in the required field;
• Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail;
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility;
• Experience working on livelihoods projects and/or SME-type interventions a plus; 
• Experience delivering training and curriculums;
• Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and verbal.;
• Experience working in remote locations;
• High-level of knowledge and practice with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook required.