Economic Development Specialist

MAJOR TASKS: Support field level programs to conduct assessments to identify income generation barriers and opportunities for target groups, and design programs accordingly Support field level programs to identify strengths and weakness of existing programs in responding to the current ED needs and redesign programs accordingly Provide ongoing advice and support to Area Development Program (ADP) staff as they implement economic development initiatives, including evaluations Identify innovative best practice ED programming options and share opportunities with field level staff Support WVL staff to understand the basic components of effective community-led child focused ED programming through training, workshops and development of resources Train and equip the ADP staff in best practice approaches and tools in economic development , including WVI’s approved economic development project models (Business Facilitation, Market Facilitation and Savings and Loans) and the new local economic development assessment tool (EDA) Support People & Culture to identify needed competencies for recruiting effective ED staff at the field level Support the Design, Monitoring and Evaluation (DME) department to develop the ED knowledge and skills they require to write concepts, design  and implement effective baselines, and evaluations for economic development programs Create opportunities/platform for WVL staff to share ED knowledge, skills and experiences Work with Ministry Quality (MQ) and other departments to develop, implement and monitor an annual business plan for ED ministry objective Contribute to ongoing development and implementation of WV Lebanon National Strategy with respects to ED Develop dynamic relationships with the local business community, relevant government institutions, NGO’s and others stakeholders to strengthens WVL’s ED programming and secure additional funding for ED programs Identify new funding opportunities and work with other WVL departments to develop for funding acquisition Identify national level advocacy issues (such as access to capital, economic justice, regional disparity, etc) and support WVL’s and other partnership advocacy initiatives to improve economic policies at national level. Network with other WVL programs to ensure integration and leveraging of ED programs Participate in WV economic development CoP and other initiatives to stay abreast best practice approaches and standards Knowledge and Skills Practical business knowledge with an emphasis on marketing Knowledge of community development theories, approaches &  techniques Training and education skills and knowledge Financial management skills Highly developed interpersonal skills Strong critical analysis and problem solving skills Research, monitoring and evaluation skills Ability to work both autonomously and in a team Good oral & written communication skills Strong computer literacy skills including MS Office Suite; e-mail and internet   Experience At least two years experience in a position of similar nature Demonstrated experience in small business development services, small business financing, market analysis, market research Demonstrated experience in community economic development, community empowerment, working with community based organizations. Strong experience in networking and partnering Demonstrated experience in report and grant writing Demonstrated experience in project management including monitoring and evaluation    Work Environment: 45% office work (National Office) 50% local travel (field) 5% International travel    EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Contract - Full Time (One year and a half)