Senior Strategic Adviser - DFID STEP

Palladium is seeking a Senior Strategic Adviser for the upcoming DFID-funded Subsidised Temporary Employment Programme (STEP) in Lebanon.

STEP aims to incentivise small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to expand production and create new permanent jobs by providing financial and non-financial support in the form of Business Development Services to SMEs.

The role is a one year position and is intended to support STEP to rapidly scale and achieve its job and SME targets in first year. This includes strategic input to refine STEP’s approach and to deliver a compelling match grant offering in a competitive donor and financial market.

The individual will utilise their knowledge and networks across Lebanon to identify high potential SMEs and build new partnerships with banks, microfinance institutions, business development providers, industry associations and existing programmes among others. S/he will also deepen STEP’s impact by targeting SMEs in lagging regions, strategic sectors, and higher-value occupations leading to more sustainable jobs. 

This position requires a dynamic and results-oriented candidate with strong enterprise development, private sector experience, and practical know-how in delivering innovative financial products and services. In-depth knowledge and networks in Lebanon is critical.   

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical input into the design and delivery of the program activities. During inception phase, s/he will work closely with the Team Leader and SME Lead to design an approach and matching grant offering with partners that will be implemented in the design phase.
• Work closely with STEP’s financial partners (financial institutions) to design STEP’s financial product, features and delivery model.
• Deliver and manage a strong pool of SME applicants against targets through outreach, communications, and working through partners and networks across Lebanon. S/he will contribute directly to new jobs created and target beneficiaries reached
• Identifies strategic opportunities to drive SME growth and increased SME employment by using partners and other stakeholders to expand access and support to SMEs
• Support design and implement support services to selected SMEs to enhance business output, growth and employment of target groups, and facilitates linkages along value chains and clusters to drive value for money and results at scale;
• Represents the project in local, national, and international meetings and events as appropriate to raise awareness and profile of STEP and to identify new partnerships and sources of funding
• Support BDS Manager to build networks of high-quality business development services (BDS) providers by identifying local SME support experts and firms, conducting due diligence, and hiring providers

Required qualifications and professional experience

• University qualification in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or similar fields, preferably at postgraduate level;
• Experience working in the private sector (e.g. company sales or management) or with the private or financial sector driving growth in markets and/or optimizing business performance.
• Experience working in or with the financial sector, designing and marketing new financial products
• Experience working in business advisory services or similar functions directly with SMEs
• Experience managing professional technical teams to deliver results.
• Strong analytical skills;
• Good team leadership and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to manage competing priorities;
• Outstanding team player and willingness to learn and support learning of others;
• Fluency in written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic is essential.