Livelihoods – MSME Development Specialist

Job Summary

The Concern Worldwide is seeking a candidate for the position of Livelihoods – MSME Development Specialist role to be based in Halba, Akkar, Lebanon. Concern Worldwide Lebanon Livelihoods program is designed around three themes: Skill building and income generation, Micro & Small enterprise Development and employment support program. Concern Lebanon aims to decrease household economic vulnerability and reliance on harmful coping strategies by increasing access to livelihoods and protection information and skills; home-based income-generating activities; and training and career guidance linked to savings and protection for adolescents. Under direct guidance of Livelihoods Program Manager, Livelihoods – MSME Development Specialist will function to manage and support  Business Development component of the project to ensure that project activities are planned adequately and procurements have been done in the timely fashion.

Incumbent will be required to coordinate with very diverse technical team with an array of time pressing activities. Concern is looking for an individual with solid project management experience and work experience which may have involved either working for agriculture, food processing, construction or green job industries or experience with working in non-profit or public institutes to heavily support business development, business trainings, small grant disbursement and  formalization of businesses.

Roles and responsibilities

• 100% implementation and management responsibilities of TVET trainings, support to MSMEs as per Concern’s SoPs, transfer of grants and assets, and employment support program.
• Under the supervision of Livelihood Program Manager and in coordination with technical teams and MEAL department s/he will ensure the timely implementation of project work plans;
• Provides day-to-day support and coordination with private sector partners, service contractors, including administrative, financial and logistical support. Trouble shoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to managers;
• Maintain, update and report livelihoods program beneficiary database for internal and external reporting.
• Support Livelihood Program Manager in implementing activities, organizing meetings and trainings, monitoring of project progress, and selecting value chains for intervention;
• Builds relationships with small businesses, agribusinesses, cooperatives, trade unions and local municipalities to carry out the activities of the project and facilitate access to information related to project activities and scope
• Lead team planning and coordination meetings and trainings with consistent follow-up on the activities assigned by project managers.
• Works closely with the local private sector partners and service contracts to schedule trainings and coordinate with the staff of Concern Worldwide to ensure that all logistical, administrative and financial matters are fulfilled appropriately;
• Leads the selection, assessment, training and business planning for the MSMEs in coordination with the marketing team. S/he will be responsible for the through filing and record keeping of activities;
• Will be responsible to coordinate with MEAL department and communication assistant to plan visibility, case studies and knowledge dissemination.
• Monitor adherence to grant agreement, Concern Worldwide policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations. Facilitate internal Concern Worldwide procurement processes;
• Prepare weekly reports to be submitted to the Livelihood Program Manager. 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 Concern Worldwide and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
• Other assigned tasks, as necessary. 

Representation and Coordination

1. Represent Concern Lebanon at local, regional and national level in regards to meetings with Consortium members, donors, stakeholder and other relevant actors as necessary.
2. Coordinate project activities with other actors and stakeholders in the programme area as necessary.

Work Ethic:

1. Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct.
2. Support and promote the standards outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct to their team, partner and stakeholders and be committed to providing a safe working environment.
3. Behaves in highly professional level, adhering to work ethics, attendance and leave policy while maintaining mutual respect at the work place.

Qualification and Experience:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Business Management, Project Management, international development, will be considered.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive and proven experience in Livelihoods sector working with business support or similar
• Ability to communicate accurately and objectively under high pressure.
• Strong and proven experience of minimum 3 years in private sector or private sector related projects. Experience of working with the government will be an asset.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing. Strong writing skill in Arabic.

• .
• Significant knowledge and understanding of the current political, economic, cultural and historical context of the Tripoli and North Akkar, including prior experience.
• Demonstrated attention to detail; ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently as well as cooperatively with team members. Strong empathy skills and genuine care and respect for needs of others.
• A belief in empowering marginalized and disenfranchised people without any discrimination.
• Proven ability to understand data, data analysis and research.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and values
• Non-judgmental attitude and respect for Concern’s beneficiaries, other staff and people that Concern deals with.