Technical Advisor MSME Promotion

1. Required qualifications, competences and experience

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field of work (economics, social sciences, political science or equivalent)

Professional experience

• A minimum of 7 years of experience of working in the field of private sector development, MSME promotion, business planning, business management, market intelligence, value chains, business linkages, certification, access to finance etc.
• Experience in supporting BDS providers for MSME, including capacity development
• Knowledge of instruments of MSME promotion, business planning, value chain promotion, certification, access to finance etc.
• 3 years of experience in international development cooperation
• Knowledge of and experience in project management
• Ability to interact with public and private decision-makers and business managers
• Ability to facilitate discussion forums and expert meetings
• Fluency in writing, reading and speaking in English and Arabic, Knowledge of German language will be an advantage
• Strong communication and management skills

Other knowledge, additional competences

• Detailed knowledge of the national economy, economic sectors and the national and international business community
• Social, intercultural understanding and interest, flexibility, ability to work in a team, sense of diplomacy, ability to work in a politically sensitive environment
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment, both independently and as part of a team
• Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high quality work products
• Willingness to up-skill as required by the tasks to be performed – corresponding measures will be agreed with management
• Computer literacy (MS Windows: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams and Internet)

2. Responsibilities

The position holder is responsible for:

• Implementation of Output 3 “Improving the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in selected economic sectors” in close coordination with the Head of Component 3
• Budgeting, operational planning, administration and controlling of the interventions in Output 3 in close collaboration with the Head of Component 3
• Ensuring the achievement of project objectives, proper monitoring and reporting of project outcomes against project indicators in the area of MSME promotion (Output 3) in close collaboration with the Head of Component 3
• Cooperation management in Component 3, establishment of partnerships and financial agreements with local partner organisations, creation of a support network of public and private support institutions, in close collaboration with the Head of Component 3
• Establishing synergies and ensuring good collaboration with other field of activities within the project, as well as with relevant projects under the GIZ umbrella and those of other donors.
• Supporting the development of information and communication products
• Contributing to innovation and knowledge management.

In this context, the position holder fulfils the following tasks:

3. Tasks

1. Scope of Tasks

The tasks include, but are not limited, to the following activities:

• Supporting the development of assessment studies in the sector selection process, specifically with regard to the identification of economic growth potentials and future perspectives for MSME promotion, in close coordination with the manager responsible for Output 1.
• Supporting the identification of support measures to strengthen MSME in selected sectors and regions (to improve product development, quality management, certification, digitalization, technology transfer, business linkages and integration in national and international value chains etc.)
• Identifying possible partner organisations capable of developing and implementing the identified MSME support measures
• Preparation and management of delegation agreements with selected partner organisations
• Identifying and contracting international short-term experts for the development of specific training measures or advisory services
• Supporting partner organizations in developing business models for offering business development services (BDS)
• Developing and disseminating of good practices for effective and sustainable MSME support measures
• Initiating and facilitating dialogue formats with public and private institutions to improve framework conditions for MSME promotion in the selected sectors and regions

Description of project: The aim of the project is to improve the employment situation of young Lebanese adults, women and people with disabilities in selected pilot regions (Beirut and Mount Lebanon).  

The project has 3 outputs: 

1. employment potentials for young adults, and women and people with disabilities are identified.   
2. employability of young adults, women and people with disabilities is improved. 
3. the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in selected employment-relevant sectors is improved.