Business Development Advisor

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Beirut

CONTEXT

IECD (Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement) is an international solidarity non-governmental organization founded in 1988, operating in the field of social and economic development in partnership with local institutions. IECD’s main sectors of action are vocational training and professional integration, assistance to micro and small enterprises and access to education and health for the most vulnerable. In Lebanon, IECD has been operating since 1989, and has been leading projects throughout the whole country.

The Entrepreneurship projects aim at supporting micro and small enterprises in Lebanon (farm and non-farm sectors) to develop their business idea and/or to scale their business project.

SDA is supporting entrepreneurs through the FLOURISH project – Fostering Local Opportunities, Urban and Rural Initiatives for Sustainable Horizons with the main objective to Promote the economic empowerment of farmers & entrepreneurs through improved knowledge, skills, and enhanced market linkages.

The project aims at:

• Entrepreneurship promotion and business development for micro, small and medium enterprises in both farm and non-farm sectors. Support farmers and beekeepers to adopt agroecological practices.
• Provide entrepreneurs with entrepreneurship knowledge and skills to develop and maintain their business.
• Supporting the transition toward agroecology practices (farming and beekeeping) and adopt agroecological practices.
• Support entrepreneurs (farm and non-farm sectors) in accessing new markets and financing opportunities.

This project is currently implemented in the South, North and Beirut Mount Lebanon regions with the aim to extend to other areas with the outreach of new entrepreneurs (farm and non-farm sectors) requiring support.

MISSION

Under the Entrepreneurship Program, Semeurs d’Avenir seeks to have on board a Business Development Advisor (BDA) to effectively implement the project. Under the responsibility of the project manager, the BDA shall be responsible for the training & coaching program including tasks related to the selection of the entrepreneurs, communication with external trainers involved in the project, as well as ensuring the implementation and monitoring of project activities.

Under the responsibility of the project manager of, the Business Development Advisor will be responsible for the following:

1/ Trainings program and selection of entrepreneurs

• In coordination with the project manager, organize trainings plan according to the project action plan
• Master the content of the training sessions for Level 1 (Basic Management training and Skills for your Business), Level 2 (advanced level) as well as the specialized training
• Manage the external consultants/vacataire for the implementation of the training and events (logistics, follow-up…)
• Organise the logistics and coordination of all training and ensure its success
• Responsible to adapt training material to keep the training content relevant and up to date
• When needed deliver Level 1 (Basic management training or Skills for your Business) and Level 2 training program
• Ensure that all training reporting and data is collected in a timely manner

2/ Recruitment of the entrepreneurs

Prospection, identification, and selection process of potential Entrepreneurs:

• Introduce the program to the local authorities, organizations and stakeholders together with the project manager when relevant
• Coordinate with other organizations and stakeholders to outreach micro- entrepreneurs and startups and facilitate the implementation of the project activities
• Organise the outreach of entrepreneurs through different channels: social media with the communication team, thru other projects and external partners together with the project coordinator
• Validate the final selection list with project manager prior to launching the training

3/ Follow up and Coaching, peer-to-peer exchange

• Set up a clear follow-up/coaching plan (during and after the training phase) in coordination with the project manager
• Implement entrepreneurs coaching activities and record all the data required on the set monitoring tool.
• Collect qualitative and quantitative data on project performance and impact on entrepreneurs and recommend needed improvement.

4/ Public relations and networking

• In collaboration with the project coordinate identify potential partners (associations, local authorities, community influencers, mayors etc.) to support the project manager in building a network of partners
• Visit municipalities, NGOs, and key stakeholders to promote the project, explain the activities implemented and ensure linkages when recommended

6/ Monitoring and Evaluation and reporting

• Responsible to submit regular activity training reports and bi-monthly activity report
• Collect quantitative and qualitative data in accordance with the project logframe
• Responsible to fill in and update the internal M&E tools and the database on salesforce in coordination with the project coordinator
• In charge to conduct entrepreneurship assessment when needed
• Participate upon request to provide all necessary information requested by the Donors
• Provide all information needed to proceed with the procurement process for the in-kind grants in collaboration with the project coordinator

PROFILE / EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s or higher in Business, Economics, or any other relevant major and/or Professional experience in the relevant field of focus for this position.

EXPERIENCE:

• 3 to 5 years including at least 3 years experience in project implementation whether in the private, public or in national/international organization
• Proven experience in business develepment support project or in an incubator/accelerator
• Previous experience in Agriculture Entrepreneurship support is a plus

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills
• Strong motivation to work on the field with various profiles of beneficiaries and partners
• Adaptability and excellent listening skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Show initiative and be able to work independently, self responsible and strong autonomy
• Good organizational skills,
• Fluent in Arabic language and high proficiency of English and/or French
• Good command of pack office

CONDITIONS

Under the supervision and report to: Project manager Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Agriculture

Position based in Beirut with regular trips in the country

Position dates: as soon as possible for a period of 1 year, renewable contingent of performance and project budget

Salary range: 1500-2000 USD

We offer reasonable accommodation for the person with disability depending on the individual’s needs

CONTACT

Fill the application form and upload your CV and Cover letter.