Summary
Date Posted: Monday, February 19 2024, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Summary Of The Position
We are seeking a highly experienced and knowledgeable SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) Expert to join our team for duration of the Project Inception Phase. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supporting SME development, including providing technical assistance and capacity building support to entrepreneurs and small business owners, especially SMEs owned by women, and other marginalized groups. Experience working in Africa is essential, while previous work experience in Zambia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be considered an asset.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide expert guidance and support to help design interventions aimed at SMEs in areas such as business planning, financial management, market analysis, and access to finance.
• Conduct needs assessments and develop tailored capacity-building programs to address the specific challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs in DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia.
• Facilitate consultations with SMEs in all 3 target countries aimed at understanding their entrepreneurial skills and business acumen. In parallel, develop a network of potential MSMEs that would be interested in participating in this project.
• Collaborate with local business support organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to develop activities aimed at strengthening the ecosystem for SME development across all 3 target countries.
• Develop a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to help the project assess the impact of interventions on SME growth and performance across all 3 target countries.

Job Requirements
• Master’s degree in Economics, Business, or another relevant field
• 10+ years’ experience designing, implementing and advising MSMEs in Africa, expertise in DRC, Mozambique and Zambia considered an asset.
• Experience of designing tools and mechanisms to support MSMEs development.
• Knowledge of value chain analysis\, trade facilitation and the AfCFTA.
• Experience of working with bodies representing MSMEs.
• Understanding of Global Affairs Canada programs desirable.
• Strong understanding of business development concepts and best practices for MSMEs to access national and regional value chains.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments and build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in French and/or Portuguese is a plus.
• Willingness to travel within the region, as needed.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 120

Level of Education: Associate Degree

Job application procedure
Candidates are encouraged to apply by March 13th, 2024.
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

• About Us
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.
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