Job Description

Enterprise Development Lead, Rwanda

The anticipated Nguriza Nshore project in Rwanda will facilitate emergence of a dynamic off-farm sector and will strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, business development services and access to finance. By alleviating constraints to entrepreneurship and expanding investment, off-farm businesses will be expanded in both urban and rural environments and will stimulate employment opportunities for rural populations. Nguriza Nshore Activity is a forward-thinking project which is designed for flexibility in response to learning and dynamism in the environment. The project is funded by USAID and is envisioned to start in 2018.

ACDI/VOCA seeks a dynamic, progressive, and private-sector oriented technical component lead who brings proven experience in Rwanda working on enterprise development, entrepreneurship, or business development services (BDS) initiatives to grow small and medium enterprises. The Enterprise Development Lead will be responsible for project’s engagement with a range of entrepreneurship support organizations and BDS providers, both private and public. S/he will lead strategy development and will balance a component management with direct technical assistance and oversight of a team of technical staff. Using a facilitative market systems approach, the Enterprise Development Lead will support the local market and enable the Rwandan private sector to drive its own growth.

The ideal candidate will be familiar with a variety of business models for BDS providers to support SMEs across a range of growth stages and sub-sectors. The individual will have exposure to marketplace realities which include off-farm agriculture and non-farm industries.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide technical leadership and strategy development for the project’s support to entrepreneurship support organizations and BDS providers.
• Form strategic partnerships and alliances that incorporate disadvantaged businesses, particularly ones located in rural areas, into competitive value chains.
• Provide direct technical assistance and advisory services as needed, coordinating closely with potential lenders and investors to enable Rwandan firms to access the finance and investment they need to grow and increase employment.
• Track progress towards core component indicators and learning objectives, and propose strategic adaptations in response to market shifts.
• Engage, collaborate and share international best practices and lessons learned from SME programs with government, financial institutions and business service providers.
• Coordinate with existing programs to expand entrepreneurship initiates, particularly among youth, and create dynamic entrepreneurship support-systems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, finance, marketing, or related area required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the private sector or with development projects, with a strong emphasis on access to finance, entrepreneurship and SME support.
• Expertise in business planning and strategy development; various business models for BDS provision, product pricing, investment, and entrepreneurship development.
• Demonstrated passion for using innovative approaches to solve complex development problems, with practical experience mobilizing and working with diverse teams.
• Knowledge of the landscape of ecosystem actors and understand a range of BDS models and SME services in Rwanda.
• Some prior experience managing small teams preferred, with technical strategy development, activity planning, and relationship building with public and private stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to write coherent and analytical reports.
• Excellent networking and communication skills.
• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda required.

Please apply online at www.acdivoca.org/international-jobs. The applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt, only finalists will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is a n equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.

About the Organization

ACDI/VOCA is an economic development organization that fosters broad-based economic growth, raises living standards, and creates vibrant communities. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA has worked in 146 countries since 1963. Its expertise is in catalyzing investment, climate smart agriculture, empowerment & resilience, institutional strengthening, and market systems. ACDI/VOCA currently has 44 active projects in 30 countries valued at a total of more than $151 million.