SME Expert

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: SME Expert
Sector: International Trade
Position Type: Full time; Short term
Duration/Level of Effort: Up to 6 months
Position Location: In-Person/remote with travel to Zambia, DRC, and Mozambique


SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The “Facilitating Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Trade” (FIRST) project aims to improve economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa that is inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and that empowers women, youth, PWD and/or other vulnerable and marginalized groups by implementing a series of interrelated interventions which support the Ministries of Trade and Commerce, trade-related institutions and MSMEs (particularly women Small Scale Cross Border Traders (SSCBTs) and MSMEs led by women and marginalized groups) in the DRC, Mozambique, and Zambia. FIRST will work with the Ministries of Trade and Commerce and trade-related institutions to ensure an inclusive approach to the development and implementation of trade and investment policies. In parallel, FIRST will improve access to the socioeconomic benefits of environmentally sustainable and inclusive trade and investment by improving the enabling environments at border crossings and strengthening the ability of MSMEs and SSCBTs to adapt and leverage new national/regional trade and investment opportunities. Finally, by improving the knowledge and skills of research institutions to gather, analyze and utilize gender-sensitive and environmentally sustainable trade-related data and evidence, the Project will provide a source of data and evidence to assist policymakers with the development of inclusive trade and investment agreements, while also providing the information needed by women-led MSMEs and SSCBTs to conduct cross-border trade along the Beira Corridor.


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.

APPLICATION PROCESS
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 the Organization

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.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.