Micro Enterprise Support Officer - Beirut

Job Description

The Microenterprise Support Officer will be responsible for leading efforts to support existing employers and new micro-entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, acquire skills and gain access to finance.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Microenterprise Support Officer, the Microenterprise Support Officer (MES Officer) will:

Major Responsibilities

General Responsibilities:

- Support the Microenterprise Support Senior Officer in developing detailed activity plans in line with program objectives, ensuring that those plans are implemented and any expected delays and/or modifications are communicated and raised in a timely manner with the Senior Microenterprise support officer. - Outreach for the Microenterprise Support program in Mount Lebanon. - Support in Outreach activities when needed in Akkar, Wadi Khaled and T5 region. - Support micro-entrepreneurs to write business plans and other forms for participating in the IRC cash grant application process. - Provide training sessions and Business Development Services/business coaching to micro-entrepreneurs/ERD program beneficiaries with the support of partners or external consultants. - Ensure effective and proper follow-up on supported businesses and startups In coordination with the Senior Microenterprise Support Officer, suggest amendments to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for microenterprise support, as needed. - Produce statistics and reports, as and when required. - Identify opportunities for program development and communicate these to Senior Microenterprise Support Officer. - Ensure proper documentation for the program, including documentation of success stories. - Coordinate with IRC Communications team to ensure visibility of microenterprise support program. - Provide support in preparing for and being present during donor visits. - Provide support in Private sector mapping and other support related to funding opportunities and proposal applications. - Support and conduct field visits to other Micro Enterprises in T5, Akkar and Wadi Khaled if needed. - Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Support to Existing Employers:

- Conduct assessments to determine challenges, gaps, and support needs of local vendors and MSMEs. - Carry out assessments and analyze data to determine specific interventions that would help businesses better manage day to day needs and support overall growth. - With the support of Senior Microenterprise Support Officer r, identify targeted business skills and financial management training needs of ERD program beneficiaries (including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise). - With the support of Senior Microenterprise Support Officer identify, adapt, develop relevant training materials and corresponding monitoring tools. - Ensure appropriate supervision of trainings delivered by Micro Finance Institutions (MFI) partner. - Participate in designing and leading the collection and analysis of data on relevant trainings and any follow up with participants.

Support to New Entrepreneurs:

- Coordinate entrepreneur referrals from other departments. - Adjust support models based on feedback from SMEs and monitoring information.

Professional Standards:

All IRC staff are required to adhere to THE IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct and the IRC country employment policies.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Senior Microenterprise Support Officer

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Other MEAL staff, Cash, others.

External: Partner staff

Qualifications

Education:

- University Degree in Business Management, Marketing, Accounting, or a related field. - Postgraduate degree is an advantage, but it is not required.

Work Experience:

- 2-3 years of experience working with or in the private sector. - Previous experience in the areas of microfinance, business planning or business management is a plus.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

- Knowledge of private sector situation/networks in Lebanon. - Public speaking and presentation skills. - Good organizational and time management skills. - Strong project planning and strategic design skills. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Word and Excel) and web-based applications.

Language Skills:

- Fluent in oral and written Arabic with strong English skills.

Travel and other requirements: Staff will be based in Achrafieh-HQ with frequent travel will be required to the other field office in Akkar and Wadi Khaled.