MSME Programme Support Consultant

Consultant Programme & Policy

Overview

Support MSME development through training and event planning initiatives.

You have:

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Marketing, Communication, Event Management, Information Technology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of practical experience encompassing project coordination, program administration, and program management assistance.
• A solid understanding of entrepreneurship ecosystems and key stakeholders, particularly in the Arab region.
• Strong ability to coordinate multiple workstreams, manage timelines and resources.
• Attention to detail and the capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines are required.
• Fluency in English is required and knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Contract

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Result of Service

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of the ESCWA Technology Centre, the MSME Programme Support Consultant will play a pivotal role in supporting MSME development through coordinated training, digital platform facilitation, and strategic event planning. The consultant will ensure timely delivery of curricula and toolkits, monitor project progress, and manage logistics for both virtual and in-person sessions. They will facilitate MSME onboarding onto the eCAP platform, gather user feedback, and support participation in regional and global events. Additionally, the role includes support organizing policy dialogues, maintaining financial and project documentation, contributing to donor reporting, and enhancing project visibility through targeted communications and outreach efforts.

Work Location

Remote / Hybrid Amman

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), through its Technology Centre (ETC), is leading a portfolio of initiatives aimed at accelerating the digital transformation and internationalization of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Arab region. These efforts include two flagship projects—the Regional Training Programme on Green Technologies & Business Models, BRI and eCAP initiatives—which provide tailored e-commerce training, digital toolkits, and access to regional marketplaces and events. In addition, ESCWA is implementing complementary activities such as the Arab SMEs Summit (ASMES) and interactive knowledge-sharing toolboxes. The MSME Programme Support Consultant will play a key role in supporting the coordination and execution of these interconnected efforts, all designed to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth among MSMEs. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Executive Director of The ESCWA Technology Centre (ETC). In particular, the consultant will be tasked to do the following: 1. Support the development of training curricula and toolkits focused on e-commerce, formalization, and internationalization for MSMEs. 2. Monitor project deliverables and timelines by maintaining tracking tools, compiling progress updates, and supporting reporting processes. 3. Ensure effective logistical support for virtual and in-person training sessions, including MSME outreach, venue coordination, and participant communications. 4. Facilitate MSME onboarding onto the eCAP digital platform and assist in collecting and analysing user feedback to improve platform functionality. 5. Coordinate MSME participation in regional and global events such as the Arab SMEs Summit, including travel arrangements, registration, and post-event documentation. 6. Arrange national and regional policy dialogue events and technical assistance missions for government stakeholders. 7. Coordinate efforts related to the development and maintenance of the regional e-commerce platform, including stakeholder engagement and usability testing. 8. Deliver monthly newsletters that highlight success stories and impactful initiatives in the field of green technologies. 9. Prepare financial records, while contributing to substantive donor reporting requirements. 10. Maintain project documentation and assist in drafting interim and final reports, ensuring proper archiving and accessibility of materials. 11. Perform outreach activities, including content preparation for social media, and the DEPAR platform, to enhance project visibility and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications/special skills

A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Marketing, Communication, Event Management, Marketing, Communication, Event Management, Information Technology, or a related field. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 6 years of practical experience encompassing project coordination, program administration, program management assistance, and other relevant fields closely associated with the role is required. A solid understanding of entrepreneurship ecosystems and key stakeholders, particularly in the Arab region, including the challenges faced by SMEs and startups, and the opportunities available to them, especially in areas such as capacity building, coaching, B2B matchmaking, and digital transformation is required. Strong ability to coordinate multiple workstreams, manage timelines and resources, and support effective planning, prioritization, and execution of project activities. Attention to detail and the capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines are required. Adaptability to changing tasks, roles, and responsibilities in dynamic work environments is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency of English is required and knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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Added 8 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: careers.un.org