Deadline: 2nd of June 2020
Location: Baghdad, Ninewa, KRI, and Basra
The Iraq Durable Communities and Economic Opportunities (DCEO) is a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) program implemented by Chemonics International in Iraq. DCEO aims to support vulnerable communities to build community resilience against destabilizing factors by increasing their adaptive capacity and economic well-being. The project consists of two objectives. Objective 1, Adaptative capacity of vulnerable communities increased is achieved through two components. Component 1.1 seeks to mitigate drivers of conflict in targeted communities and Component 1.2 seeks to enhance community leadership of inclusive local development. Objective 2, Economic well-being of communities advanced, will rest on the assessments, analysis, foundations, and groundwork of Objective 1.
The anticipated Iraq Business Competitiveness and Job Creation Initiative (BCJCI) Task Order under DCEO Objective 2 will promote sustainable enterprise competitiveness, increase employment, and expand private sector development by working with micro, small, and medium size Iraqi businesses and entrepreneurs. Business counselors will be the face of the project in Iraqi communities, working collaboratively with businesses, entrepreneurs, and relevant associations.
DCEO intends to hire multiple Business Consolers and these positions will be based in the provinces where DCEO will work including Baghdad, Ninawa, Mosul, KRI and Basra. Applicants from those specific locations are encouraged to apply.
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Reporting
The Business Counselors report to the Business Counselor Team Lead.
Responsibilities:
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Works directly and closely with Iraqi businesses to develop business growth plans under the guidance and leadership of the BCJCI Director and other staff.
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Responsible for providing and coordinating technical assistance as requested to small and medium firms for example to improvement of business operations, strategic planning, and/or financial and marketing planning.
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In collaboration with the BCJCI team members and the Technical Advisory Team, identify and track all internal/external constraints facing firms in the area covered by the Business Counselor.
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Provide technical input to identify, select, and manage client relationships and participate in the design and provision of firm-level assistance
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Build relationships and work closely with the business associations to identify and address common firm level constraints
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Coordinating with the DCEO grants team in the management of all local grants and procurement to ensure cohesive activity implementation.
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In coordination with local service providers, provide technical assistance to develop detailed business plans and accounts, as directed by project management.
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Work with firms to prepare them administratively and institutionally for loans programs and access to financing, supported by BCJCI technical expertise
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Coordinate with the DCEO MEL team to incorporate explicit data collection and verification requirements into all agreements and client growth plans, and ensure that these plans set realistic targets and periodic data collection requirements to track key indicators over several years
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In collaboration with other DCEO staff, identify program opportunities amongst MSMEs and potential local partners.
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Undertakes other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in a field related to business, finance, or economic development. DCEO may consider equivalent years of working experience and exceptional skills in lieu of a formal degree.
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Minimum three years direct, demonstrable experience working with or in the Iraq business sector
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Clear understanding of binding constraints at the enterprise (SME) level at the local level
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Experience providing and/or coordinating assistance to reduce constraints to SMEs and support their expansion
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Good knowledge of economic and social dynamics in Iraq
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Knowledge of USAID project management policies, procedures and reporting requirements helpful
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Good English language skills are required, Fluency in Arabic or Kurdish language is also required
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Excellent verbal, written communications, and interpersonal skills
