The client has received USAID’s award, which is a five-year project designed to expand economic opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including in Newly Merged Districts (NMDs). The client will promote sustainable economic growth by improving agriculture sector capacity and supporting allied MSMEs in the agriculture & non-agriculture sectors.
Qualification & Experience:
• A university degree in business management, business administration, , development studies, international development or relations, economics or related field
• A minimum of five (05) years of experience of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) development and MSME grants management
• A minimum of eight (08) years of experience of working on MSME development in rural/ underdeveloped areas
• A minimum of five (05) years of experience in market and/or rural development, access to finance (both micro and SME), SME accelerators or business development services, and/or other forms of consulting or operational experience with SMEs will be preferred
• Good understanding of the economic and operational context of KP and NMDs and past experience of working in the area will be preferred
• Experience of working with the USAID funded economic growth/livelihood development and or grants programs will be preferred.
• Strong computer skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Spoken Urdu and Pashto is desirable
Job description
• Lead the implementation of activities under Component 2 i.e. Micro- and small businesses promoted by strengthening MSMEs in both farm and non-farm sectors
• Work closely with the MSME and Private Sector Specialist to deliver interventions pertaining to engagement and development of MSMEs and private sector in the NMDs;
• Planning and overseeing relevant district staff to ensure successful implementation of all activities planned under Component 2;
• Work closely with MSME and Private Sector Specialist to develop and
ensure the implementation of work plans for all activities under Component 2;
• Liaise with relevant GoKP departments, SMEDA, private sector actors (Market/Cluster associations, Chambers of Commerce and Industry), banks/financial services providers, business development service providers, and other private sector stakeholders to keep them engaged in project design and updated on project achievements;
• Manage consultations and engagement with banking and credit service providers and facilitate their entry in untapped NMD markets;
• Work with the PPP Specialist to facilitate outreach to MSMEs regarding relevant project interventions;
• Work closely with the Grants Manager to guide development of a responsive Grants Manual, designing of grants products and smooth implementation of grants support activities;
• Work closely with Component 1 (Agriculture sector capacity enhanced and modernized through strengthening of agriculture production resources) team to ensure successful implementation of MSMEs development activities.