SME Business Development Advisor (LICA 8)

The goal of this job function is to support SME business development initiatives through project coordination, capacity-building, and monitoring activities.

Mbabane, Eswatini

One year, with possibility of extension.

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization for trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries. The Green and Inclusive Value Chains (GIVC) section in ITC provides products and services knowledge and advice for sustainable market-driven solutions. In sector development programmes, ITC helps developing country stakeholders and poor communities turn opportunities in emerging markets into an actual sustainable new business with higher incomes and increased employment along value chains. The Eswatini Government identifies agriculture as one of the main drivers of growth and jobs as stipulated in the Eswatini National Development Strategy and Vision 2022 and developed the Economic Recovery Plan 2020 which identifies the private sector as an engine for economic growth. The ITC is supporting the Eswatini Government to achieve its development objectives through the implementation of three interconnected projects with major focus on the development of agriculture and agri-business value chains, the Eswatini projects are designed to achieve two key outcomes: (1) adopting and implementing business-friendly, inclusive and responsible national policies and legal frameworks, and (2) strengthening productive, processing, promoting and marketing capabilities and selected value chains. The Actions are funded from 11th European Development Fund (EDF) EA-SA-IO Regional Indicative Programme through a specific partner country window. The programme is implemented following the Alliances for Action (A4A) approach. The A4A is an ITC initiative to establish a network that transforms food systems and advances the Sustainable Development Goals through producer partnerships that cultivate ethical, climate smart, sustainable agricultural value chains. With A4A, ITC aims at achieving resilience and growth for farmers and MSMEs through more mindful and responsible trade, production and consumption systems and improved opportunities to compete on a global market. This includes building resilience and competitiveness of MSMEs and enabling sustainable market linkages and value addition. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the Eswatini Programme Manager and in close collaboration with the National Operations Manager, the SME Business Development Advisor will be responsible for the following duties: • Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation, coordination of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation, including capacity development activities of SMEs, BSOs and Financial institutions (Fis); reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. • Provides substantive support for coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies. • Assists in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change. • Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions. • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. partnership agreements, draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc. • Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc. • Provide coordination support on capacity development activities delivered by external consultants, experts and development partners focusing on (but not limited to) the following: Value addition, Processing; Product and market development, Implementation of quality standards and food safety requirements, Business skills, Access to finance/investment • Assist in gathering feedback through stakeholder engagement and identify scope for improvement following project activities. • Performs other duties as required. Copyright : The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required.

EDUCATION: A first-level university degree in agribusiness, business administration, management, economics or a related field. Note: An advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in agribusiness, business administration, management, economics or a related field may be accepted in lieu of relevant professional work experience. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of two (2) years of experience in project/programme management, administration or related area. Experience with development projects in Eswatini is desirable. Experience working with international organizations is desirable. Experience in leather sector is desirable. Experience in projects related to rural infrastructure or rangeland management is desirable. Experience in MSME and/or value chain development is desirable COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Fluency in English is required.

This vacancy is open for nationals of Eswatini. This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station.