Business Development and private sector (BDPS) Advisor

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Building on 60 years of experience we support our partners with our technical and process expertise and methodological rigour. We do this in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. By being adaptable and tailoring our approaches to these different contexts, we can contribute to impact at scale, resulting in more equitable lives for all.

To delve deeper into SNV’s initiatives, explore our website at www.snv.org.

Context and purpose of the job

The Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) program, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and implemented by SNV, supports innovative, inclusive business models that engage and benefit low-income populations in Cambodia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Zambia. This program operates a challenge fund to identify and support promising innovations that contribute to poverty reduction and inclusive development in these countries.

The Business Development and Private Sector (BDPS) Advisor is part of the Ethiopia SNV Country Organisation and the IAP Program Management Unit. The BDPS Advisor will be responsible for partnering with IAP country teams on work related to the development and operationalisation of strategies and advisory services, including the identification of possible delivery partners, assessments, training in thematic areas (innovation, inclusion, gender equality, and environmental impact) and monitoring of business development services during project implementation. The BDPS Advisor will also support grantees of the Challenge Fund in accessing knowledge and relationships with BDS services both in-country and globally.

Main Responsibilities:

• Conduct direct outreach through organizations and networks, marketing the Challenge Fund through relevant stakeholders, including enterprise development and investment ecosystems, industry associations, and BDS providers
• Ensure that the Challenge Fund outreach methodology is targeting appropriate private sector players as per country contexts
• Lead IAP’s advisory offering and BDS ecosystem advancement in operational countries     .
• Expand advisory support to meet a wider variety of grantee needs, including increased inclusive business practices, gender equality, and marketing & distribution support.
• Support the development and delivery of innovative products and services, business growth, and opportunities for People Living in Poverty (PLIP).
• Ensure training and mentoring to local BDS providers to support the growth of IAP grantees and other businesses takes place
• Lead the pilot of the investment readiness tracking tool in coordination with the investment readiness unit
• Play an active role in national, regional, and global dialogues about enterprise development approaches.
• Build and support networks of local BDS providers, including training and intensive mentoring on inclusive business and marketing & distribution support.
• Work closely with networks to identify capable providers for other areas of support, upskilling these providers as needed.
• Coordinate support for grantees and the development of BDS providers, focusing on sustainability and decreasing IAP support over time.
• Support grantees in developing Terms of Reference (TORs) and identifying and assessing relevant BDS providers.
• Collaborate with partners to develop a training and mentoring program for a small number of BDS providers, preparing them to support business growth more effectively.
• As and when needed, serve as a Deputy to the Multi-Country Project Manager.

Additional related tasks as from time to time directed by Line Manager

Qualifications and competencies:

• Master’s degree (Proficiency level equivalent) in relevant technical discipline and (minimum 6 years) relevant experience in development work, project management and sector(s) in an international, multiple country context.
• At least 3 years of work experience managing a team.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to gain insights into situations, problems, and processes by systematically deconstructing issues and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the context.
• Experience working with private sector and BDS ecosystem
• Demonstrated ability to work with teams by fostering cooperation to achieve objectives, set goals and priorities, assess required actions, make decisive decisions, analyze and solve problems systematically, and take proactive measures to meet or exceed objectives.
• Setting high quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Interest in private sector development and in the fight against poverty and inequality
• Initiative and creativity in solving problems
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and with the team
• High degree of initiative, flexibility, reliability, discretion, and willingness to learn
• Good oral and written communication skills in English
• Solid computer skills in MS-applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Internet, etc.)
• Knowledge of SAP by Design and Sharepoint is an added advantage

Contract Type: National

Expected start date:  October 1st, 2024.

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Contract Duration: Two years with the possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability.

How to Apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation before/on the 12th of August 2024. Please submit your application only via: Smart Recruiters/I’m interested. All information will be in the strictest confidence.

If we see that your experience and skills match the requirements of the position, we will contact you to advise you of the next steps in the recruitment process.

SNV is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Working at SNV  

SNV offers a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from and contribute to, an internal and global network of experts.

Vetting

SNV carries out rigorous background and reference checks concerning possible safeguarding incidents for all candidates applying for International determined positions. As SNV participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a request to past employers to fill in a questionnaire regarding Misconduct (sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment), the “Statement of Conduct“. This Statement of Conduct adopts the definitions used in the Scheme.