Chemonics International шукає Business Enabling Environment Advisor (BEE Advisor)

Chemonics International, a global consulting and international development firm, seeks a Business Enabling Environment Advisor (BEE Advisor), long-term position, for the USAID Competitive Economy Program (CEP). CEP is a five-year program funded by the US Agency for International Development. The purpose of CEP is to support startup businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), increase domestic market competition, and support the competitiveness of Ukrainian firms in international markets. CEP achieves these objectives through five components: improve the business-enabling environment and business climate, support emerging industries, promote export capabilities, support WTO participation and compliance, and help lower costs of trade across Ukraine’s borders.

The BEE Advisor will support the implementation of a broad array of program activities related to promoting a business enabling environment in Ukraine that encourages firms, notably small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to invest and grow. This will include engaging government stakeholders at all levels (the Parliament of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, relevant Ministries, and various agencies and institutions) in advancing the business climate reform agenda; providing technical assistance to support the conceptualization and implementation of reforms by government stakeholders, and transformational initiatives by the private sector stakeholders, both of which are needed for business to thrive; and guiding advocacy by businesses, local and industry associations, other NGOs that seek to improve Ukraine’s business enabling environment. The BEE Advisor will also work with the government and other stakeholders to advance international trade and customs-related reforms and initiatives. In coordination with other project teams, the BEE Advisor will support efforts to: improve policy making; develop and implement improved laws and regulations; streamline government systems and processes; facilitate public/private sector consultations; increase transparency and accountability, all guided by the overwhelming goal to help Ukrainian SMEs become more competitive in the domestic and overseas markets.

The BEE Advisor will participate in the development of annual work plans, annual and quarterly reports; prepare information and reference materials in accordance with the needs of the BEE Team and CEP in general; assist in the implementation of administrative measures and preparation of documents related to the organizational and logistical support of BEE Team; provide assistance for the preparation of public events and coordination of grant activities to engage various stakeholders in project activities.

The BEE Advisor will work as a team member to implement strategies related to business enabling environment reforms, which will include close coordination with technical specialists focused on other program components, project leadership, and other teams within the project.

The BEE Advisor’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Contribute input to the CEP senior management team to identify priorities and tasks of the project’s BEE activities;
• Support the implementation of BEE tasks outlined in the project annual work plan, ensuring the interventions are planned and executed in a timely manner. Illustrative tasks include but are not limited to the following:
• Preparing technical scopes of work for short-term consultants.
• Developing requests for applications (RFA) to award grants, and requests for proposals (RFP) to award subcontracts.
• Providing or overseeing technical assistance and support to project beneficiaries and partners (including grantees and subcontractors).
• Conceptualizing project-supported BEE assessments at the national and municipal level.
• Performing analysis of regulatory and operational constraints impacting SMEs’ ability to operate and grow and using the findings to inform CEP’s BEE strategies and interventions.
• Support development of BEE reform roadmaps in consultation with relevant government, private sector, and civil society participation and input.
• Facilitating roundtables of business actors, local authorities and government agencies.
• Identify areas of coordination and collaboration with the Government of Ukraine and donor projects; and
• Advise on the project’s strategic communications activities.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the dialogue between the Government of Ukraine and non-governmental entities (business associations, think tanks, academia, business sector representatives) in support of BEE initiatives;
• Coordinate and oversee assignments of consultants, grantees, and subcontractors relating to BEE;
• Provide written contributions to CEP’s annual work plans; MEL plans and activities; and daily, weekly, quarterly, and annual reporting and planning;
• Inform the project leadership concerning relevant developments in a timely fashion and on an ongoing basis;
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Party, or their designee.

The required and/or preferred qualifications for the BEE Advisor position are:

• University degree in law, economics, or related field. Advanced degree and special training or internships are preferred.
• At least seven years of experience working in Ukraine advising relevant governmental agencies and local authorities, non-governmental (business associations, think tanks, agencies for local development, etc.), donor organizations on BEE reform strategies that promote transparency, fairness, and a level playing field.
• Strong expertise in the field of entrepreneurship development, public policy on SME support, issues impacting SMEs’ ability to operate and grow, knowledge of the relevant programs and legislation.
• Effective cross-cultural interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve higher level work and issues with Ukrainian counterparts, donor representatives, and middle-level USAID staff.
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
• Fluency in Ukrainian and proficiency in English.

Application Instructions:

Please send a CV and brief letter of interest in English indicating related experience and achievements by July 22, 2022 to [email protected]. Please include your name and “BEE Advisor” in the subject line. Please note the position is open for Ukrainian citizens only. Candidates will be reviewed and interviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.