Вакансія: SME Specialist

The Investment for Business Resilience Activity (formerly known as the Financial Sector Reform Activity) in Ukraine is a five-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and managed by DAI Global LLC (DAI). The purpose of the activity is to transform the country’s financial sector into a sophisticated, well-functioning, competitive market that is aligned with European Union (EU) standards and integrated into international financial systems. This transformation will mobilize private finance for sustained economic growth in Ukraine.

 The FSR is looking for candidates to fill in the SME SPECIALIST position.

 PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: 

The  Investment for Business Resilience Activity  (IBRA) is seeking to hire several SME and Business Specialists that will provide the technical management of a co-investment grants program to support private sector enterprises (PSEs) to increase sales, increase exports and provide job opportunities in Ukraine.  IBRA is looking for professionals that have experience in providing financing, business support, consulting services to private Ukrainian businesses. The role of the Specialists is to identify Ukrainian business with high growth potential, analyze applications and business plans submitted to the co-investment grants program, engage shortlisted applicants to improve plans and identify their needs. The Specialists will also monitor business performance, maintain regular contact to provide support and ensure the accuracy of reports and data they provide. The SME Specialists will also work closely with IBRA’s Financial Sector Intermediation team to engage financial institutions to assist in identifying and referring their clients to the program. The SME Specialists are expected to establish relationships with business associations, chambers of commerce, and government and donor business support programs and other relevant organizations to identify businesses for the grants program.

 IBRA is seeking at two to three SME Specialists. IBRA is interested in the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. While it does not have a strict sectoral focus, sectors of interest include those that have existing of high future export potential (e.g. agri-business, food processing), that contribute to the resilience and rebuilding of Ukraine (manufacturing, tools, construction, ICT, energy), and can absorb returning Ukrainian citizens (ICT, business services, commerce, health).  

 OBJECTIVES AND DUTIES: 

• Assist IBRA team in marketing the co-investment grants program and solicitation, including through financial institutions, chambers of commerce, business support programs and other organizations to identify and engage with high potential businesses. Work with the IBRA Financial Sector intermediation team to establish and implement a business referral system with financial institutions to identify high potential businesses. 
• Review business applicants to co-investment grants program, evaluating business proposals and identifying the strongest applicants.
• Conduct in person and/or virtual discussions with businesses assess viability of their plans, determine ability to achieve the results proposed and contribute to achieving IBRA’s targets and other evaluation criteria. Identify any pro-conditions to co-investment grant funding.
• Work with business applicants to develop clear, strong short plans on the use of performance-based co-investment grants to increase sales, exports or increase job opportunities in Ukraine. Identify weakness or opportunities that can be addressed and the specific activities needed to do so. With the business help establish milestones or targets for performance-based payments.
• Work with the IBRA grants team to prepare recommendations for USAID approval.
• Manage and oversee a portfolio of business grantees, maintaining regular contact and tracking progress. Review and analyze reports and performance data from business grantees to verify for accuracy. 
• Provide direct advice and support to help business grantees achieve their goals. Help them identify the consulting or other services that they require. Connect businesses to needed service and business opportunities. Identify potential sales and exports opportunities for grantees or co-investment grant applicants.
• Propose strong-performing grantees for increases in award size or larger follow-on grants.  
• Provide regular feedback to IBRA leadership and the Senior Grants Manager on how to adapt co-investment grants program to improve outcomes and efficiency.  Provide regular feedback to the IBRA on policy, legal and regulatory issues that constrain grantees’ ability to grow and create jobs. 
• Work with IBRA Communications Team to develop press releases, stories, case studies, videos and other material on supported businesses, working with businesses to secure the needed information, Support the Monitoring and Evaluation Team to conduct portfolio impact surveys and studies. 
• Perform other related duties as required.

 QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must have an advanced degree in one of the following areas: finance, economics, management, finance/corporate law, and audit or in a speciality linked to a business sector (e.g. agriculture, ICT, engineering). 
• At least 5 years of professional experience working in or with Ukrainian businesses in a management or management consulting capacity. 
• Experience in preparing, developing and implementing business plans, marketing and sales strategies or plans. 
• Experience with development projects similar in scope either directly or as a consultant or beneficiary is an advantage. 
• Proven experience building linkages among private sector businesses.
• Knowledge of Ukraine’s private, government and donor business support landscape, including management consulting firms, business and export support projects and chambers of commerce is an advantage.  
• Solid and persuasive interpersonal and communication skills.
• Language requirements are as follows:
  • Fluency in Ukrainian
  • English level III (General working proficiency) Reading/Writing/Speaking. Preference will be given to the candidates with English level IV (Fluent). 
• Highly skilled in Microsoft Office suite products (Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams).

 Please submit Cover Letter and CV to [email protected] by December 30, 2023.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.