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Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Senior Specialist

Background 

The Libya Economic Acceleration Project (LEAP/Aqfuz) is a newly awarded USAID program implemented by Chemonics International. The goal of the program is to promote inclusive private sector-led growth throughout southern Libya, increasing economic resilience while putting new future opportunities in reach for a diverse group of stakeholders. LEAP/Aqfuz will enhance entrepreneurship skills, provide firm-level assistance, provide technical and vocational training, and strengthen the capacity of business development service providers. LEAP/Aqfuz will implement activities based around four primary objectives:  

• Objective 1: Strengthen Entrepreneurship Skills and Opportunities  
• Objective 2: Improve Productivity of MSMEs 
• Objective 3: Increase Vocational and Technical Training with a Focus on Market Demands 

• Objective 4: Increase BDS for MSMEs in all Life Cycle Phases 

Reporting 

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Advisor reports to the MSME and Business Development Specialist (BDS) Lead.  

Responsibilities:  

The MSME Advisor will spearhead the delivery of firm-level assistance to Libyan MSMEs under LEAP’s Objective 2, above. The MSME Advisor will spearhead LEAP’s delivery of firm-level assistance to Libyan MSMEs. The Advisor will leverage his/her private sector networks to identify MSMEs eligible for LEAP assistance. Once identified, the Advisor will conduct a firm-level feasibility assessment to understand the main constraints preventing the enterprise from growing and develop a partnership agreement to alleviate those constraints, increase MSME revenue, and promote job creation. In addition to leading the project’s approach to firm-level assistance, the Advisor will coordinate with LEAP teams (including MEL, grants, and communications), project partners, and other private sector stakeholders to ensure that LEAP assistance creates the maximum benefit for Libyan MSMEs.  

Firm-level Assistance 

• Work closely with the MSME and BDS Lead to design and implement activities with a high degree of technical quality, with a particular focus on the development and expansion of MSMEs 

• Identify and assess the needs and growth potential of Libyan MSMEs that are eligible for LEAP assistance, including through networking and cold calling 
• Develop a robust portfolio of partner MSMEs with strong growth potential 
• Finalize partnerships agreements between LEAP and Libyan MSMEs leading to job creation and MSME growth 
• Provide direct technical assistance to MSMEs to improve their productivity as described in partnerships agreements with LEAP 
• Maintain daily communication with MSME partners, private sector stakeholders, and the broader economic growth ecosystem in Libya 

• As needed, conduct research and analysis on the constraints preventing MSME growth, employability, workforce development, and other relevant factors impacting private sector competitiveness in Fezzan 
• Track and monitor the progress of each firm in close collaboration with the project’s MEL team, and assess the adoption/impact of competitiveness enhancement recommendations made at the firm-level 

Coordination 

• Develop and maintain a strong network within the private sector ecosystem in Fezzan, including MSMEs, business development service providers, chambers of commerce, donors, and other stakeholders 

• Collaborate with LEAP partners, including BDS providers, microfinance institutions, chambers of commerce, and others to proactively identify MSMEs eligible for LEAP assistance 
• Support the design and implementation of job matchmaking events, road shows, and other project activities to maintain a steady pipeline of MSMEs eligible for LEAP assistance 
• Work closely with the MSME and BDS Lead, Deputy Chief of Party, and LEAP grants team to solicit assistance from local organizations, select partners, and manage grants/sub-awards 
• Remain abreast of developments within the private sector economy and donor support to MSMEs to avoid duplication and leverage support to improve MSME competitiveness  
• Contribute substantively to project MEL and progress reporting requirements  

Undertake other duties as assigned by supervisor.  

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree or greater, preferably in a field related to business or economic development 

• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience, preferably in a technical advisory or program design role or similar on large scale USAID- or other donor-funded programs 
• Direct, demonstrable experience working with or in the Libyan private sector 
• Clear understanding of binding constraints at the enterprise (MSME) level in a localized manner 
• Experience providing technical advice and support to MSMEs and/or managing programs to reduce constraints to MSMEs and support their expansion 
• Previous experience managing technical staff and integrating work in a team environment 
• Detailed knowledge economic, political, social, and cultural dynamics in Sabha and the Fezzan region of Libya 
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to motivate staff, partners, and others 
• Knowledge of USAID project management policies, procedures, and reporting requirements helpful 
• Fluency in English and Arabic language, both oral and written, required 

To Apply: Please submit your CV to LEAPjobs@chemonics.com

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