Program Director of SME Capacitation Program and Business Plan Competition, Benin

Title: Program Director of SME Capacitation Program and Business Plan Competition, Benin
Reporting Unit/Supervisor: Regional Director for West and Southern Africa (WSA)
Location: Cotonou, Benin

I. TECHNOSERVE BACKGROUND:

TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.

II. POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Program Director will lead a team of 2-6 staff to implement a business plan competition and SME capacitation support program that will reach 500 SMEs in Benin.  The program, funded by an international donor, seeks to improve the economy of Benin through a comprehensive economic development program.  The SME support program is one pillar of this broader initiative.  The donor seeks, through the program, to create a cohort of strong, growing SMEs that will support the contributions to the overall economy.  The donor expects participating businesses to increase their no. of employees, attract investment from commercial sources and to increase their revues through the program.  During the three year program, the staff will run two cycles of competitions to identify promising entrepreneurs.  The best entrepreneurs will then receive one year of intensive post-competition support to implement their business plans. 

The position availability is contingent on TechnoServe winning the tender for this project; however, the proposed project director will be named in the proposal.  Anticipated start date for the project is estimated March 2014.

III. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Program Director will ensure that the following activities are undertaken either directly or through direct reports:

BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION

• Implement a marketing campaign in the target geography
• Develop a strategy for identification of and outreach to entrepreneurs in the target geography
• Schedule and lead workshops to socialize the program with potential entrepreneurs
• Field questions on the program for interested entrepreneurs
• Organize and execute networking events
• Manage all logistics related to program workshops and events

POST-COMPETITION SME CAPACITATION

• Evaluate competency of entrepreneurs
• Group entrepreneurs into affinity groups based on competency
• Develop curricula responsive to entrepreneurship needs
• Lead workshops for enterprises on wide range of issues (may include opening a bank account to registration to supply chain or marketing)
• Engage consultants to lead workshops on technical trainings for entrepreneurs
• Overall, ensure that entrepreneurs receive quality support throughout the program

GRANT MANAGEMENT

• Review applications by enterprises for use of grant funds (e.g.  audit services, market research, loan collateral, etc.)
• Conduct due diligence on applicants
• Establish process for pre-selecting business service providers to work with the program
• Develop rules and procedures for working with business service providers
• Review quality of work product of business service providers
• Develop rules and regulations for business advisory services provider participation in the program
• Set up and administer system for linking business advisory services providers and participating businesses 

ACCESS TO FINANCE

• Develop partnerships with financial institutions to facilitate banking relationships with participating enterprises
• Liaise with financial institutions to develop clear and consistent standards for access to finance for participating enterprises
• Develop clear training modules to train participating enterprises on path to access to finance

IV. REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in implementing private sector or SME development assistance schemes, specifically operational capacity reinforcement, access to finance and access to market  instruments and related matching grants
• Knowledge of socio-economic, private sector environment and employment issues in WAEMU and Benin
• Knowledge of business plan competitions preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills in a multi-cultural environment;
• The ability to work with tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks and projects;
• The ability to work independently, and function effectively as a member of a global team
• Interactive skills especially with field staff, technical staff, consultants and home office support staff as necessary
• Related work experience and knowledge of the West Africa economic, social and development context preferred;
• M.A.or higher degree in business administration, economics, marketing or related discipline, MBA preferred
• At least 10 years of post-graduate experience in analytical and strategic roles within the private sector and/or development spheres (ideally with a top-tier management consulting firm)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience in leading/ managing donor funded projects required
• Fluency in French and English required

V. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Qualified and interested applicants should submit a Word-formatted single document consisting of cover letter, resume and salary history to jobs@tns.org. Please identify the position for which you are applying in the subject line.
Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be considered or contacted. No phone calls please. Closing date for applications is January 30, 2014.

TECHNOSERVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER