SMEs Development Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices worldwide. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce committed to improving labor standards and working conditions globally. The ILO values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, or other factors.

Job Overview:
The SMEs Development Coordinator will play a crucial role in the 'Promotion of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq' project, which is an eight-year initiative funded by KFW. This project aims to enhance access to financial services for both existing and start-up SMEs in Iraq, with a focus on job creation, particularly for youth and women. The coordinator will be responsible for planning and delivering capacity-building activities, including the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) and Financial Education (FE) programs. The position requires coordination with various stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of project activities at the field level. The coordinator will also monitor project progress, manage budgets, and ensure alignment with project targets and timelines, making this role integral to the success of the project and the development of the SME sector in Iraq.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will oversee the implementation of SME development activities, ensuring the effective roll-out of training programs such as SIYB and FE. Responsibilities include developing and updating work plans, budgets, and schedules, monitoring project activities, and following up on any delays. The coordinator will liaise with technical officers and counterparts in various organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets. Additionally, the role involves coordinating the work of implementing partners and service providers, providing technical and logistical support on entrepreneurship and financial education, and tracking and analyzing training delivery and SME support services. The coordinator will draft progress reports and knowledge products, facilitate linkages between SMEs and financial institutions, and represent the project in meetings and workshops.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in economics, public policies, development studies, business administration, or a relevant field. Additionally, at least one year of relevant professional experience at the national level in SMEs development, business support services, training delivery, and project implementation is required. Experience working with business incubators, financial education programs, or entrepreneurship support initiatives is considered an asset. Strong understanding of the SMEs ecosystem in Iraq, incubation models, and financial literacy tools is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a first-level university degree in a relevant field such as economics, public policies, development studies, or business administration. This educational background is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of SME development and the economic landscape in Iraq.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant professional experience at the national level. This experience should be in areas related to SMEs development, business support services, training delivery, and project implementation. Proven experience in working with business incubators or financial education programs will be advantageous, as it demonstrates familiarity with the operational challenges and opportunities within the SME sector.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of Arabic and a good working knowledge of English. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful implementation of project activities.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is fixed-term for one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The entry-level salary for this position is 45,742 USD per year. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process for this position is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria, and candidates must complete an online application form to be considered.