Enterprise Support Officer (TVET)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the General Assembly in 194

• Its mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just solution to their plight. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is primarily funded through voluntary contributions. UNRWA offers a range of services, including education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. The organization is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it encourages qualified candidates to apply for positions that align with its mission.

Job Overview:
The Enterprise Support Officer (TVET) position is crucial for developing and implementing business entrepreneurship support activities that align with project objectives and work plans. The incumbent will be responsible for creating and updating entrepreneurship training materials and curricula that reflect labor market needs and the profiles and capacities of beneficiaries. This role involves identifying, mobilizing, screening, and registering eligible beneficiaries according to approved project criteria. The officer will conduct market assessments to identify viable income-generating opportunities and gaps in the market, and will deliver comprehensive entrepreneurship training covering various aspects such as supplier linkages, pricing strategies, marketing, financial literacy, and customer relations. Additionally, the officer will provide coaching and mentoring to entrepreneurs, promote innovative entrepreneurial initiatives, and establish partnerships with stakeholders to enhance access to financing options for entrepreneurs. Regular field visits and follow-ups with beneficiaries will be essential to monitor business establishment and sustainability, while also collecting and analyzing project data for reporting and evaluation purposes. The role emphasizes the integration of gender equality, youth empowerment, disability inclusion, and environmental sustainability in all business development interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement business entrepreneurship support activities in accordance with project objectives and work plans.
• Create and update entrepreneurship training materials and curricula based on labor market needs and beneficiaries’ profiles.
• Identify, mobilize, screen, and register eligible beneficiaries according to approved project criteria.
• Conduct market assessments and business opportunity assessments to identify viable income-generating opportunities and market gaps.
• Deliver entrepreneurship training on various topics including supplier linkages, costing and pricing, marketing strategies, financial literacy, and customer relations.
• Provide individual and group coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to entrepreneurs on business development and enterprise management.
• Promote innovative entrepreneurial initiatives focusing on digitalization, green enterprises, and sustainable business models.
• Establish and facilitate partnerships with stakeholders to enhance entrepreneurs’ access to financing options.
• Manage the provision of business toolkits to eligible entrepreneurs, ensuring proper documentation and follow-up. 1
• Organize and coordinate entrepreneurship events, business forums, networking activities, and competitions. 1
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor business establishment and operational progress. 1
• Provide feedback and recommend support measures or corrective actions as needed. 1
• Collect, analyze, and maintain project data for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting purposes. 1
• Promote the integration of gender equality, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability in business development interventions. 1
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Economics, Project Management, Finance, Entrepreneurship, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in business development, entrepreneurship support, feasibility studies, educational or TVET projects, community-based development projects, or related fields. Experience in designing and delivering entrepreneurship training programs and supporting small businesses is essential. Candidates should also have experience in coaching and mentoring entrepreneurs, with a preference for those who have experience as trainers or facilitators. Knowledge of the Syrian business environment and local labor market is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A university degree from an accredited educational institution in Business Administration, Economics, Project Management, Finance, Entrepreneurship, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively support entrepreneurship and business development initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields such as business development, entrepreneurship support, and community-based development projects. This experience should include designing and delivering training programs, providing coaching and mentoring to entrepreneurs, and conducting market assessments. Experience in the Syrian context and familiarity with the local entrepreneurship ecosystem will be advantageous.

Languages:
English and Arabic are required for this position, with proficiency at UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for interacting with beneficiaries and stakeholders, as well as for delivering training and support services.

Additional Notes:
This position is a daily paid assignment for up to three months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The daily rate is $35.97, and the role includes one day of annual leave and one day of sick leave for each completed month of service. Candidates must reside in Syria and be within commuting distance of the duty station, with authorization to work in Syria at the time of application. The agency will not facilitate work permits, and preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates from underrepresented genders to promote gender parity. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities and may create a roster from this selection process for future vacancies. All applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and providing incorrect information may lead to disqualification.