Livelihood Business Development Officer

Livelihood Business Development Officer

Gaza Improve Livelihoods and Enhance Economic Development (ILEED) Program

Reports to: Livelihood Improvement Team Lead (LITL)

Location: Gaza

Overview:

Global Communities is seeking a Livelihood Business Development Officer for the USAID Improve Livelihoods and Enhance Economic Development (ILEED) program. This five-year, up to $60 million program will focus on promoting resilient livelihoods in Gaza and give households the tools they need to cope with recurrent crises. ILEED will engage both the demand and supply actors within the conflict-affected market system. Programs and activities will support the production of and access to basic products and services that community entrepreneurs are already engaged in producing and providing, as well as encourage community entrepreneurs to fill critical service gaps with localized solutions. ILEED will also work to increase access to resources and basic commodities to support community development and resilience.

Position Summary:

Global Communities is seeking a dedicated Livelihood Business Development Officer who will provide technical support, capacity building, and supervision to local businesses, entrepreneurs, and micro-enterprises. The officer will follow up on and supervise the implementation of business development activities, assess business grant applications, and assist micro-businesses and social enterprises in identifying their business development needs. This role will focus on enhancing operational capacity, improving market access, and strengthening overall business operations across sectors critical to resilience, such as food access and essential services. The officer will work closely with partners to manage the procurement of required assets, inputs, supplies, and services for beneficiaries.

Responsibilities:

• Assess business grant applications, ensuring the viability and potential impact of proposed projects.
• Assist micro-businesses and social enterprises in identifying and addressing their business development needs, including marketing, financial management, and operational planning.
• Provide technical support in developing business plans and strategies for growth.
• Follow up on the progress of supported businesses and supervise the implementation of business activities to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Monitor and provide guidance to beneficiaries, helping them optimize their business operations and outcomes.
• Develop and facilitate training programs that address business management, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
• Mentor local businesses on improving productivity, market access, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with project partners to ensure the efficient procurement of assets, inputs, supplies, and services required by businesses.
• Assist in overseeing the distribution and application of grants through the procurement of needed resources.
• Organize and facilitate workshops or networking events that promote partnerships between local businesses and other economic actors.
• Strengthen connections between local producers, social enterprises, and market actors to help businesses access new market opportunities.
• Coordinate with the M&E team to track the progress of businesses supported through the program.
• Ensure proper documentation of business development activities and outcomes.

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Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Economics, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or a related field. A master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience working with livelihood projects, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and social enterprises, particularly in conflict-affected or fragile areas.
• Strong understanding of market systems development, value chain analysis, and business operations.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programs, especially focused on business management, financial literacy, and operational efficiency.
• Familiarity with grant management processes and assessing business proposals for funding viability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse stakeholders, including community-based organizations, government entities, private sector partners, and international agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach businesses on improving productivity, market access, and long-term sustainability.
• Experience in facilitating partnerships and linkages between local businesses and market actors to create synergies and enhance economic opportunities.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct market research and apply data-driven approaches to improve business outcomes.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, often under tight deadlines.
• Professional working proficiency in English, with knowledge of Arabic highly desirable.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and other business management tools.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter by email to [email protected] no later than November 12, 2024, clearly indicating the position title and location in the subject of the email.

Global Communities holds strict safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. In the process of recruitment, selection, and appointment, Global Communities will conduct robust reference and background screening checks, including international vetting as a signature of the Global Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded, and abuse is prevented.  The incumbent is required to carry out their duties in accordance with Global Communities Safeguarding policy and the Standards of Conduct.

Global Communities positively welcomes and seeks applications from all sections of society.  We are committed to a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of everyone and offers equal opportunity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.