Open position: Component Lead - Impact Foundation

Job Description for: Outcome 1 Lead

Function: Business Modernization, Lead Facilitator

The consortium led by Swisscontact is searching for a Component Lead for an upcoming project in SME development funded by Swiss development and cooperation in North Macedonia.

Swisscontact, the lead applicant, is an independent Swiss non-profit organisation exclusively dedicated to international development. Its mission is to support inclusive economic, social, and ecological development to and effectively contribute towards sustainable and widespread prosperity in developing and emerging economies. Impact Foundation is a private sector development organisation from North Macedonia, that operates in the Western Balkans.

1. Superior

MKD SME Project Manager

2. Functions and responsibilities

Business Modernization, Lead Facilitator

The main function of the Business Modernization, Lead Facilitator will be the leading the work of outcome team in preparing the strategy and implementation of the outcome 1 interventions, including the preparation and continuous update of the strategy and interventions, as well as creating and maintaining partnerships with the respective private sector actors.

3. Main Tasks

As Business Modernization, Lead Facilitator main tasks include:

Coordination and monitoring of the outcome 1 activities and the team
Lead Outcome 1 team to design and implement interventions that improve the performance of business to become modernized
Supporting businesses, with focus on small companies to engage in modernization
Support companies to obtain business diagnostics services conducted by external consultants to identify and prioritise the entry points for modernization of the private sector that lead to increased productivity
Leads the development and implementation of human resource (HR) strategies for the recipient companies regarding the upskilling, re-skilling or recruitment of employees to utilise modern technologies
Works closely with market actors to tailor financial products for modernization of the private sector with embedded focus on HR development support:
Leads the process of preparation of intervention concept notes, including business models to ensure sustainable outcomes.
Deal making with selected partners and preparation of intervention plans, including budget,result chain and measurement plan
Support partners in the implementation of interventions and continuous monitoring of sector interventions
Leads internal assessments and facilitates expansions and consolidation of interventions, more particularly around services that ensure modernization of SMEs
Mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues

Coordination and research

Support the coordination of the activities and daily operational tasks
Active participation in the project’s capacity building workshops
Active review of the literature
Active field investigation
Provide necessary information to support the preparation of YPO and other relevant reports

Operational activities based on the Project Document and Yearly Plan of Operations

Continuous mapping and assessment of market actors
Preparation and update of the market strategy
Ensure the design of Intervention concepts and business models
Ensure assessment of the potential implementation partners
Leads in the selection of the intervention implementation partners
Leads in the dealmaking process and prepare the partnership agreement with the intervention implementation partners
Maintain contacts with relevant actors/partners and establish new contacts

Cross-cutting issues and internal knowledge sharing and support

Ensure mainstreaming of women in the sector interventions
Ensure mainstreaming of minorities and marginalized groups in the sector interventions
In close cooperation with the team members, provide inputs and contribute to the activities of other outcome and Social Inclusion

Monitoring and Results Measurement

Prepare result chains and define measurable indicators for the sector interventions
Regular review of results in accordance with the DCED standards
Ensure continuous monitoring and reporting of results and provide inputs to the MRM manager

4. Other Tasks

As per the needs of the Swisscontact Macedonia, the facilitator might be assigned any other task.

5. Qualification and Experience

The individual must conform to the following qualifications and expertise:

Advanced communication skills in both English and Macedonian (verbal and written)
Ability and willingness to work in a team to deliver high-quality outputs within deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
Experience in roles and interrelationships among national and international organisations; national and local governments in the management, organisation development and implementation process.
Proficiency in MS Office work and Internet use and project management tools.
Knowledge and work experience in modernisation.
Willingness and ability to travel within and outside Republic of North Macedonia

Competencies

• Strategic Leadership

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Strategic Planning

• Inclusive Approach

• Partnership Management

• Project Management:

• Innovation

• Data-Driven Decision Making

• Ethical Conduct

• Adaptability

Education + Experience