The Asia Business Unit seeks expressions of interest and recommendations for an Employment & SMEs Development Lead for the anticipated USAID/Laos Trade Integration and Competitiveness Activity (TICA). This $10-25M activity aims to strengthen the development and implementation of business-enabling policies tailored to the private sector’s needs in Lao PDR, fostering a more supportive environment for businesses growth. The activity will broadly focus on: promoting a more responsible and sustainable trade and investment environment, increasing sustainable employment creation in focused value chains, as well as advancing regional economic integration. This activity will be based in Vientiane, Lao PDR, and target provinces throughout the country.
Responsibilities include:
- Guide the project in enhancing financial literacy and business management capabilities of MSMEs to drive expansion, innovation, and employment. Work collaboratively to improve MSMEs’ access to funding from government and donor-supported financial resources
- Oversee TICA’s coordination with financial service providers to facilitate SMEs and MSME access to finance
- Direct project efforts to support simplified regulatory procedures that enable informal businesses to achieve formal status. Coordinate with government entities to streamline business registration and licensing processes, improving access for emerging businesses
- Lead the activity in collaborating with the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) SME Centers, Business Development Service (BDS) providers, and other platforms to deliver training and support services. Focus on developing MSME business plans, operational efficiency, and digital skills to enhance competitiveness.
- Work with project staff to build the capacity of BDS providers and related platforms in delivering training, technical assistance, and mentorship. Support services that foster the formation, growth, and expansion of MSMEs, creating sustainable employment within targeted value chains.
- Monitor project progress and outcomes, collecting data and reporting on key performance indicators to USAID and other stakeholders
- Facilitate close collaboration and teamwork, including mentorship and development of local technical and administrative staff
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in related technical fields, Master’s degree preferred
- At least five-eight years of progressive professional experience in MSME financial access, formalization, skills development, or another relevant field
- Extensive experience in development and implementing donor-funded activities and achieving intended results according to project objectives
- Demonstrated ability to establish and develop working relationships and a high level of trust with public/private organizations as well as prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers
- Demonstrated versatility, leadership, and integrity
- Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook) are required to effectively implement, analyze, monitor, and manage activity goals, inputs, outcomes, and achievements
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Lao
Application instructions:
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your CV and a brief statement of interest to laosticarecruit@chemonics.com by 12/27/2024.
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