Technical Specialist – Business Development: USAID’s -WEEA ( National only )

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) established in 1933, works in 42 countries, responding to the world’s worst humanitarian situations. In Pakistan, IRC has been offering comprehensive emergency rehabilitation services such as supporting health systems, environmental health, education, child and women services, and livelihoods. Since 1980, IRC Pakistan has effectively responded to all major humanitarian situations emanating from earthquakes, catastrophic floods, and temporary displacements. Currently, IRC Pakistan has an average annual portfolio of around $40 million implementing projects in all four provinces of Pakistan. With the support of the federal and provincial governments, and generous donors like FCDO, ECHO, USAID, and Australian Aid Agencies, IRC has reached 1.8 million people in Pakistan in the year 2018-19.

USAID’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Activity (WEEA) aims to promote women’s economic empowerment through safe and dignified access to livelihood opportunities, information, resources, and services in the province. The targeted districts of the WEE project include three settled districts (Peshawar, Hangu, and Malakand) and two Newly Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Kurram and Bajaur).

Position Summary:

IRC is seeking a Technical Specialist – Business Development for five years, USAID-funded Women’s Economic Empowerment Activity (WEEA) in Pakistan. This activity will adopt an evidence-based approach to establish, nurture, and grow viable women-led micro businesses. The Technical Specialist – Business development will be the principal technical resource on technical assistance to women-led micro-enterprises for this project. A successful incumbent should possess significant experience in developing and working with micro and home-based enterprises.

Job Responsibilities:

• Directly support the Chief of Party (COP) in the design, roll-out, and day-to-day management and implementation of technical program interventions and analysis

• Provide leadership and technical expertise on the components of the program concerning women-led entrepreneurship and employment development, market relevant technical, vocational, and business skills development, value chain analysis/development, financial inclusion, market linkages, and business development services.

• Develop and implement the guidance notes/SOP’s for all pathways of the Economic Empowerment component, orient/train implementing partner (IP) staff for the timely and successful completion of the USAID’s WEEA work plan and the achievement of component goals and objectives

• Provide direction and technical oversight of and monitor staff in their implementation of project work plans and quality of technical activities, including program budget oversight and monitoring and evaluating project activities.

• Conduct and incorporate survey/assessment information and additional analysis to target activities - including the selection of value chain or economic focus; identify opportunities for growth for specific value chain portfolios including existing gaps and areas for innovation and expansion.

• Manage external relations by representing the project and the organization and ensuring the dissemination of information about project achievements and lessons learned.

• Forge and maintain solid cooperation with partner organizations and other key stakeholders including but not limited to government officials.

• Work with the private sector, identify gaps and opportunities, and design a comprehensive private sector engagement and strengthening strategy for Women’s employment and business development.

• Conduct frequent field visits to program sites to monitor activities and engage local stakeholders.

• Liaise with the sub partner on project interventions, provide technical support and manage their work plans related to women-led entrepreneurship and employment development, market relevant technical and vocational skills development, value chain analysis/development, market linkages, and business development services.

• Coordinate with the relevant government departments and stakeholders to keep the project interventions on track.

• Create linkages with formal and informal financial institutions and job providers to facilitate project beneficiaries to start small businesses and get jobs.