Operations Officer (Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise)

INTRODUCTION 

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) is seeking to recruit a strong professional to assume the role of Operations Officer Micro Small Medium Enterprises (OO (MSME)) in the Private Sector Division (PSD) of the Projects Department.  The successful candidate will be based at CDB’s office in St. Michael, Barbados.   

THE DIVISION 

The operations of the Private Sector Division (PSD) are anchored in the Private Sector Development Policy and Strategy which is focused on enhancing private sector ecosystems to facilitate the development of dynamic and internationally competitive, high-growth firms and fostering new expanded partnerships with the regional private sector.  The focus of the Division is driven by the following three strategic priorities: 

• Improving the investment and business climate in the Region.  

• Promoting access to finance. 

• Promoting equitable enterprise development, especially in the case of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). 

THE ROLE 

Reporting to the Coordinator, MSME Development, the OO (MSME) is responsible for providing the Bank with sound technical analysis, advice and guidance on the appraisal of requests for loans and grants impacting on the MSME sector throughout the Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) of CDB. The OO (MSME) will also facilitate interventions under the CTCS Network and other portfolios within the Bank’s Operations area. The CTCS Network programme provides a broad range of Technical Assistance (TA) to the MSME sector throughout the Bank’s 19 BMCs. Such TA includes one-on-one assistance, training attachments, workshops, technical guidance and counseling to both MSME practitioners and their respective governments and private sector intermediaries in the BMCs. The OO (MSME) also provides other Stakeholders in the BMCs and within the Bank with advice of similar quality on the above matters as necessary. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The OO (MSME) will be required to: 

• Identify TA and loan projects which fall within the scope of the Bank’s Private Sector Development Policy and Strategy that will impact significantly on the enabling environment for private sector development and the improved competitiveness of MSMEs. 

• Review and appraise all CTCS Network and other MSME development requests to ensure best use of CDB’s resources consistent with the priorities and guidelines established under applicable financing arrangements. 

• Design and prepare all terms of reference, execution methodologies, contractual procedures, budgets and administrative requirements for the efficient and timely execution of approved MSME development projects. 

• Manage the execution of all approved MSME development projects throughout all phases of the project cycle, inclusive of, identification and supervision of consultants, and collaboration with clients and intermediaries in the respective BMCs. 

• Plan and execute visits to assigned BMCs to effect identification, appraisal and impact assessment of MSME development interventions in the respective BMCs. 

• Assist the Coordinator, MSME Development, in ensuring that the MSME development portfolio is managed within a compliance framework (including the CTCS Operations Manual), and routinely perform quality control checks in accordance with the procedures and guidelines. 

• Consult with intermediaries and MSME beneficiaries to provide counseling and guidance as may be required to ensure the promotion and development of sustainable capacity within country to facilitate innovative and sustainable MSME development programmes. 

• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and briefs as required, on all MSME development activities, in accordance with reporting requirements. 

• Provide guidance on CDB’s procurement policies and procedures related to the acquisition of goods and services under CDB-financed projects. 

• Provide inputs to policies, procedures and other documents related to the work of the Projects Department and other Units/Divisions within the Bank. 

• Develop strategic partnerships with Stakeholders, Financial Institutions, Governments, Civil Society and the Private Sector in furtherance of programme objectives. 

• Contribute to the maintenance of MSME knowledge management by systematically capturing, organizing, assessing and sharing information for the purpose of creating value and meeting strategic requirements. 

•  Promote the visibility and benefits of CDB MSME development services/programmes by working collaboratively with CDB’s Corporate Communications Unit to ensure strong brand visibility. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

The successful candidate should have: 

• An undergraduate degree in a related area and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, International Trade or other relevant discipline  

• Extensive experience in Project or MSME Policy Management, with at least five years of experience in MSME development, including the implementation of innovative MSME/entrepreneurship projects. 

• An excellent track record in MSME development programmes and experience in project management. 

• Evidence of work incorporating cross-cutting themes in MSME development interventions such as Gender Equality, Regional Cooperation and Integration, Disaster Risk Management and Climate Sustainability. 

Function-specific Competencies 

The OO (MSME) must demonstrate: 

• The ability to interface with the public and persons at all levels in government and in institutional settings and to provide coaching and capacity-building skills. 

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to gather information, assess risk, consider the impact and articulate the implications of decisions to both internal and external stakeholders. 

• The ability to operate with sensitivity in a diverse, multicultural environment and to build effective working relationships at all levels. 

• A strong client focus, excellent business judgement, and ability to produce consistently positive results. 

• Knowledge of procurement procedures and processes. 

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES  

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is a full-time position with the successful candidate being contracted on a two-year basis in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal.  The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.  A pension plan, life and medical insurances are included in the benefits package.

Before you proceed to apply, please consider the following requirements: 

• You must be a national of one of CDB’s member countries.

• You will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications to support your application if you are selected for an interview.

• All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks and references.

CDB fully respects the need for confidentiality of the information supplied and assures you that we will not discuss your background and interest with anyone, including references, without your prior consent.

The deadline for submission of applications is October 19, 2023 at 11:59 pm AST. 

The Caribbean Development Bank is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Bank provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities participating in the job application or interview process. Please contact us to request such accommodation.