Job Description

Project Officer (Private Sector)

Job Posting: 22/Feb/2024    

Closure Date: 5/Mar/2024    

Job Type: Project-based Contract Ends December 31st, 2024    

Position Status: Full-Time Job -Thirty-Five hours a week    

Location: Aden

About SMEPS:

(SMEPS) The Small and Micro Enterprises Promotion Services Agency is a subsidiary of the Social Fund for Development (SFD) and it was established in 2006.
SMEPS scope of work is in 3 main components, Business Development, Value Chain Analysis, and Entrepreneurship. Providing non-financial facilities and small business development services through innovative and creative projects that help the growth of the activities in this sector.
SMEPS main office is in Sanaa with two other branches in (Aden - Al Mukalla),

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3-4 years of experience working in private sector development, project management, or SME support roles.
• Strong understanding of SME challenges and opportunities within the local context.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken) necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Implementation and Coordination:

• Manage, coordinate, and execute project activities, ensuring alignment with project plans and deadlines.
• Manage logistics for training workshops, capacity-building events, and stakeholder meetings, ensuring achievement of all project objectives.
• Maintain clear and accurate records of project activities, progress, and outcomes, utilizing SMEPS-designated data management systems.

SME Outreach and Support:

• Conduct outreach to potential SME beneficiaries through different communication channels, disseminating information about project opportunities and eligibility criteria.
• Collect information and submit proper suggestions in evaluating the qualified SMEs based on the criteria of selecting SMEs in the registration phase and submit the final list to the project manager for approval.
• Visit small and medium enterprises during training to evaluate the training performance and provide guidance on developing the business plan, in addition to linking SMEs to access markets and financial institutions.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Support M&E team on collecting data from SMEs and stakeholders through surveys, interviews, and performance indicators, ensuring data quality and adherence to ethical guidelines.
• Contribute to the analysis of project data using appropriate tools and methodologies, identifying trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
• Prepare regular progress reports for the Project Officer, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and recommendations for project optimization.

Administrative and Logistical Support:

• Follow up on preparing contracts, procurement documents, and disbursement requests in accordance with SMEPS procedures and guidelines.
• Maintain project files and records in an organized and accessible manner, ensuring compliance with documentation requirements.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Plan, manage, and participate in field visits to SMEs and stakeholder meetings, providing support and gathering insights for project improvement.
• With collaboration with the Communication team, assist in the development of communication materials and outreach strategies to promote project visibility and impact.
• Remain flexible and adaptable, readily taking on additional tasks as assigned by the Project Manager, to ensure the successful implementation of projects.