Somalia: Local Business Development Coordinator to Support the Private Sector Development

Background to the Assignment

A consortium of DRC, WYG and ReDSS have been awarded the contract to implement an integrated solution programme that will facilitate successful reintegration of returnee and IDP communities in Somalia by ensuring physical, material and legal safety is achieved through a combination of protection, livelihoods and basic needs programming coupled with an emphasis on governance and a strong knowledge management and research component. Specifically, WYG is implementing the private sector development subcomponent of the action, which will set up Business Support Centers (BSCs) in Mogadishu and Kismayo that will provide targeted non-financial assistance by way of providing business development assistance. To complement the work of the BSCs, WYG will also conduct market assessments and value chain analyses. The BSCs will improve business efficiency by providing advisory products and specialized technical assistance for emerging businesses operating in displacement-affected areas in Somalia.

With the background above, WYG is seeking a highly qualified local business development coordinator to support the BSC in performing its business support function in Mogadishu, Somalia. The coordinator should possess strong planning, coordination, organizational and administrative support skills. Specifically, the coordinator will need to monitor implementation of the action, encourage the participation of the local private sector in Mogadishu as well as provide active information sharing and coordination activities, planning and administrative assistance to the BSC in Mogadishu.

Objective of the assignment

The objective of the assignment for the local business development coordinator is to support the activities of the Business Support Center in Mogadishu, Somalia. The main responsibilities of the coordinator include:

• To ensure adequate coordination of the local private sector and businesses in Mogadishu, other relevant federal, regional and local authorities, in the implementation of the private sector development and business support functions of the BSC;
• To assist private sector representatives, engage effectively with the BSC and to facilitate proactive dialogue and coordination;
• To encourage private sector participation as well as provide active administrative assistance and information sharing and coordination activities to the BSC;
• To disseminate outputs and outcomes of the BSC’s work to government authorities, private sector and interested parties;
• To coordinate with and support the work of technical experts carrying out tasks for BSC by providing local knowledge, support in administrative matters and through effective information sharing activities;

Scope of Work & Duration

The local business development coordinator in will be expected to support the implementation of the private sector development subcomponent of the action through the provision of coordination, planning and support services to the BSC. Although the experts will lead the process of technical business development support provision, the coordinator will support the technical experts by providing the following:

• Raising awareness about the business development and support activities of the BSC with key government institutions and the private sector through the organization events and meetings;
• Identifying constraints and issues faced by the local private sector through the coordination with the private sector and local chambers of commerce on issues relating to ease of doing business, finance, business development services, and trade facilitation;
• Reporting the identified issues raised by local businesses to the BSC technical experts;
• Assisting in the facilitation of dialogue between local authorities and the private sector in order to enhance cooperation between both stakeholders;
• Assisting with the coordination and organization of Public-Private Dialogue meetings to discuss bottlenecks faced by the private sector in Mogadishu;
• Assisting in the coordination of meetings between private sector actors in Somalia to discuss cooperation and mutually beneficial opportunities for growth;
• Provide guidance to the project target/ beneficiates on all aspects of business development process.
• Facilitating and maintaining communication on behalf of the BSC with the government authorities, the chamber of commerce and the private sector;
• Documenting and keeping track of the private sector’s participation in the BSCs;
• Recording and preparing results and minutes of meetings, business support seminars and training etc.;
• Providing administrative assistance for planning and coordination of meetings locally;
• Ensuring effective and ongoing information sharing and coordination activities throughout the action;
• Providing feedback to the management team on program progress and operations at the field level;
• Performing any other work as requested by the Technical Coordinator;

The assignment is for a duration of thirty-one (31) months. The local coordinator will be based in Mogadishu, Somalia. The coordinator will work under the supervision of the Technical Coordinator. The local coordinator will work closely with key local stakeholders and beneficiaries of the programme, including, the government authorities in Mogadishu and representatives of the local private sector.

Key Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in development economics, business administration/management, social science, commerce, public administration, or a related discipline;
• Minimum of five (5) years working experience on private sector related issues;
• Minimum two (2) years working experience on related program management, especially on coordination of various issues with the private sector;
• Knowledge of and experience with public sector institutions, and in particular, the linkages between public sector service provision and private sector development, will be an asset;
• Have experience and expertise in market studies, business advisory services, capacity building and entrepreneurship development;
• Excellent report writing skills;
• Proven knowledge of private sector and business development support and related issues;
• Strong coordination, planning and administrative support skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Fluency in English and Somali is mandatory;
• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate dialogue with various government authorities, engage with senior and technical staff, and the private sector;
• Strong administrative skills (recording and preparing minutes, arranging meetings, contributing to reports);
• Ability to work in a team environment and effective communication skills.

Interested Candidates should Submit their CVs and Letter of Interest to: betul.boyar@wyg.com.tr