SME Development Specialist | Agova

Job Description

Agova is looking for a dynamic, high performing individual to fill the role of SME Development Specialist on a 4-year client project. The purpose of the project is to support the growth of agricultural SMEs in Zambia by addressing their key constraints that these SMEs face in terms of access to finance, business management skills, use of improved technologies, and access to markets.By addressing these constraints, the project seeks to increaseSMEs’ revenue and ability to create new jobs. Over the life of the project, Agova will work with approximately 300 SMEs across different value chains in the Lusaka, Central, Eastern and potentially Southern provinces to strengthen their business practices and ultimately, increase their revenue and profits. The role of SME Development Specialist will be to lead and oversee key project activities and ensure successful completion of project objectives.

Tasks include (but are not limited to):

Ensuring successful delivery of key project objectives within set timelines and budget;
Development and management of project work plans, budgets and management of project timelines and deliverables;
Recruitment and oversight of key project stakeholders;
Coaching, mentorship and training of selected business advisors on business management skills. These business advisors will be working directly with SMEs to improve and strengthen their business practices;
Providing line management and support to the Agova Junior SME Specialist working on the project;
Working with and reporting to the Director of SME Development;
Management of the relationship with project stakeholders – Corporates, NGOs, SMEs – to ensure client satisfaction and clear lines of communication;
Reviewing all key deliverables and Consultants’ work before it is submitted to clients to ensure high-quality of work and adherence to Agova standards;
Oversight of client project work which can include consultants’ and technical experts’ work;
Reporting to Agova of progress of all project work;
Client contract management;

Required Skills:
A relevant four-year Bachelor’s degree (ideally a Master’s Degree);
Five to ten years of relevant work experience, ideally in both private and public sectors, including experience working with NGOs;
Experience working with SMEs, especially in the agriculture sector;
Experience in business development, strategic planning and management;
Experience managing multiple staff and multiple projects at once, within strict timelines and under ‘high-pressure’ environments; a certificate in project management is desirable;
Experience in financial management, financial planning and/or accounting is preferred;
Experience mentoring, training and coaching to businesses is essential;
Experience in client-facing roles, interacting with senior and executive levels of staff;
Interest in “Shared Value” (businesses solving social/environmental challenges by reshaping their business strategy);
High-level of computer literacy with a solid command of Microsoft Office suite;
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
Has leadership experience and demonstrated ability to take initiative;
Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
Ability to design and implement work plans, within set timelines;
Ability to travel around Lusaka/Zambia (when required).

Agova Offers:
A manager to support the person in their day to day work;
A competitive gross salary which includes housing, lunch, transportation and communication allowances;
Health insurance package;
Training program to develop key personal/professional skills which involves 1-2 trainings per quarter;
Participation in Agova’s team building and social events;
Possibility of contract extension if the person is the right fit for Agova.

Application Process:
If you are interested in a challenging but rewarding experience, please follow the following steps:
Fill in the following survey: https://forms.gle/Zmny4nZHiDosdHi59
Then, send in only the following documents to [email protected] with the subject line ‘SME Development Specialist”’. Please address email and cover letter to Ms. Muyangana by 10th November 2020.
Your professional CV (maximum 2 pages with 2 references including their email addresses),
A cover letter, and
A copy of your degree(s).

Please note: Due to the expected high volume of responses, applications that do not follow the above instructions will not be considered.