Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.

For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000technical experts, Palladium has improved – and is committed to continuing to improve -economies, societies and most importantly, people’s lives.

Palladium is a child-safe organization, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

Project Background

USAID CATALYZE Ethiopia: MS4G is designed to benefit the Ethiopian people, build community resilience, and strengthen rural-urban linkages, in the areas of food security and WASH. MS4G invests in developing strong relationships with private sector players, co-investing in inclusive business models, advisory services, digital solutions, and market-based initiatives that increase the resilience and sustainability of Ethiopian enterprises and employment for women and youth.

CATALYZE MS4G uses a market systems approach to address key food security and WASH sub-system areas and the impact of economic shocks, including COVID-19 and political instability by stimulating adoption, adaptation, broad expansion, and responsive institutionalization and scaling of approaches and business models to transform the lives of Ethiopians.

Under its Strengthening Enterprise Ecosystem objective, MS4G works with growth-oriented SMEs in food security and WASH sectors to accelerate their capacity to grow, adopt inclusive business models, and provide sustainable employment to youth and women. This is achieved through initiatives that facilitate market-based business development through Business Advisory Service Providers (BASPs) and/or enterprise ecosystem actors such as business incubators, accelerators, and anchor/lead firms.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

To be responsible to the Country Director for the effective leadership, organization, professional oversight and delivery of Enterprise Support and related strategies for economic growth.

The post holder will take a lead in: –

• Design, development and management of SME business advisory service program (BASP);
• design and develop and manage capacity building program for business advisory service providers (BASPs);
• Manage third party development of assessment and research reports.
• Manage pipeline development of SMEs from the demand side to ensure the type of SMEs targeted actually received the service business advisory service, among others.

Specific Tasks

• Lead in the development and implementation of the Enterprise Development Programme, the establishment of associated targets and the performance management of the Programme to support and promote economic development.
• Develop an annual Business Plan for the Service, including measurable objectives and financial targets linked to the objectives Business Plan.
• Work closely with industry, government departments, universities, higher and further education and training providers at a senior level to find innovative solutions that make a positive impact to productivity across all SME’s.
• Develop and drive forward key relationships and strategic partnerships with a range of private, statutory, voluntary and community organizations to facilitate a coordinated approach to enterprise development.
• Negotiate and work closely with the private sector, regularly interacting with relevant industry bodies and consulting with them regarding planned activities.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of all enterprise projects with key partners and stakeholders.
• Prepare and present reports on Enterprise Development activities, provide enterprise development advice.
• Represent MS4G on matters concerning enterprise development to public officials, professional and business associations and community organizations including participation on a range of advisory bodies and boards.
• Undertake market opportunity for enterprise development advisory and technical viability assessment and shortlisting business advisory service providers.
• Design programs to enhance the capacity and capability of SMEs to increase their performance and meet program objectives.
• Participate in identifications, assessments, and selections of the potential implementing BASPs for enterprise development
• Lead the work plans development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring within the enterprise development.
• Perform other functions as may be assigned by Country Director.

Reporting: This activity will be managed by the Country Director.

Job Requirements

Academic Qualification: At least a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Entrepreneurship and other related fields.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years professional experience in SME/enterprise development
• Five (5) years of work experience with SMEs
• Three years of experience in SME business advisory
• At least 5 five years of enterprise development experience
• Experience in marketing, sales and/or business development
• Experience implementing donor-funded program
• Experience implementing in USAID funded program is a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of enterprise development, business growth assessment, technical assistance program design, and a range of development business support services.
• Proven experience in supporting businesses grow
• Understanding of a range of enterprise business opportunities supporting business.
• Strong analytical and operational knowledge of enterprise development.
• Strong networking, partnership and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and in writing, work independently and as part of the team, and work effectively with co-workers, partner agencies and the private sector.
• Computer proficiency in MS word, excel, and power point is required
• Fluency in the English language and strong written and spoken communication skills