AVSI is looking for two Marketing Experts to be involved in an AICS funded project implemented in Falluja, Sumel and Sinuni. The project aims to support the development of small start-ups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through technical trainings, business grants, capacity building, and technical assistance. Beneficiaries require continuous guidance to develop viable business plans, manage grants effectively, and ensure sustainability of their businesses. For this reason, AVSI is seeking two marketing experts to closely monitor and coach the supported businesses in the marketing point of view as well as in creating connections and market linkages with other actors working in their sector, while working alongside the MSMEs Support Officer, the Agronomist, the Business Experts, and the Field Coordinators of the project, in coordination with the Project Manager.
Two Marketing Experts (National Position)
Main tasks and responsibilities
Under the supervision of the MSMEs Support Officer (and in coordination with the Project Manager and Agronomist), the Marketing Experts will:
• Provide technical support and coaching to beneficiaries
• Assist the beneficiaries in marketing strategies creation
• Monitor business performance in terms of marketing strategies
• Create events for market linkages and matchmaking
• Support project implementation in the field (through assessments, data collection, post-monitoring-distribution, and any other task assigned by the Project Manager, in line with the project objectives)
a. Market Linkages & Business Connections:
• Identify potential buyers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, corporates, service providers, investors and other relevant market actors.
• Develop and maintain a database of potential market partners.
• Facilitate direct connections between beneficiaries and market actors.
• Identify concrete market opportunities for supported startups and MSMEs.
b. Matchmaking Events:
• Design and organize B2B/B2C matchmaking, networking, business fairs, pitching and other market-oriented events (1 per area).
• Identify and invite relevant market actors.
• Prepare beneficiaries for participation, including pitches, product presentation and communication with potential partners.
• Facilitate meetings and ensure appropriate documentation of contacts and outcomes.
c. Follow-up & Monitoring:
• Follow up with beneficiaries and market actors after matchmaking activities.
• Track the number and quality of linkages established.
• Monitor whether contacts lead to sales, contracts, partnerships, distribution agreements, referrals or other tangible outcomes.
• Identify challenges preventing successful linkages and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain records and contribute to project monitoring and reporting.
d. Marketing Capacity Building:
• Coach beneficiaries on marketing strategy, customer identification, market positioning, branding, promotion, sales techniques and customer relations.
• Advise beneficiaries on appropriate traditional and digital marketing channels.
• Support beneficiaries to improve their marketing materials and business presentations.
• Provide practical advice tailored to their specific products/services and target markets.
e. Market Intelligence:
• Monitor local market trends and identify relevant opportunities.
• Advise beneficiaries on customer preferences, competitors, pricing/positioning and potential market channels, within the expert's scope.
• Share relevant market information with the project team.
f. Monitoring and Reporting:
• Maintain records of all visits and coaching sessions
• Update beneficiary tracking system on Activity Info in coordination with the Project Team and MEAL Department, including:
Business status
Progress indicators
Challenges and risks
• Share regular reports including:
Number of visits conducted
Progress of businesses
Key issues and recommendations
g. Support to Project Activities:
• Support the team in other field activities as required by the Project Manager
• Assist in implementation of:
o Trainings
o Assessments
o Follow-up activities
o Data Collection
h. Support to Business Events:
• Contribute to the planning and organization of business events, such as:
Business fairs
Networking events
Pitching sessions
• Support beneficiaries in preparing for events
Essential Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field.
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in:
• Marketing strategies development
• SME/MSME support
• Entrepreneurship programs
Experience with NGOs or development projects of minimum 2 years.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English (Kurdish is an Asset for the position of Sinuni).
Strong understanding of:
• Marketing
• Market Assessment
• Matchmaking in Business
• Local market dynamics
Required skills and experiences
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work in field conditions
• Ability to work with different communities
• Strong organizational and reporting skills
• English knowledge
• Arabic knowledge
• Kurdish knowledge is an asset
*AVSI reserves the right to request information from previous employers regarding any disputes, safeguarding concerns, investigations, or disciplinary actions, and to require the candidate to provide criminal and civil records, for the purpose of assessing the worker’s professional suitability for roles involving contact with vulnerable individuals, including children and adults.*
** AVSI applies the principle of inclusiveness and non-discrimination in its selection process, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, religious belief, disability, or belonging to protected classes.