AVSI is looking for two Business 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 business experts to closely monitor and coach the supported businesses while working alongside the MSMEs Support Officer, the Agronomist and the Field Coordinators of the project, in coordination with the Project Manager.
Business Experts (2 Positions)
Main tasks and responsibilities
A. Business Coaching and Guidance
• Provide continuous coaching and mentoring to beneficiaries of business grants
• Support beneficiaries in:
o Developing and refining business plans
o Preparing budget plans and financial forecasts
o Identifying market opportunities and risks
• Ensure business plans are:
o Realistic and feasible
o Aligned with local market conditions
B. Business Plan Collection and Review
• Collect and review business plans and budget plans from beneficiaries
• Provide structured feedback and recommendations
• Ensure all required documentation is complete and compliant
• Participate to business plan evaluation and field verifications
C. Field Visits and Monitoring
• Conduct regular field and monitoring visits to beneficiaries:
Start-up Support: 75 beneficiaries per area
MSME Support: 100 beneficiaries per area
• Verify, in coordination with the Project Team and the MEAL Department:
o Proper use of grants
o Business progress and challenges
o Operational status of businesses
• Provide on-site coaching and troubleshooting
• Provide basic financial literacy support as required (cash flow, pricing, costing)
• Identify and flag high-risk or struggling businesses early
• Coordinate closely with Trainers, Lawyer and Project technical team
• Promote good business practices (record-keeping, customer relations, sustainability)
D. 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:
o Business status
o Progress indicators
o Challenges and risks
• Share regular reports including:
o Number of visits conducted
o Progress of businesses
o Key issues and recommendations
E. 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
F. Support to Business Events
• Contribute to the planning and organization of business events, such as:
o Business fairs
o Networking events
o Pitching sessions
• Support beneficiaries in preparing for events
Essential Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or related field
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in:
o Business development
o SME/MSME support
o Entrepreneurship programs
• Experience with NGOs or development projects of minimum 2 years
• Strong understanding of:
o Business planning
o Financial management
o 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 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.*
**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.**