Project Officer, BAS, Tunisia recruitment
Role Overview
EBRD Business Advisory Services (BAS) supports economic transition, by both achieving enterprise change in potentially viable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and also by developing sustainable infrastructures of business advisory services in the EBRD countries of operations.
BAS intervention is systemic in that it targets a market system by acting as a facilitator for the use of private-sector consultants by MSMEs to obtain a diverse array of services. BAS operates on both the demand side and on the supply side. On the one hand, it stimulates demand by raising the understanding of MSMEs of the potential benefits of using external consultants. On the other, it directly increases the supply and quality of local advisory services.
BAS activities include assisting individual enterprises to engage with local consultants on narrowly-based, specific projects with a rapid payback. BAS supported projects typically last around four months. Additionally, BAS carries out market development activities. Examples of the latter include MSME and consultancy trainings, support to, and development of, existing relevant local institutions, visibility and dissemination, and informed contributions to EBRD policy dialogue.
BAS is implemented through a well defined field management structure, comprising BAS teams of local nationals in each country of operation.
BAS was established in 1995 and has since been active in 23 of the Banks countries of operations, undertaking over 10,500 BAS projects and raising over 100 million in donor funding to finance its operations.
BAS at present operates in 22 countries in South East Europe, Russia, Central Asia and the South Caucasus through 29 offices.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
Reporting to the relevant National Programme Manager, BAS - Tunisia, the Project Officer's ('PO') key responsibilities include developing and maintaining the BAS client and consultant databases and assisting with the management of the BAS project flow of BAS Tunisia.The PO will recommend to the National Programme Manager, BAS Tunisia, project proposals with justification on the basis of the selection criteria established. All deliverables will be agreed with the Head of Regional Programme, Small Business Support Team and Manager, BAS through the National Programme Manager, BAS Tunisia.
The principal tasks of the PO include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Develop and maintain the BAS client and consultant databases;
- Assist with the implementation of the BAS project flow, including, but not limited to, sourcing, developing and monitoring project implementation; drafting of project proposals, completion and evaluation reports and other documentation as may be required;
- Ensure that projects and consultants proposed meet all selection criteria following the established guidelines;
- Assist with the implementation of market development activities in cooperation with the National Programme Manager;
- Develop internal and donor progress reports for approval by the National Programme Manager;
- Assist the National Programme Manager and the Head of Regional Programme, Small Business Support Team with all aspects of promotion of the visibility of the BAS Tunisia;
- Provide and ensure effective financial administration of BAS in Tunisia, including but not limited to the preparation of the monthly financial reports and the monitoring of operational expenses, as well as required liaison with the BAS team in London in this regard;
Provide support to BAS in Tunisia, in particular to organise, maintain and be responsible for day-to-day office administration, including but not limited to:
- Liaising on administrative issues with the EBRD Resident Office
- Maintaining comprehensive filing systems to ensure prompt retrieval of data, including handling of confidential department files
- Acting as an interpreter and translator
- Arranging conferences, meetings and travel
- Screening telephone calls and handling enquiries
- Administering mail and preparing replies to correspondence
- Liaising with enterprises, consultants and BAS London HQ as required
- Assisting Enterprise Growth Programme Team Coordinators and Advisors with communication with enterprises and arrangements for their visits.
Essential Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- Strong academic background with relevant degree from a leading university in the country of education (business administration, international relations, economics or finance);
- Proven track record of project management/administration;
- Proven, strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data for use in operational planning;
- Knowledge of local business environment and consultancy market;
- Knowledge of donor organisations and experience in donor fund mobilisation
- Computer literate: Windows XP; excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel; Outlook; Word; Knowledge of SAP accounting system, TCS and Microsoft Access desirable; ability to learn new systems quickly;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic.
Competencies and Personal Attributes
- Communication skills: the ability to communicate appropriate, concise and accurate information in written and verbal formats;
- Concern for accuracy and attention to details: the capacity to ensure and maintain a high degree of accuracy and quality in work delivered, including work under pressure;
- Problem solving: ability to make reasonable judgement and take initiative in all operational processes and propose practical and realistic solutions to address them; seek guidance and advice from the National Programme Manager on a case by case basis;
- Planning and organising: ability to operate independently with minimum supervision, prioritise and schedule workload. Effectively manage high volume of more tasks autonomously, use initiative to assist the National Programme Manager and Head of Regional Programme, Small Business Support Team;
- Team work: building effective communication and relationships both within and outside the team. Sharing knowledge, information and best practices with others;
- Customer focus: the ability to listen to clients and consultants; provide optimal solutions to the issues arising in day to day project management/administration;
Results orientated: following up and following through to ensure the goals and operational targets are achieved and exceeded; constantly seeking to improve operational processes.
Note: This job description is not limited to the responsibilities listed and the incumbent may be requested to perform other relevant duties as required by business needs.