POSITION: Local Expert for entrepreneurial development – Contract: COSV
COUNTRY: Albania
DUTY STATION: This position will be based in Tirana with frequent trips to Pogradec, Shkoder and Malesi e Madhe.
STARTING DATE: January 2024
DURATION: The local expert will be contracted for a 3-month probation period, which, upon satisfactory performance, could be extended until August 2025.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: 03/12/2023
CONTRACT: Full time
THE PROJECT
COSV is an International NGO, founded in 1968, engaged in development and humanitarian aid interventions in Europe, Balkans, Southern Africa and Middle East. In collaboration with local partners, we operate for development and environment protection, through inclusive paths built on partnership and networking approach. We encourage the active participation of women and men, for a social and economic development, also through the creation of job opportunities. Inspired by a culture of cooperation, we work with communities and CSOs, building strong relations, for a long-lasting impact, sharing with them principles, values and methodologies. In consortium with local and international entities,
COSV is one of the implementing partners of the LAKES OF ALBANIA project, funded by AICS. The action intends to promote innovative models of sustainable and responsible tourism in the areas related to the two main lakes of Albania – Lake Shkoder and Lake Pogradec/Ohrid – as opposed to models of invasive tourism and development in strong expansion throughout the Albanian territory, in order to contribute to an inclusive economic growth of Albania.
The LAKES OF ALBANIA project will launch an integrated and multi-sector support process for businesses and other economic actors, of various kinds and legal forms (e.g. private companies, civil society organizations that develop part of their actions in the provision of services, associations, totally or partially public actors), active in the target areas of Pogradec, Shkoder and Malesi e Madhe, in the tourism sector. In addition to the support for companies and other economic actors already existing and active in the target areas, the project provides for the development and support for the creation of new businesses (start-ups), with a highly innovative profile, in the field of sustainable and responsible tourism.
Main Responsibilities
The candidate is expected to provide:
- Task no. 1: integrated, multi-sector support for businesses and other economic actors active in the tourism sector, which will result in establishment of two Funds: the Revolving Fund for Microcredit (RFM) and the Endowment Fund for Economic Actors (EFEA); and
- Task no. 2: incubation of innovative business ideas and business creation in the field of sustainable and responsible tourism, which will result in establishment of the Endowment Fund for Emerging Enterprises (EFEE).
Qualifications
Essential: Bachelor Degree or Diploma in Business Administration or Economics;
At least 3-5 years of previous relevant experience in the NGO / Development Cooperation sector, in a similar position; Familiar with EU and other donors Funded Projects; Experience in coach and training to the enterprise; Experience in developing a detailed work-plan, calendar and monitoring of activities; Experience in entrepreneur capacity building and idea business plan preparation for start-ups; Excellent knowledge of computer applications; Excellent communication and writing skills in English; Italian language is an asset; Strong facilitation, negotiating and problem solving skills; Driving license with at least 5 years driving experience.
Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
For Task no. 1:
- Integrated and multi-sector support for businesses and other economic actors active in the tourism sector;
- announcement of the program in the areas of Pogradec, Shkoder and Malesi e Madhe;
- Elaboration of personalized Strengthening of Business Plans;
- Provision of training and technical assistance services for the beneficiaries;
- Support to beneficiaries, SME or/and Start-ups, for access to funds and other financial instruments available;
- Follow-up through provision of continuous support after the conclusion of the process and the receipt of funding (mentoring);
For Task no. 2:
- Incubation of innovative business ideas and business creation in the field of sustainable and responsible tourism;
- Elaboration and launch of a Call for Ideas, aimed at attracting potential entrepreneurs who will apply to participate in the incubation program;
- Organization of workshops on business creation and innovation;
- Evaluation of business ideas received from beneficiaries;
- Support for access to the EFEE and other financial instruments available;
- Follow-up through provision of continuous support after the conclusion of the process and the receipt of funding (mentoring);
Desirable: A good team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and effectively under pressure and strict on meeting deadlines. Previous experience in EU and other donors funded projects. Knowledge of EU procedures and implementation standards. Previous experience in projects implemented with private sectors and in large NGOs consortium.
To apply
Interested candidates meeting the above-described qualifications should send their CV with a short cover letter, indicating 3 references to isijda.sinjari@cosv.org specifying “Local Expert for entrepreneurial development” in the email subject.
Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The position is subject to fund availability and procedure could be cancelled without any further notice to the applicants.