SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work.

We contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through effective programme delivery and influencing, with a central focus on transforming agri-food, energy, and water systems to enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all. We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority coming from the more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia where we work.

We work in Benin since 1970. Our 35 team members work from SNV offices in Cotonou and Parakou.

(For more infomations about SNV, visit our site Web: www.snv.org )

SNV is part of the EU/DG INTPA-funded Team Europe Initiative “Investing in Young Businesses in Africa” Supporting Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development” (IYBA SEED). The partnership consists of implementing partners from France (lead), Belgium, Germany, and Slovakia, next to SNV representing The Netherlands. The geographic scope of the programme is on Benin, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, and Togo, with SNV assuming activities in Benin and Kenya. The project will start in Benin on 1/4/2023 and have a duration of 4 years.

IYBA-SEED is part of the third Building Block of the Team Europe Initiative “Investing in Young Businesses in Africa (IYBA)”, supporting the ecosystem, with a special emphasis on women and young people. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to creating decent jobs for women and youth and resilient economies by strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems in several sub-Saharan countries so that they can increase access to Business Development Services (both financial and non-financial) for SEED partners. SNV will lead the project’s activities in a component that addresses the business environment (rules, regulations, and policies conducive to the creation and growth of SEED partners) and strengthened public-private dialogue processes and consultations to advocate for the creation and growth of SEED partners.

The Advisor will work as the country lead in Benin together with partner Expertise France (also consortium lead), based in Cotonou.

Responsibilities

• Developing and leading the implementation of the IYBA SEED Action Plan in Benin
• Technical and financial reporting to lead partner Expertise France
• Cooperation with Expertise France team members in Benin
• Mapping of existing policies and regulations of relevant stakeholders
• Mapping of aspirations and ambitions within the Benin business environment using SenseMaker
• Development and implementation of national activities.
• Supporting national institutional dialogue and organising high level meetings
• Liaise, coordinate, and synergize with other initiatives and institutes in the Benin business environment
• Capitalisation and communication on successes and challenges
• Mobilisation of additional, and leveraging of existing resources
• Procurement and oversight of consultants, overseeing the activity budget allocation and absorption
• Line reporting to Country Director SNV Benin; Project-wise reporting to Project Manager; Liaising with the SNV component lead based in Brussels.

• Graduate degree (preferably post graduate) in Business Economics, Finance/investment promotion, or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in Entrepreneurship development; SME development; Business Development Support Services; Business Environment (rules, regulations, policies)
• Experience related to improving the business environment in Benin, advocating rules, regulations, and policies conducive to the creation and growth of actors in the entrepreneurship ecosystem
• Able to work and connect with various actors in the entrepreneurship ecosystem: Entrepreneurship Support Organisations; Financial Actors; Policy makers, Educators, Communicators (media, influencers, etc).
• Existing network with private sector and policy/regulations and sector in Benin
• Proven experiences with women empowerment and gender approach
• Knowledge of budget development, budget management, project planning, M&E.
• Pro-active, solution oriented, entrepreneurial work attitude, with strong organisational skills taking individual accountability seriously
• Demonstrated ability of strong collaborative, coaching and capacity building relationships and teamwork in an intercultural setting
• Fluent in French and English.

This is a 1.0 FTE position on a one-year basis with the possibility of renewal. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Contract Type:                  Benin Employment Contract

Expected Start Date:           1st April 2023

Duty Station:                     Cotonou, Benin

Working at SNV

SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. For more information, please visit our website: www.snv.org

How to Apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and letter of motivation before february 16, 2023.

Please submit your application via SmartRecruiters.

We will require that you provide us with full details of three people who are willing to act as a referee.