Manager SME Finance Services

BiD Network Foundation’s objective is to start, grow and finance small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. By 2020 BiD Network aims to start or grow 5 businesses every day. Today we are at two businesses a week.

BiD Network uses two strategies to achieve its goals. Firstly, its web platform www.bidnetwork.org; and secondly, advice and support to SME intermediaries in developing countries. Since the website was launched 7 years ago www.bidnetwork.org has grown to be the largest online community serving developing country entrepreneurs and investors. The web platform has 40,000 members, 10,000 entrepreneurs, 900 coaches and 490 businesses that have grown or started. With its network of 100 formal and angel investors BiD Network has mobilized USD 12 million to businesses over the last 4 years.

The second cornerstone in BiD Network’s support to SMEs is to advise and collaborate with SME intermediaries in 16 developing countries; 5 in Latin America, 6 in Africa, 5 in Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia. The term “Ready for Finance” is central to the support and advice given to these local partner organizations. Entrepreneurs are prepared for finance; voluntary coaches are engaged and financiers ranging from Business Angels and banks are part of the networks we mobilize to make the start, growth and financing of SMEs possible.

Description

BiD Network Foundation seeks a Manager SME Finance Services to strengthen the advisory services team. Advisory Services consists of three services:

1. Business Services: Are geared towards preparing entrepreneurs for finance. Be it finance from an investor or a bank. The advice provided will also help get an entrepreneur’s business started and growing. These services are delivered to SME service providers and intermediaries such as business incubators, business support centres, chambers of commerce, NGOs, government agencies. They in turn will deliver the services directly to their entrepreneur clients. Examples of services are the “Ready4 Finance” for trainers of trainers of entrepreneurs; training and engagement of coaches for entrepreneurs; the use of the www.bidnetwork.org web platform and organising competitions and matchmaking events for SMEs.

2. Finance Services: these services aim to grow the access to finance for SMEs in a developing country. This includes increasing the range of financial products and the number of financial actors in a developing country. The target group for these services are well-established SME service providers and SME financiers, like banks, business angels or investment funds that seek investable business proposals. Examples of services are: the establishment of Business Angel Networks; “Ready2Invest” support for novice local investors; Matchmaking services for investors and entrepreneurs; and the use of the web-platform to increase local investment in SMEs.

Training & Product Development; this team develops training materials that will improve the training capability of our partners in developing countries. Materials cover business planning, finance, investor match making, and presentation and negotiations skills. Research is done on methods, delivery mechanisms, licensing and formats as well as on trends, data and information related to SME finance. In 2012 this teams aims to be able to offer e-learning packages which can be downloaded by paying clients for self-study.

The job

As Manager SME Finance Services you will:

• manage and strengthen the BiD advisory teams offering business and finance services to clients; reporting directly to the Director:
• develop a business plan for the Advisory Services;
• acquire SME business and finance consultancy contracts that will bring the practice to financial sustainability;
• develop the services so they are complementary, reinforcing and fit within a clearly marketable package;
• develop the skills and experience of the Advisory Services team;
• coordinate the development and delivery planning of the team as a whole;
• roll-out the service to new countries and regions;
• monitor and evaluate the results;

Qualifications

• Significant consultancy track record at senior level in Business and Finance consulting to SME service providers and financiers preferably in developing countries;
• Experience of working with private investors;
• Experience with sales, consultancy, training, fundraising;
• A strong network of contacts in the SME Finance ecosystem;
• At least 5 years working experience with more than one of the tasks above;
• Proven experience of developing a profitable service;
• The right representation skills, allure and characteristics to engage new clients;
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Spanish;
• Able and willing to travel frequently;

What we offer

A competitive salary. A one year contract, with renewal if successful. A young and dynamic working environment at our office in Amsterdam. A large network of partners. The chance to develop a pioneering service in the field of SME Business and Finance services for emerging markets.

Please submit your letter and CV to jobs@bidnetwork.org by 30^th April 2012.
Specific questions can be asked to Cily Keizer or Thierry Sanders +31-20-7555008 or can be submitted to cily.keizer@bidnetwork.org or thierry.sanders@bidnetwork.org .

We do not accept applications from recruitment agencies.