Senior Advisor & Sector Challenges Coordinator (Maternity leave replacement, +/- 6 months)

BiD Network Foundation

BiD Network's mission is to increase economic development through mobilizing capital and know how to small and growing businesses (SGBs) in developing markets. Through our international network of partners, our business competitions and online platform we identify businesses with a financing need of USD 10,000 to USD 250,000 and match them with finance using our network of financiers like business angels, SGB funds, private foundations and banks. BiD Network also offers advisory services on how to set up deal flow sourcing, mentoring and investor services like setting up business angel networks in developing markets.

Purpose of the job

We are looking for a motivated pro-active person with strong project management and fundraising skills while at the same time with affinity in the SME sector:

• To coordinate projects, such as sector challenges and SME programs;
• To maintain our voluntary coaching network;
• To support and train BiD Network's partner organization BBIN in Burundi in their services for SMEs and investors, such as by mobilizing (informal) investors, help launching business plan competitions, including training and mentoring services;
• To raise funds for new projects.

Function tasks

• Project coordination, incl. development of planning and budget, reporting, monitoring and steering team members involved in the project;
• Supporting and training the Business Incubator in Burundi in offering services to SMEs and investors;
• Reviewing business plans and providing feedback;
• Identifying coaches and matching these with entrepreneurs;
• Conducting training sessions geared towards preparation SMEs or finance;
• Organizing business plan competitions and supporting the organization of events;
• Identify fundraising opportunities and submit proposals;

Position in the organization

You are part of a small team of advisors, all reporting to the director. Advisors differentiate in the themes of expertise; in their level of seniority and in areas of interest and development. Based on this they form teams around projects for clients and sales and fundraising activities.

Your Background

• University or higher education, preferably in the field of economics, business or international relations
• At least 3 years work experience
• Passion for and a background in enterprise development or related field
• Proactive, flexible and enthusiastic
• Experience with and enjoys working with a variety of stakeholders, including investors, entrepreneurs, mentors, NGOs and corporate/financial sectors; ability to listen and open to their needs
• Are very independent, can work on your own and solve problems on the spot personality
• Fluent in English, and preferably Spanish and French
• Can do presentations to groups and organize workshops
• Likes to think creatively and out-of-the-box
• Willing and able to travel abroad

BiD Network offers

• Contract for 40 hours a week
• Remuneration depending on education and experience
• International environment
• Dynamic working experience
• Free lunches

If you are interested in this temporarily position, please apply before 31 August 2014 by submitting your CV and motivation letter to jobs@bidnetwork.org. For more information, please contact Ingrid Desmet at 2020 7555 000.