INTERNATIONAL TEAM LEADER (f/m; 100%), based in Tbilisi, Georgia.

HEKS/EPER, Swiss Church Aid, supports projects designed to combat hunger, poverty and injustice in over 30 countries on four continents. HEKS/EPER also provides worldwide humanitarian assistance for victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts and supports the Church’s diaconal work in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In Switzerland, HEKS/EPER champions the rights and causes of refugees and socially disadvantaged people. Through its development and social policy work in the fields of climate justice, access to land and food, migration, and integration, HEKS/EPER strives for systemic change – globally and in Switzerland.

HEKS/EPER has its own coordination offices in 16 priority countries and around 200 projects worldwide. HEKS/EPER is active in Georgia since 1998 with the aim to contribute to improved living conditions of rural households and providing them with a perspective towards a dignified life and peaceful coexistence. Together with our consortium partner, we are looking for an:

INTERNATIONAL TEAM LEADER (f/m; 100%), based in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The recruitment is subject to the successful approval of the consortium’s bid to the tender by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

SDC has tendered the project “Local Economic Development (LED)” in Georgia (Inception Phase: Oct 2022 – Sept 2023, Phase I: Oct 2023 – Sept 2026). The goal of the project is to increase income and employment for rural women and men through enhanced competitiveness of businesses in their localities and effective collaboration among local and national actors. The project will pay particular attention to the inclusion of and delivering benefits to various vulnerable social groups, such as rural women, youth, ethnic, language and religious minorities. The project applies a Market Systems Development (MSD) and Local Economic Development (LED) approach to support private sector development and growth in selected sectors.

MAIN TASKS

The team leader who is to be present in Georgia during the period of the project implementation will be responsible for leading the project office, coordinating all project activities, maintaining professional relations with the donor and partners, and providing regular information on the progress of the project. Specifically, the team leader will have the following responsibilities:

Leading and coordinating all tasks during the inception phase (political economic analysis, stakeholder analysis, gender analysis, cost-benefit analysis etc), resulting in the fine-tuning and successful approval of the project documentation for phase 1.

Strategic and technical steering and overall management of the project as per accepted project document, under the guidance of the project steering committee and the Swiss Cooperation Office in Tbilisi.

Set up and management of the project implementation unit: office, human resources, finances, and administration.

Supervising the project team in implementing the project’s activities.

Formulate a yearly plan of operations, organize and coordinate the implementation of all project activities, manage the project funds, monitor performance and coordinate/ exchange with partners.

Ensure the development of a monitoring and results measurement system as well as knowledge management for steering, accountability and learning.

Implement the MSD and the LED approach and stimulate an innovative and constructive learning environment among project team and partners.

Ensure cooperation and coordination with other projects supported by SDC within the Employment and Economic Development domain as well as relevant projects funded by other donors.

The team leader will work under the consortium’s steering committee and benefit from technical support from an experienced, multidisciplinary team provided by the consortium partners (remote and on-site support).

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

Academic degree (Master or equivalent) in economics, finance, development studies and/or related field.

At least 8 years of experience in managing and coordinating interventions of a comparable size (at least EUR 1mio annually) and scope in market systems development and local economic development.

Demonstrated ability to engage in multi-stakeholder negotiations and collaborations.

Strong managerial skills, including results-oriented management, strategic planning, human resources management, and financial management skills.

Experience in coaching and mentoring a local team with diverse professional backgrounds.

Strong analytical skills and capacity to think systemically.

Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills.

Professional experience in transition countries, preferably in the CIS countries.

Fluency in English (written and oral) is a must; knowledge of Georgian is a strong asset.

WE OFFER YOU

The team leader will work under a HEKS/EPER expatriate contract (1 year with option of renewal until the project’s end). HEKS/EPER offers an attractive salary and benefits package. The expected start of the assignment is scheduled for October 2022 and depends on the successful approval of the consortium’s bid to the tender by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). You will work with a motivated team in Georgia and enjoy the dynamic, international work environment of a globally active INGO.