Micro-Enterprise Development Program Specialist

Job Overview:

Under the direction of the Small Business Program Coordinator, the Micro-Enterprise Development Specialist will provide refugee entrepreneurs and small business owners with opportunities for business training and technical assistance, and assistance with access to business capital. The position is tasked with fulfilling objectives of two primary grants: a Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Navigators project, and Office of Refugee Resettlement’s (ORR) Microenterprise Development (MED) Program. As a member of the IRC Small Business Team, the Specialist will support with program recruitment, delivery of direct small business support services, coordinate on small business events, workshops, and interactions with partners. This is a full time, regular term position.

Major Responsibilities:

· Coordinate and provide group training and one-on-one technical assistance (including offsite) to refugee entrepreneurs including those participating in other IRC SLC programs such as Spice Kitchen Incubator and New Roots.

· Assist refugee entrepreneurs in becoming ready for business financing through preparation of loan applications, business plans, and financial statements.

· Coordinate with the IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) on the submission and approval of loan applications as well as with borrowers with payment challenges.

· Assist IRC SLC Small Business team in providing one-on-one training technical assistance in small business development, finances, marketing, and outreach to clients.

· Support IRC SLC Small Business team in developing training workshops as needed, including arrangement of guest speakers/trainers.

· Maintain case files all for program clients; including collection of appropriate client eligibility documents.

· Ensure participant eligibility per donor requirements.

· Collect, maintain, and enter data into the program’s information data systems

· Other duties as required

Job Requirements: Education:

· Undergraduate degree, or equivalent professional experience, in Economics, Business, Small Business Development, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Education, or related field.

Work Experience:

· Professional experience working in: financial education, marketing, management, finance, entrepreneurship, business counseling, or small business development;

· 1 year experience with small business lending, preferred.

· Demonstrated understanding of U.S. businesses and U.S. business development systems and laws, with experience in business counseling, banking, entrepreneurship, or related endeavors;

· Experience with adult education, training, community building, and/or community development;

· Familiarity with or association with refugee communities in Salt Lake City highly desirable;

· Previous experience working with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and varying levels of literacy and numeracy;

· Experience working in a direct service role preferred;

· Experience and training in trauma-informed and person-centered services;

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

· Strong organizational skills including: multi-tasking, prioritizing, planning, and effective time management;

· Ability to work independently as well as on a close, collaborative team;

· Fluency in written and spoken English, with bi-lingual ability in a language commonly spoken by refugees in Salt Lake City, such as Arabic, Swahili, Kirundi, or Somali preferred;

· Ability to communicate with limited-English speakers, and demonstrated multicultural experience;

· Ability to work with refugee participants, community leaders, community partners and volunteers from a variety of backgrounds;

· Competency in Microsoft Office required; experience in web-based data entry systems, preferred; additional technical skills an asset;

· Valid driver’s license, active insurance policy and access to reliable transportation.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Small Business Program Coordinator

Position Directly Supervises: May supervise: Interns, and Volunteers as needed.

Work Environment:

· Standard office work environment along with travel in and around the service delivery area

· Flexibility to work some Saturdays and some weekday evenings as needed to support programming.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.**

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.**

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.**

Please apply at http://www.rescue.org/careers
IRC- leading the way from harm to home