ACDI/VOCA
Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.
SME Export Competitiveness Tech Lead, Armenia**
ACDI/VOCA is seeking a SME Export Competitiveness Tech Lead for an anticipated economic foundations program in Armenia funded by USAID. This activity will strengthen key economic actors within both the public and private sector to exercise economic stewardship and ultimately build a resilient Armenian economy.
The SME Export Competitiveness Tech Lead will lead and support SME market and export development efforts to increase buyer linkages. They will develop SME responsiveness to market requirements and trends, reorient product, sales, and capacity, expand and strengthen SME networks, supply chains, relationships, and horizontal and vertical cooperation, and improve SME marketing through business service provision. The program is anticipated to start in 2022 and this position will be based in Armenia.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement technical assistance interventions to improve international competitiveness of target commodities
- Focus strategies on investment attraction and facilitation, commercial partnerships, and trade expansion
- Oversee efforts to expand market access and intelligence, working with business service providers (BSPs) and SME associations to assist SMEs in better understanding and responding to market opportunities
- Assist SMEs already exporting and with potential to export to become lead firms, inspiring other SMEs to replicate success
- Build BSP and SME association knowledge on market requirements, export marketing, and green technologies and processes
- Expand the availability of business data and market intelligence for each sector by applying market intelligence services and other information platforms
- Expand sector cooperation and synergies to facilitate sector cooperation to increase exports, with a focus on women-owned SMEs
- Facilitate public-private dialogue and evidence-based advocacy between sector associations, groups, government, and SME support institutions to address trade regulations, procedures, and service constraints
- Work through local standards certifiers and providers to help SMEs comply with or obtain certifications, including Global GAP, ISO 14000, HACCP, and EU standards and ecolabels
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or related field is required; master’s degree is desired.
- Minimum 7 years of work experience in international development or relevant SME support field.
- Knowledge of and experience with USAID and/or other international Donor programs’ rules and regulations is required.
- Experience working in Armenia preferred.
- Fluency in English required, Armenian preferred.
Armenian nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Please apply online at www.acdivoca.org/international-jobs. The applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt, only finalists will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply. ACDI/VOCA will never request payment or charge a fee to apply for any position.