Enterprise Development Manager at Centre for Community Development and Research Network (CCDRN)

Job Summary

• The Centre for Community Development and Research Network (CCDRN) seeks a dynamic and experienced Enterprise Development Manager to join our Livelihood Development team.
• The successful candidate will play a crucial role in fostering the growth and sustainability of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) within our target communities in northern Nigeria.
• This position involves providing business development advisory services to beneficiaries of different livelihood interventions, capacity-building to CCDRN field team members, and business growth and marketing innovations.

Key Responsibilities
Business Development Advisory Services:

• Provide one-on-one advisory services to MSEs, in collaboration with CCDRN field team members, to enhance business growth and sustainability.
• Develop comprehensive manuals and training materials for capacity-building programs on business planning, financial literacy, marketing, and business growth.
• Conducted business needs assessments and developed customized support plans to facilitate business growth and sustainability for CCDRN beneficiaries.

Resource Mobilization and Networking:

• Identify and connect MSEs with potential funding opportunities, including grants, loans, and investment options, and assist them in applying.
• Develop a network of industry contacts, mentors, and service providers to support the growth of enterprises within and outside the beneficiaries' communities.
• Organize networking events, meetup forums, and exhibitions to encourage business collaboration, market linkages, and knowledge sharing.

Program Development and Management:

• Develop a strategy for providing Business Development Advisory Services to CCDRN beneficiaries in different livelihood projects and locations.
• Contribute to developing proposals for anticipated livelihood projects and ensure alignment with CCDRN's strategic objectives.
• Design and implement capacity-building initiatives to enable CCDRN's livelihood field members to provide continuous business development support to beneficiaries.
• Develop tools and templates for providing enterprise development support to livelihood beneficiaries.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of enterprise development initiatives, making adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
• Collaborate with other CCDRN departments and external partners to integrate enterprise development into broader community development strategies.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of approaches to establishing strong entrepreneurship ecosystems, fostering enhanced entrepreneurship, and creating new enterprises.

Access to Market:

• Assist MSEs in identifying and accessing markets for their products and services within their communities and outside.
• Support MSEs on product development, branding, and marketing strategies to enhance market competitiveness.
• Support businesses in leveraging digital technologies and e-commerce platforms to expand their reach.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Maintain comprehensive records of all interactions, interventions, and outcomes related to enterprise development activities.
• Prepare regular reports on the progress and impact of enterprise development programs for CCDRN management and donors.
• Document success stories and case studies to showcase the achievements of the enterprise development program.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship, or a related field. A Master's Degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in enterprise development, business development service provision, or a similar role, preferably within a non-profit or community development context.
• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing MSEs in developing economies.
• Proven ability to design and implement effective business development programs and initiatives.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with business development software and tools.
• Willingness to travel to communities across northern Nigerian states.

Working Conditions

• This position is based at the CCDRN Head Office in Kaduna but will require frequent field visits to meet with entrepreneurs and business owners.
• Standard office hours apply, but flexibility is required to accommodate meetings, events, and workshops outside regular hours.