Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and MSME Development Expert at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

Job Summary

• We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and MSME Development Expert to lead initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and strengthen MSMEs in Yobe State.
• The ideal candidate will drive capacity-building programs, enhance access to finance and markets, and develop strategies to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Capacity Building: Oversee training programs for entrepreneurs and enterprises, providing technical advice on financial and market linkages.
• MSME Growth Strategies: Develop and implement approaches to enhance MSME scalability, including business development services (BDS), market access, and financial inclusion.
• Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development: Design and execute strategies to strengthen local entrepreneurship ecosystems, foster innovation and new MSME creation.
• Business Model Development: Create viable business models for beneficiaries and establish partnerships with institutions offering entrepreneurship training and BDS.

Selection, development and prioritization of value chains as follows: 

• Market analysis
• Mapping the value chain
• Analysing value chain technical capacities
• Analysing economic performance and benchmarking competitiveness
• Analysis of external sources of competitiveness
• Analysis of economic parameters
• Formulation of an upgrading strategy for selected value chains
• Identifying constraints to chain performance
• Value chain upgrading strategy Definition of roles and responsibilities
• Implementation of upgrading strategies Monitoring and impact assessment
• Assist the project management team in the market analysis and mapping of the value chains.
• Identify constraints and propose possible interventions in response to the addressed needs and demands.
• Support the project management on the development of the agribusiness value chain as follows:
  • Business environment.
  • Institutional support.
  • Improving access to business development services.
  • Strengthening the role and capacities of business membership organizations.
  • Compliance with health, safety, quality management systems, and environmental requirements.
  • Specific direct interventions and programs.
  • Cluster and network development.
  • Support to small and medium agri-enterprises.
  • Investment promotion.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in entrepreneurship development, MSME support, or economic empowerment programs.
• Proven expertise in business development, financial inclusion, and market linkage strategies.
• Strong understanding of Yobe State’s entrepreneurial landscape and challenges.
• Excellent partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Fluency in English (Hausa/Kanuri proficiency is an advantage).