Business Development Mentors

About Aid Gate Organization “AGO”

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is an independent, nonpartisan, national organization in Iraq whose history goes back to 2014 with the beginning of ISIL’s occupation in Iraq. At that time and throughout the mass conflicts occurring from 2014 onwards, ISIL groups took control of large swathes of the country, including Nineveh, Salah al-Din, Anbar, and parts of Diyala. This period witnessed an unprecedented wave of displacement for people who lived in these areas in addition to extreme human rights violations. With the Iraqi government, unable to provide much-needed, widespread assistance, many international organizations entered the country to facilitate a response. In doing so, local community members were actively recruited to assist in the movement and return of displaced peoples, while providing them with emergency life-saving assistance to meet their basic needs. Since 2014, AGO has been working untiringly to help Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable host communities for the implementation of whole-ofcommunity resilience-building measures in Iraq. Today AGO is functional in Salah al-Din, Kirkuk, and the Nineveh governorates, with 50–150 employees, depending on the situation in the region. We are currently working on expanding our operations into the Anbar governorate as well as southern Iraq through proven programs to rebuild the lives of men, women, children, and refugees IDPs, minorities, ethnic groups and persons with disabilities.

Objective of the Position:
AGO seeks qualified Business Development Mentors to support our BNFs in launching and managing their businesses effectively. Mentors will conduct in-depth, hands-on sessions covering essential aspects of business management. Through this mentorship, BNFs will gain critical skills in business planning, financial literacy, customer engagement, and operational management. Mentors will guide them in overcoming challenges and adapting their approaches to local market conditions, ultimately building their confidence and capability as independent business owners.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Business Assessments and Initial Setup:

• Conduct initial on-site assessments of BNFs’ business ideas, readiness, and available resources.
• Collaborate with BNFs to identify potential strengths, areas for improvement, and competitive advantages within the local market.
• Assist BNFs in navigating legal and administrative requirements necessary for starting their businesses, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

2. Business Planning and Development:

• Guide BNFs through creating comprehensive business plans with defined goals, timelines, and budget forecasts.
• Provide personalized advice on designing business models that align with each BNF’s skills, interests, and community needs.
• Mentor BNFs in understanding market demand, pricing strategies, and establishing supplier relationships where necessary.

3. Financial Management Training:

• Offer training on budgeting, financial tracking, and managing cash flow to ensure financial sustainability.
• Educate BNFs on setting realistic financial targets, managing expenditures, and reinvesting profits for business growth.
• Provide tools for record-keeping, cost tracking, and basic accounting practices to promote transparency and efficiency in managing finances.

4. Marketing and Customer Engagement:

• Train BNFs in effective marketing techniques, including branding, advertising, and leveraging word-of-mouth within the community.
• Help BNFs develop strategies for identifying and retaining customers, enhancing customer satisfaction, and fostering customer loyalty.
• Encourage digital literacy by introducing online marketing channels suited to local business contexts when applicable.

Operational and Problem-Solving Support:

• Provide guidance on day-to-day operations, including inventory management, procurement, and logistics.
• Work closely with BNFs to identify operational challenges and brainstorm potential solutions, encouraging resilience and adaptability.
• Conduct follow-up visits to ensure ongoing support, addressing any challenges BNFs may face as their businesses progress.

Progress Monitoring and Reporting:

• Regularly evaluate and report on BNF progress, documenting improvements, milestones achieved, and areas requiring additional support.
• Coordinate with AGO’s project team to share updates, insights, and success stories, contributing to overall project evaluation and learning.
• Use monitoring tools to assess business impact and sustainability, providing data to inform future business development programs.

Expected Outcomes:
By the end of this mentorship period, BNFs should have a well-structured, sustainable business model with a clear understanding of financial management, marketing strategies, and operational processes. BNFs should demonstrate the ability to manage their businesses independently, showing progress in sales, customer acquisition, and profit margins.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Experience:
• Minimum 3 years of experience in business development, entrepreneurship, or consulting, particularly in small business and start-up support.
• Previous experience in rural or conflict-affected areas is an advantage.
• Knowledge and Skills:
• Strong knowledge of business planning, financial literacy, and market analysis.
• Familiarity with the local business environment and market dynamics in Sinuni and Northern Iraq.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to mentor and motivate small business owners.

• Language:
• Proficiency in Kurdish is required; knowledge of the local dialect and Arabic is a plus.
• Personal Attributes:
• Demonstrated commitment to community empowerment and economic development.
• Flexibility to adapt to varying levels of business experience among BNFs.
• High degree of cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds.

Reporting and Supervision:
The Business Development Mentor will report to the Project Manager. Mentors are expected to submit periodic reports detailing BNF progress, challenges encountered, and any recommendations for ongoing support.

This role is crucial to AGO’s vision of fostering economic independence and resilience among vulnerable communities in Sinuni, empowering them to create sustainable livelihoods and positively impact their community’s economic landscape

Interested applicants must send their most recent:

1. CV

2. Cover Letter

To [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), the Subject line must read: Business Development Mentorstendersglobal.net Sinuni

Note:

Applications not meeting the specified minimum requirements may not be

considered

The CVs received after the closing date may not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview that may include a written test of communication and writing skills.

Due to the nature of AGO work activities, AGO demands its employees to have the highest discretion and flexibility qualities. AGO can anytime according to the needs of his mission, and change the work location of his employee. AGO can at any time update tasks on this Job Description according to the evolution of the program or strategy changes. The above-listed tasks are not exhaustive, the employee can be asked to undertake other tasks by the employer according to the competencies, to work over setting time.

Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline.