Business Expert

Aim of the Position

AVSI is looking for two Business Experts to be involved in an AICS funded project implemented in Falluja, Sumel and Sinuni. The project aims to support the development of small start-ups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through technical trainings, business grants, capacity building, and technical assistance. Beneficiaries require continuous guidance to develop viable business plans, manage grants effectively, and ensure sustainability of their businesses. For this reason, AVSI is seeking two business experts to closely monitor and coach the supported businesses while working alongside the MSMEs Support Officer, the Agronomist and the Field Coordinators of the project, in coordination with the Project Manager.

Objective of the Assignment

The Business Experts will provide technical and practical support to beneficiaries receiving business grants, ensuring they develop sound business and financial plans, effectively utilize grants, and successfully operate and grow their businesses.

Positions and Duty Stations

• Position 1: Business Expert based in Falluja
• Position 2: Business Expert based in Sinuni (with regular missions to Sumel)

Scope of Work

Under the supervision of the MSMEs Support Officer (and in coordination with the Project Manager and Agronomist), the Business Experts will:

• Provide technical support and coaching to beneficiaries
• Assist the beneficiaries in business planning and budget development
• Monitor business performance and grant utilization
• Support project implementation in the field (through assessments, data collection, post-monitoring-distribution, and any other task assigned by the Project Manager, in line with the project objectives)

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

1. Business Coaching and Guidance

• Provide continuous coaching and mentoring to beneficiaries of business grants
• Support beneficiaries in:
• Developing and refining business plans
• Preparing budget plans and financial forecasts
• Identifying market opportunities and risks
• Ensure business plans are:
• Realistic and feasible
• Aligned with local market conditions

2. Business Plan Collection and Review

• Collect and review business plans and budget plans from beneficiaries
• Provide structured feedback and recommendations
• Ensure all required documentation is complete and compliant
• Participate to business plan evaluation and field verifications

3. Field Visits and Monitoring

• Conduct regular field and monitoring visits to beneficiaries:
  • Start-up Support: 75 beneficiaries per area
  • MSME Support: 100 beneficiaries per area
• Verify, in coordination with the Project Team and the MEAL Department:
• Proper use of grants
• Business progress and challenges
• Operational status of businesses
• Provide on-site coaching and troubleshooting
• Provide basic financial literacy support as required (cash flow, pricing, costing)
• Identify and flag high-risk or struggling businesses early
• Coordinate closely with Trainers, Lawyer and Project technical team
• Promote good business practices (record-keeping, customer relations, sustainability)

4. Monitoring and Reporting

• Maintain records of all visits and coaching sessions
• Update beneficiary tracking system on Activity Info in coordination with the project team and MEAL Department, including:
• Business status
• Progress indicators
• Challenges and risks
• Share regular reports including:
• Number of visits conducted
• Progress of businesses
• Key issues and recommendations

5. Support to Project Activities

• Support the team in other field activities as required by the Project Manager
• Assist in implementation of:
• Trainings
• Assessments
• Follow-up activities
• Data Collection

6. Support to Business Events

• Contribute to the planning and organization of business events, such as:
• Business fairs
• Networking events
• Pitching sessions
• Support beneficiaries in preparing for events

Duration of the Assignment and Salary Range

• 7 months (2 months of probation period)

• Salary range:  1,300 USD – 1,350 USD (depending on the experience)

• Level: Mid-Level (3A)

Reporting to: Project Manager

Duty Station: 1 person in Sinuni, Ninewa; 1 person in Falluja, Anbar, Iraq

Language: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English (Kurdish is an Asset for the position of Sinuni)

Starting date: 01/06/2026

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or related field
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in:
• Business development
• SME/MSME support
• Entrepreneurship programs
• Experience with NGOs or development projects of minimum 2 years
• Strong understanding of:
• Business planning.
• Financial management.
• Local market dynamics.

Competencies

• Strong coaching and mentoring skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work in field conditions.
• Ability to work with different communities.
• Strong organizational and reporting skills.
• English knowledge.
• Arabic knowledge.
• Kurdish knowledge is an asset.

Reporting Lines

The Business Experts will report to the  Project Manager and coordinate closely with:

• Project Technical Team
• Trainers
• Legal advisors
• Field Coordinators
• MEAL Department

AVSI is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, to apply.

How to Apply (Application Process): Interested candidates are required to send CV and Job Application to Business Experts (2 Positions) tendersglobal.net Fondazione AVSI

starting from 11-05-2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and based on urgency, AVSI may fill the position prior to the closing date.