Business Support Project Manager

About this position

Established in 1959, the Inter-American Development Bank (“IDB” or “Bank”) is the main source of financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. It provides loans, grants, guarantees, policy advice and technical assistance to the public and private sectors of its borrowing countries. Against this mandate, the IDB, is providing financial support to the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to create a Business Support Desk (BSD).

• The aim of the Business Support Desk (BSD) is to increase the capacity of Guyanese firms to access finance, including providing guidance on creation of business plans, financial statements, requirements to access the different financial options and on increasing the overall capacity. The objectives of this desk are envisioned as: (i) enhance business readiness for access to finance; (ii) risk mitigation strategies to reduce lending risks for banks; (iii) capacity building for firms to be able to access to commercial financing; and (iv) facilitate collaboration between private sector, donors and financial institutions.
• The BSD will be housed at the PSC’s headquarters in Georgetown. The PSC was established in 1992 by five Private Sector Associations with the aim of bringing together all Private Sector Organs and Business Entities under one national body. The Commission is governed by a Council which is comprised of the Heads of all Sectoral Member Organizations and a number of elected corporate member.
• The PSC is committed to (I) provide the infrastructure within the PSC headquarters for the operation of the help desk, (ii) provide leadership and strategic guidance; (iii) carry out the program’s administrative tasks; (iv) lead the engagement and organizing of networks seminars and trainings, (v) fund raising and (vi) defining a sustainability scheme.
• This BSD will initially focus on bankable businesses and will identify sectors to prioritize and how to combine. In this regard, a consultant will support the PSC on defining, the strategy, main areas of focus, operative costs, sourcing of financing and sustainability, as required.
• The design and implementation of the BSD will be led by a Project Manager, who will be in charge of the design, coordination, engagement activities and sustainability of the BSD.

What you’ll do

• The Project Manager will lead the process of designing and implementing the PSC’s initiative, provide expert advice and guidance to the PSC and the IDB on the strategic planning, establishment, and operational execution of the Business Support Desk. This role will involve coordinating efforts between various stakeholders, designing the framework for services offered by the BSD, and ensuring the project’s objectives are met efficiently and effectively.
• The Project Manager will participate in the design of the BSD, liaising with the strategic consultant, and provide inputs on areas such as g analyzing similar international initiatives and identify best practices and lessons learned.
• The Project Manager will identify main stakeholders, donors and participating agents and liaise with key partners that can provide financial and technical support to the initiative.
• The Project Manager will identify main needs of the beneficiaries and will engage with relevant parties to design and provide the necessary workshops, trainings, learning materials and mentorships among others.

Analytical and inputs on design structure.

• Participate in the design of the BSD, including the main costing, potential sources of revenue, sustainability in the medium and long term.
• Gather relevant data and analysis regarding the commercial and other financial institutions that offer financial products in Guyana
• Identify and engage with main stakeholders, donors, financial sector leaders and any other agents and engage into raising technical and financial support.
• Identify short and medium term needs for the potential beneficiaries and design and deliver capacity building, training, engagement with mentors among others.
• Assist in defining the strategic direction and objectives of the Business Readiness Desk.
• Develop a comprehensive framework for the Desk’s services, including but not limited to business planning, financial structuring, legal advisory, and auditing services

Operational Planning and Execution:

• Advise on the operational setup of the Desk, including technological requirements, staffing needs, and procedural guidelines.
• Provide guidance on best practices for service delivery to ensure the Desk meets its objectives in supporting businesses.

Desk Management

• Manage day-to-day operations and coordinate with other staff for smooth project implementation.
• Manage Employees of the BSD.
• Provide policy advice to the PSC’s Council based on data analytics and market insights.
• Maintain regular communication with the IDB and PSC for project coordination and alignment.

 Desk Management and Operations

• Oversee the application process for businesses seeking support, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience.
• Manage the development and maintenance of the online portal, including application tracking, feedback dissemination, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate the use of assessment tools to evaluate business readiness, including the generation of customized reports for applicants.

 Training and Development

• Plan, schedule, and oversee training seminars and workshops on business best practices, including business plan development, understanding financial statements, and collateral requirements.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure content relevance and quality.
• Facilitate the delivery of training in various formats, such as in-person workshops, webinars, and on-demand content.

 Advisory Services

• Organize and coordinate one-on-one advisory services, pairing businesses with mentors and business advisors.

 Networking and Partnerships

• Coordinate networking events and lender meetups to connect businesses with potential lenders and investors.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with financial institutions, facilitating pathways for businesses to access funding.

Marketing and Outreach

• Execute marketing campaigns to promote the Business Readiness Desk to the local business community.
• Highlight success stories through various media channels to showcase the impact of the Desk’s services.

Feedback and Improvement

• Implement mechanisms for collecting and analyzing feedback from businesses on the effectiveness of the support provided.
• Regularly assess and update the Desk’s operations, services, and training offerings based on feedback and evolving needs.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitoring mechanisms to assess the Desk’s effectiveness and impact.
• Provide periodic reports to the PSC and the IDB on progress, challenges, and recommended adjustments to the project strategy.

What you’ll need

• Education: Master’s degree in business, finance, economics, engineering, or related science.
• Experience: 5 years of experience in the private sector gained through business support organizations, commercial banking and/or private company. Three (3) years’ experience, at the senior management level, will be considered in leu of a master’s degree. Experience in Guyana’s private sector is preferred.
• Languages: Proficiency in English

Source: https://iadbcareers.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/business-support-project-manager-6323