Main responsibilities
Leadership in SME development and inclusive value chains
- Design and develop support models and tools for local SMEs and microenterprises, particularly in the areas of business development, market access, financing, quality, compliance and subcontracting readiness. Ensure that these models are adapted to the needs of businesses led by women and youth or that generate significant economic opportunities for these groups.
- Identify opportunities to integrate local SMEs into mining, industrial and related value chains.
- Develop and adapt incubation, coaching and entrepreneurial support approaches tailored to the needs of businesses and local contexts.
- Support the deployment of the Regional Mining Hub in Senegal and contribute to the development of similar initiatives in other programming countries.
- Document and capitalize on approaches, results and lessons learned to facilitate their adaptation and scaling up.
- Systematically integrate gender equality and the economic empowerment of women and youth into the models, tools and partnerships developed.
- Participate in identifying and addressing barriers faced by women and youth in accessing markets, financing, business networks and value chains.
Partnerships and business development
- Facilitate connections among local SMEs, mining and industrial companies, financial institutions, business support organizations, public institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
- Identify and develop partnerships with businesses, academic institutions and SME support organizations in Canada.
- Contribute to the development of mechanisms that facilitate SMEs’ access to financing and market opportunities.
- Contribute to identifying new opportunities related to the mining sector, inclusive value chains and SME support.
- Identify opportunities for knowledge and expertise sharing, mentorship, innovation and business development between CECI partners and Canadian stakeholders.
Technical support and positioning
- Provide technical support to CECI teams and partners in SME development, inclusive value chains, market access and private sector development.
- Develop tools, methodologies and training content and contribute to knowledge sharing.
- Contribute to documenting lessons learned and developing new project/program proposals.
- Represent CECI with partners, donors, businesses and other strategic stakeholders.
- Contribute to positioning CECI as a leading organization in inclusive and sustainable economies in extractive contexts.
- At all times, and particularly when required to travel, ensure compliance with the organization’s security guides, manuals, directives and instructions.
- Perform any other duties required to achieve the objectives of the Inclusive and Sustainable Economies team.
Required qualifications
- Master’s degree in economic development, international trade, sciences applied to the mining sector, or another relevant field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in SME development, private sector development, market access, access to finance and/or inclusive value chain development.
- Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing SME support, incubation, acceleration or development models.
- Experience developing partnerships with the private sector, public institutions, business support organizations and/or financial institutions.
- Good understanding of industrial, extractive and/or local subcontracting value chains.
- Experience in the mining sector, particularly in West Africa, Asia and/or Latin America.
- Excellent teamwork, interpersonal communication and cross-cultural interaction skills.
- Excellent communication, representation, negotiation and partnership development skills.
- Strong written and oral communication skills in French and English. Knowledge of Spanish is an asset.
- Commitment to the values of international cooperation, gender equality, rights and diversity, and sustainable development principles.
- Knowledge of Microsoft 365 and artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and the ability to use them to improve productivity, analysis, research and writing.
Imagine working for an organization whose mission corresponds to your personal values, and participating every day, in your own way, in the creation of positive social change in the world. Alongside 300 employees worldwide and 200 volunteers, who share our values of solidarity, integrity and respect for diversity, you could help empower women and support communities with CECI.
CECI values diversity and inclusion, respecting employment equity. We encourage applications from people from Aboriginal, racialized, immigrant and disabled communities, and of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you wish, we invite you to identify yourself as belonging to one of these groups when you submit your application, as we believe that diversity of experience contributes to an understanding of the context and work of CECI and is therefore considered an asset.
We are committed to providing an environment free from harassment and discrimination. Accommodation is available at every stage of the application or interview process, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.