VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
JOB POSITION
BDS Officer (SME/Green Finance Professional)
JOB CONTEXT
Applications are invited from business development service (“BDS”)/ SME finance/ green finance professionals willing to be a part of the core BDS team responsible for implementing BDS activities under the “Access to Green Financing for Enterprises” programme supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh and implemented by iMPACT Booster Holding B.V. in partnership with Truvalu and One to Watch.
“Access to Green Financing for Enterprises” is a multi-year programme that aims to facilitate capacity development, technical assistance, and access to green financing for SMEs across all sectors in Bangladesh. The programme will actively engage with SMEs, financial institutions (FIs), impact investors (IIs), and policymakers to facilitate access to green financing for SMEs, aiding them in both adapting to and mitigating the risks associated with climate change. The programme is expected to generate a positive impact by empowering marginalized communities and SMEs in Bangladesh, fostering climate resilience and developing low-carbon solutions.
Truvalu is a Netherlands-based impact-investment company engaged in developing SMEs through equity investment, BDS, and other relevant advisory services. Truvalu employs a unique `Co-entrepreneurship` model that strives to improve the economic viability of SMEs through capital, BDS, strategic coaching, access to finance, access to markets and networks, and access to knowledge and technology. Through a tailor-made set of BDS and investments, companies are grown to full business maturity to increase overall social impact.
One to Watch is an investment management company based in Nepal, the Netherlands and Myanmar. One to Watch works with high-potential small and medium-sized companies in frontier markets, providing them with finance to realise their growth potential and enhance stakeholder value measured by the creation of local jobs, climate protection, and financial returns. It has a focus on climate change and renewable energy.
JOB OBJECTIVES
The candidate is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the capacity of selected SMEs including women-focused enterprises to better cope with climate change, to develop business skills to increase their capacity to grow and to compete, and to become investment-ready for accessing finance in the form of debt or equity. S/he will also be responsible for engaging with potential SMEs, understanding their needs, and promoting green financial products and services. This role requires a combination of business acumen, environmental awareness, and relationship-building skills.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist the BDS Lead in formulating the overall design and implementation strategy for BDS and capacity-building support to SMEs including investment/financing readiness.
- Conduct BDS promotional activities to generate awareness among potential SMEs.
- Identify relevant SMEs across Bangladesh that have an opportunity to increase the climate resilience of their business or other businesses (and preferably integrate a gender lens in their strategies).
- Identify and assess the general and customised BDS needs of the SMEs.
- Assist the BDS Lead in developing detailed BDS delivery plans for each SME.
- Assist the BDS Lead in driving the BDS interventions with a focus on raising awareness of SMEs in green and environmental aspects of business as well as introducing them to the available green financing options.
- Empower the selected SMEs with a comprehensive set of general BDS e.g., training to enhance their digital financial literacy, to develop a better understanding of green financial instruments, financial products for women-focused businesses, and technical aspects of greening their business.
- Empower the selected SMEs with a comprehensive set of customised BDS e.g., one-to-one business development support on overall business management, on understanding impact and on becoming ready for green financing/investment. This customised BDS will include but will not be limited to financial and operational management, access to market, export readiness, climate change management, green audits, environmental and social impact assessment, managing business through a gender lens, marketing and sales, and branding.
- Regularly collect and report BDS evaluation data provided by SMEs.
- Maintain regular communication with the targeted and potential SMEs.
- Develop monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual progress reports for the programme management, donors, and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate with teams within the programme, company, consortium, multiple stakeholders, and partners to discuss activity planning and implementation for better results in the field.
JOB LOCATION
Based in Dhaka, however, frequent travel outside of Dhaka will be required.
QUALIFICATION/REQUIREMENTS
- Higher education (Bachelor or Master) in Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Economics, Social Science, Development Studies, International Development, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Project Management, or other relevant field.
- At least 2-3 years of progressive and relevant work experience in the field of business development services and support/advisory services especially with SMEs.
- Good understanding of SME and green financing products, climate change issues, green businesses, green audits, green banking, and environmental impact measurement.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience related to SMEs, private sector, and entrepreneurship development in the country.
- Hands-on work experience in delivering enterprise-level advisory/consultancy support.
- Hands-on work experience in conducting management staff training for industries/SMEs.
- Strong network with relevant market actors and capacity to develop effective relationships with various stakeholders including SMEs.
- Capacity to facilitate and communicate with different SMEs and stakeholders.
- Working experience and familiarity with the development efforts of international development partners, INGOs, and NGOs.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and tasks efficiently in a high-stress environment.
- Excellent time management skills, resourcefulness, with strong attention to detail.
- Excellent computer literacy in MS Office programs (specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and Google Workplace.
- Compelling presentation and influencing skills.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Negotiable (competitive salary package based on competency and experience).
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Interested applicants are requested to email their updated CV along with a cover letter to hr.bd@truvalu-group.com specifying the job title i.e. “Application for the Position of BDS Officer” in the email subject line.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
06 January 2024
We thank all the applicants; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessments/interviews.