CARE International in Pakistan (CIP) seeks a MSME Business Development and Partnerships Advisor for the anticipated 3-5 years USAID-funded Women’s Economic and Social Empowerment (Transform) project. Transform will help women in target geographic areas (FATA/KP, Northern Sindh, South Punjab, and potentially Baluchistan) to earn higher incomes and work in an environment increasingly free of violence and more conducive to their labor.
It will provide new skills, access to resources, and linkages with markets to women in the informal economy, including home-based workers and unprotected piece-rate workers. The activity will conduct a survey of women-dominated micro-industries in each geographic area and tailor assistance appropriately to each context and will also explore non-traditional sectors with potential for increased participation by women. There will be a special focus on working with men and boys to change attitudes towards women’s participation in the labor force, their position at home, in the community and at large in society, and the acceptability of Gender Based Violence.
The activity will also engage local communities to expand the space for women’s economic labor and social participation. It will create local networks of women workers and build their capacity to mentor others as well as identify and advocate solutions to barriers to social and economic empowerment. Transform will connect local networks to various stakeholders, including labor unions, employers’ associations, micro-finance institutions, and local elected representatives to build support for solutions to these obstacles.
This position is subject to project award and funding.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develop key strategies for promoting women led micro enterprises in collaboration with the private sector institutes
- Provide technical assistance to women-led micro enterprises for this activity.
- Create and establish linkages to private sector especially relating to vocational training and job placements etc.
- Provide leadership in promoting women’s economic empowerment with select partners and key public private stakeholder
- Apply/introduce innovative approaches and good practice to build the capacity of project team, and stakeholders
- Work out innovative ways to promote formal and informal learning at various levels with private sector;
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a relevant technical discipline like business administration required.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in development and working with micro and home-based enterprises.
- demonstrated experience managing people and processes in home-based enterprise ventures, and leading teams to produce deliverables which will increase income of home-based enterprises and their workers.
- Demonstrated experience in strategy development, with a strong emphasis on organizational position and marketing (leveraging results).
- Understanding of key gender equality considerations, design, approaches and indicators for women’s economic empowerment and equality.
- Experience providing capacity building, including one-on-one or small group technical assistance, and creating related tools and resources.
- Experience working in developing countries, particularly Asia region.
- Strong skills in planning and organization, partnership and collaboration.
- Evidence of outstanding writing and communication skills.
- Ability to travel within project areas as the security situation allows.
Working Conditions and Level of Travel Required
- The positon will be based in Islamabad with travel to Field Offices / partner organizations, as and when required.
CARE International in Pakistan is an equal opportunity employer; only individuals who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.
Note: Individuals can submit a cover letter and a detailed CV to [email protected] clearly mentioning the position title in the subject line of the email, before the stated deadline.