IESC – the International Executive Service Corps – is seeking qualified candidates for an Access to Market Specialist for the anticipated USAID-funded Enterprise Development Growth Enhanced (EDGE) Activity solicitation. IESC is a U.S. based nonprofit with a focus on supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through access to finance and access to domestic, regional, and export markets to generate equitable and sustainable economic growth globally. Since 1964, we have designed and implemented a wide range of market driven solutions for rural SMEs along entire agricultural value chains on over 25,500 projects in more than 130 countries worldwide.

The purpose of USAID’s EDGE Activity is to increase the profitability for rural agricultural SMEs by addressing their key investment constraints on access to finance, limited business management skills and technology, and access to markets, thereby increasing SMEs productivity and ability to create new jobs. The project activities will be focused on peri-urban Lusaka and Eastern Province. The position is contingent upon IESC winning the award. Candidates should be available to join the project by August 2020.

Local applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. We will consider applications on rolling basis and encourage early submissions.

Access to Markets Specialist

Job Description:

• Identify new domestic, regional, and export markets for agricultural value chains;
• Build SME skills, standards, and capacity to deliver products and services to markets, including the promotion of value addition;
• Facilitate business training to increase SME capacity; and
• Work with and through private sector business service providers and associations.

Qualifications:

• Degree in business, economics, agriculture, or related field, advanced degree preferred;
• Understanding of the constraints and opportunities for rural Zambia SMEs and potential markets;
• Demonstrated experience in leading and implementing agricultural market studies;
• Experience in delivering or facilitating business training; and
• Excellent writing and spoken English skills.