Terms of Reference

IRIS Business Incubator Foundation

in the framework of “Increased Resilience of Syrian Armenians and Host Population” (IRIS) Programme

Call for the selection of Consultant, Business Development & Fundraising

for IRIS Business Incubator Foundation

Position Consultant, Business Development & Fundraising
Place Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
Duration Short-term contract with possibility of extension based on the results
The deadline for proposal submission 22.11.2021
E-mail submission of technical proposals l.stepanyan@caritas.am; info@irisbi.am

 

  1. Background

IRIS Business Incubator Foundation (IRIS BI) has been established in 2019 by “Armenian Caritas” Benevolent NGO and “SME Cooperation Association” NGO within the framework of “Increased Resilience of Syrian Armenians and Host Population” (IRIS) programme. The programme is funded by the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis (the ‘MADAD’ Fund), Austrian Development Cooperation and Austrian Red Cross and is being implemented by the consortium led by Austrian Red Cross and consisting of “Armenian Caritas” Benevolent NGO, Armenian Red Cross Society, Centre for Coordination of Syrian Armenians’ Issues and SME Cooperation Association.

IRIS BI provides a full cycle of business support services to prospective entrepreneurs with business ideas, startups and SMEs, that include trainings, coaching, mentorship, networking and access to finance. IRIS is the first business incubator in Armenia that focuses on traditional SME sector and puts economic integration in the core of its business model.

The mission of IRIS BI is to support entrepreneurs to establish and grow innovative successful businesses by providing full-cycle business development services.

The vision of IRIS BI is to enhance the ecosystem for business incubation and business support services in Armenia through becoming a networking, collaborating and access to finance platform for traditional SME sector.

In the framework of IRIS programme since 2019 IRIS BI has already completed 2 cycles of business incubation and is currently running the 3rd cycle. Within the 3 calls IRIS BI has received more than 1500 applications from self-employed, start-up entrepreneurs and SMEs operating all over Armenia. During the 1st and 2nd incubation cycles IRIS BI worked with more than 300 participants to develop their business models, around 170 participants attended IRIS Academy (which is an intensive training and coaching course developed for different target groups) and around 100 residents were qualified for financing with grants and loans.

 

  1. Job profile

Armenian Caritas and IRIS Business Incubator are looking for a qualified Consultant for Business Development & Fundraising with proven track record in the field and commitment to support the future sustainability of the organization. The person should be highly organized, flexible and creative individual with strong business development, communication and sales skills, who enjoys working in a dynamic, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial environment and who is passionate about economic growth and entrepreneurship.

The Consultant for Business Development & Fundraising will be responsible for the development of new business opportunities to improve organization’s market position and ensure financial inflows, including mapping available local and international funding opportunities, supporting the development of a sustainability strategy for the organization and for its implementation in the initial phase. The Consultant will be engaged with a short-term contract for 4 months, with a possibility of a long-term contract based on the delivered results.

Immediate supervisor: Executive Director of IRIS BI.

Job responsibilities

  1. Required qualifications
  • University degree in marketing, sales, international development or other relevant field
  • Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in business development and/or fundraising role with a proven track record
  • Proven experience in proposal writing and engagement with donors, corporates and other stakeholders
  • Knowledge of current CSR trends and priorities, fundraising cycles, proposal formats and application procedures for key donors
  • Experience working with business development organizations will be considered as an asset
  • Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation and networking skills
  • Proficiency in MS Office (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Armenian and English
  1. Application Procedure and Deadline

All interested candidates are kindly requested to submit their CVs and cover letters by e-mail to l.stepanyan@caritas.am; info@irisbi.am not later than 22.11.2021. Please indicate the title of the position “IRIS BI Business Development Consultant” in the subject line of your e-mail.

Armenian Caritas and IRIS Business Incubator are grateful to all interested applicants; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.