TITLE:  Programme Manager for Business Incubator within the framework of “Increased Resilience of Syrian Armenians and Host Population” (IRIS) Programme

OPEN TO/ ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:  All interested specialists

START DATE/ TIME:  ASAP

DURATION:  Long-term (3 years) contract with 3 months probation period.

LOCATION:  Yerevan, Armenia

JOB DESCRIPTION:  “Armenian Caritas” Benevolent NGO (AC) and “SME Cooperation Association” NGO (SME) in consortium with the Austrian Red Cross (AutRC), Armenian Red Cross Society, and the “Center for Coordination of Syrian Armenians’ Issues” NGO are implementing the “Increased Resilience of Syrian Armenians and host population” (IRIS) Programme funded by the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis (MADAD Fund).
AC and SME seek a Programme Manager for the Business Incubator (BI PM). The person should be passionate about economic growth and entrepreneurship, be an experienced leader and a strategic thinker, have the ability to focus on tangible results, have a collaborative “can do” attitude and a desire for continuous improvement.
The BI PM will be responsible for the development, planning, managing and implementation of the BI Programme as well as ensuring the BI sustainability after the completion of the IRIS programme in July 2021. The BI PM is used to the pressure of high-profile projects, and can effectively work with colleagues, IRIS programme partners at all levels of the organisation, whilst managing expectations of all parties, and making sure to meet deadlines and other requirements.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
– Participate in the establishment of the BI under the coordination of AC and SME;
– Develop the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), BI regulations, modules and other documents in close collaboration with AC and SME;
– Run the Business Incubator, manage the staff and the finances under the coordination of AC and SME;
– Develop, administer, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the annual plan for the BI activities, resources and operations of the BI       according to the IRIS objectives and indicators;
– Develop, plan and implement business development programmes from start to completion, including deadlines, milestones and processes for all phases according to the IRIS objectives;
– Administer business incubation programmes at all stages and any other activities which require the PM’s involvement;
– Develop and administer relevant training, coaching and mentorship programmes, as well as ongoing mentorship of programme     participants;
– Plan various events including the lead generation events, workshops, seminars, Steering Committee meetings, Economic Integration Working Group meetings etc. and execute the same with the help of team members;
– Develop strategy and create a pool of mentors for the BI;
– Develop and implement strategies that will ensure sustainability of the BI;
– Promote and advocate the BI model to the Government and non-state stakeholders;
– Actively promote the programmes through various channels; active networking;
– Be in charge of the relations with as well as report to the AC and SME programme managers and BI Steering Committee and its members;     liaise with the AutRC programme management;
– Follow strict EU Madad Trust Fund programme regulations within the first three years.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
– Master’s degree in Economics, Management, Business Administration, or another relevant field;
– At least 5 years of experience in programme development roles;
– At least 3 years of experience in a team management role;
– Demonstrated success developing, evaluating, selecting and successfully operationalising innovative programmes;
– Experience working with information and communication technology to develop and implement programme evaluation systems and metrics;
– Strong project execution skills, managing complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable successes and growth;
– Outstanding knowledge of data analysis, reporting and budgeting;
– Experience working with a high-performance, collaborative, constructive peer group;
– Strength in managing, developing, coaching and retaining individuals and teams, empowering them to elevate their levels of responsibility;
– Strength in decision making by balancing respective pros and cons;
– Outgoing personality and ability to network;
– Demonstrated results in managing through complex systems and experience in negotiating win-win agreements;
– Analytical mindset with great problem-solving abilities;
– Excellent understanding of innovation processes;
– Excellent command of Armenian and English languages, both oral and written.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:  All interested candidates are kindly requested to submit their CVs and cover letters by email to: l.stepanyan@caritas.am and chairperson@sme.am not later than the deadline. Please indicate the title of the position “Programme Manager for Business Incubator” in the subject line of the email. Armenian Caritas and SME Cooperation Association are grateful to all interested applicants; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.

OPENING DATE:  04 October 2018

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  15 November  2018

ABOUT COMPANY:  “Armenian Caritas” Benevolent non-governmental organization was founded in 1995 by the Armenian Catholic Church. “Serve different vulnerable groups with love and compassion, respecting the dignity of each individual”-this is the mission which leads Armenian Caritas. Armenian Caritas focuses its domestic efforts on Social Protection of Children, Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities, Social Inclusion and care of the elderly, Disaster Risk reduction and emergency response, Community Development, the Armenian Caritas Institutional Development, as well as Migration and Integration.

ABOUT:  The IRIS programme aims at improving social and economic resilience of Syrian Armenians and host population and strengthening institutional capacities for economic growth in Armenia. The action is coordinated by the AutRC.
In the framework of IRIS Economic Integration component a Business Incubator (BI) will be established in Yerevan that will support Syrian Armenian and local entrepreneurs through trainings, coaching, mentoring, incubation and financing for establishing new businesses. The BI will stimulate the culture of entrepreneurship and business environment in Armenia and will become a tool for sustainable development of future generations of start-ups.