Summary
Program Name: Sri Lanka Support Unit 2 (SLSU 2)
Position Title: Small Enterprise Advisor - Short Term Consultancy
Position Summary: SLSU 2 is seeking a Small Enterprise advisor, who will be working closely with the skills lead providing strategic guidance and inputs necessary to design key program components, while advising on best practices and sectoral expertise to design the new skills activity, targeting small business beneficiaries of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Matale districts in Sri Lanka. This position requires occasional travelling to project locations as and when required
Description
Overview:
The Sri Lanka Support Unit (SLSU2) is an Australian Government investment managed by Abt Global. The Facility uses a range of delivery modalities:
- Technical and strategic advisory support to the Australian High Commission (AHC) in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Direct Aid Program (DAP) – civil society competitive grant fund
- Skills for an Inclusive Growth (S4IE) - Focused on skill building of Small Businesses for improved business performance
- Knowledge and Linkages for an Inclusive Economy (KLIE) program delivered through grant funding to partnerships between Australian and Sri Lankan government institutions
- Operational responsibilities including finance, administration, logistics, etc.
The long-term goal to which the SLSU2 contributes is “a stable, prosperous and resilient Sri Lanka” as outlined in AHC’s new Development Partnership Plan. This goal supports the Sri Lanka – Australia bilateral partnership and aligns with Government of Sri Lanka plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Working with the team leader and the skills lead to assist in developing strategies, key program components and activities targeting for small businesses in priority districts, based on identified skills gaps
- A preliminary assessment of the priority skills areas, training models and delivery methodologies appropriate for target group in consideration of regional dynamics, to ensure alignment to the scope of the program
- Together with SLSU team, participate in stakeholder consultations and focused group discussions in project locations to gather required insights related to workforce skills development of small businesses to support of the design process
- Provide an assessment of new program activity’s approach to assess its effectiveness in meeting program logic and theory of change outcomes, identify gaps or shortcomings and make relevant recommendations.
- Undertake preparatory work and analysis related to small business workforce development and provide advice and recommendations
- In collaboration with the Skills Lead, contribute to the development of program implementation plan and the budget
- Provide advice to ensure program plans compliment SL government and DFAT key policies and priorities for the target group
- Ensure that gender and disability considerations are taken into consideration in the new skills activity Logic/Theory of Change and identify specific areas and skills interventions to implement or priorities gender and Persons with Disabilities (PWD)
- Undertake other tasks relevant to the assignment.
Key Deliverables:
- A preliminary assessment of proposed program approach, target group, delivery methodologies and strategies according to the scope and priority districts
- Report with key suggestions, recommendations and approaches to fully design the new skills activity plan
- Primary data and requirement gathering including discussions with key stakeholders in preparation of partnership due diligence
- Set up meetings and/ or make necessary introductions of SLSU to potential partnerships in targeted districts in their network
- Review and/or draft specific sections of the program implementation plan including key components, modalities and related skills activities, to guide SLSU/DFAT as directed by the Team Lead
Key Working Relationships:
The SE Adviser will work closely with the Skills Lead and other advisors, as required
Selection Criteria:
- Minimum 7 years relevant experience, or equivalent, and be a recognised expert in the field with appropriate academic qualifications and substantial professional experience.
- The specialist will have experience, practical understanding and demonstrated knowledge and experience of working with SMEs in targeted districts and/or across Sri Lanka or the Asian region.
- Experience in participating in program designs of complex development projects.
- Excellent analytical skills, and proven ability to gather and interpret data, and draft reports.
- Ability to work in a team.
How to Apply
Please apply online via our Abt Careers website: Search Jobs - Abt Global Careers
Please attach a cover letter and a detailed CV as a single document, addressing how you meet the requirements of this role.
Closing Date: 31 March 2025, 11:59PM, Sri Lanka Standard Time
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