Вакансія: Вusіnеss Аnаlyst, USАІD Іnvеstmеnt fоr Вusіnеss Rеsіlіеnсе Асtіvіty іn Ukrаіnе

The Investment for Business Resilience (IBR) Activity, formerly known as FSR, is a five-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by DAI Global LLC. The purpose of the IBR Activity is to support systemic changes in Ukraine’s economy and increases the supply of finance available to Ukrainian businesses. IBR aims to transform the country’s financial sector into a well-functioning and competitive market that is aligned with European Union standards and integrated into international financial systems, while directly providing financing to enterprises for sustained economic growth.

IBR is organized into four thematic areas:

• New Investments Facilitation for Enterprise Growth
• Deepened Private Sector Financial Intermediation and Expanded Private Finance
• Improved Market Regulation and Financial Infrastructure
• Enhanced Transparency and Communications about Financial Sector Reform.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The IBR is seeking several Business Analysts that will support program execution of a co-investment grants program to support private sector enterprises (PSEs) to increase sales, increase exports and provide job opportunities in Ukraine.  These Analysts should have experience in business, financing, consulting or another related field. The role of the Analyst is to support the identification of Ukrainian business with high growth potential, analysis of applications and business plans submitted to the co-investment grants program, engaging of shortlisted applicants to improve their grant applications through co-creation, including but not limited to clarifying, testing and validating their grant needs, use of funds, proposed co-investment, proposed “pay-for-results” milestones, projected outcomes (increase in sales, exports, and jobs). The Analyst will also support the monitoring of business performance, maintaining regular contact to provide support, and ensuring the accuracy of reports and data received. The Analyst support the (1) coordination with IBR’s Financial Sector Intermediation team to engage financial institutions to assist in identifying and referring their clients to the program, and (2) establishing of relationships with business associations, chambers of commerce, and government and donor business support programs and other relevant organizations to identify businesses for the grants program.

IBR is interested in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. While it does not have a strict sectoral focus, sectors of interest include those that are labor intensive, have high future export potential (e.g., agri-business, food processing), contribute to the resilience and rebuilding of Ukraine (e.g., manufacturing, tools, construction, ICT, and energy), and can absorb returning Ukrainian citizens (e.g., ICT, business services, commerce, and health).  

OBJECTIVES AND DUTIES:

Support the IBR Business Advisors and other IBR staff with the following:

• Assist IBR team in marketing the co-investment grants program and solicitation, including through financial institutions, chambers of commerce, business support programs and other organizations to identify and engage with high potential businesses. Work with the IBR Financial Sector intermediation team to establish and implement a business referral system with financial institutions to identify high potential businesses. 
• Review business applicants to co-investment grants program, evaluating business proposals and identifying the strongest applicants.
• Conduct in person and/or virtual discussions with businesses assess viability of their plans, determine ability to achieve the results proposed and contribute to achieving IBR’s targets and other evaluation criteria. Identify any pro-conditions to co-investment grant funding.
• Work with business applicants to develop clear, strong short plans on the use of performance-based co-investment grants to increase sales, exports or increase job opportunities in Ukraine. Identify weakness or opportunities that can be addressed, and the specific activities needed to do so. With the business help establish milestones or targets for performance-based payments.
• Conduct research and draft related reports on key business sectors, export markets, etc. in support of evaluating IBR grants applications, promoting IBR grantees’ growth and general IBR knowledge.
• Work with the IBR grants team to prepare recommendations for USAID approval.
• Manage and oversee a portfolio of business grantees, maintaining regular contact and tracking progress. Review and analyze reports and performance data from business grantees to verify for accuracy. 
• Provide direct advice and support to help business grantees achieve their goals. Help them identify the consulting or other services that they require. Connect businesses to needed service and business opportunities. Identify potential sales and exports opportunities for grantees or co-investment grant applicants.
• Propose strong-performing grantees for increases in award size or larger follow-on grants.  
• Provide regular feedback to IBR leadership and the Senior Grants Manager on how to adapt co-investment grants program to improve outcomes and efficiency.  Provide regular feedback to the IBR on policy, legal and regulatory issues that constrain grantees’ ability to grow and create jobs. 
• Administer the flow of grant applications, internal reviews and approvals,
• Work with IBR Communications Team to develop press releases, stories, case studies, videos and other material on supported businesses, working with businesses to secure the needed information, Support the Monitoring and Evaluation Team to conduct portfolio impact surveys and studies. 
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate degree in finance, economics, management, business law, audit or similar related field.
• At least 3 years of professional experience working in or with Ukrainian businesses in a management, management consulting, and/or growth financing capacity. 
• Experience in preparing, developing, assessing and/or implementing business, marketing, sales, revenue projections, and/or strategic plans is an advantage.
• Experience with development projects similar in scope either directly or as a consultant or beneficiary is an advantage. 
• Network among private sector businesses in Ukraine is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Ukraine’s private, government and donor business support landscape, including management consulting firms, financial institutions, business and export support projects, and chambers of commerce is an advantage.  
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience with project management platforms, such as Asana or Monday, is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written Ukrainian and English skills required. 

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Please submit Cover Letter and CV to [email protected] by March 26, 2024.

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.