Entrepreneurship Project Officer

Reporting to: Project Officer Focal Point

ABOUT SMEPS:

(SMEPS) The Small and Micro Enterprises Promotion Services Agency is a subsidiary of the Social Fund for Development (SFD) and was established in 2006.

SMEPS’s scope of work is in three main components: Business Development, Value Chain Analysis, and Entrepreneurship. We provide non-financial facilities and small business development services through innovative and creative projects that help the growth of activities in this sector.

SMEPS’s main office is in Sana’a with two other branches in Aden and Al Mukalla.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
2. Certification in Project Management, Organizational Leadership, or related areas is an advantage.

Experience:

1. Minimum of 3–4 years of progressive experience in project management within the development sector.
2. Experience in managing entrepreneurship projects.
3. Experience in managing and supporting multidisciplinary teams.
4. Familiarity with donor-funded project implementation, reporting, and compliance.

Must Have:

1. Leadership and Management Skills: Strong leadership abilities with experience in staff supervision and team building; capacity to manage complex workflows and deliver results under pressure; strategic thinking and adaptability to dynamic environments.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build partnerships and maintain effective communication with government bodies, NGOs, and community members; skilled in conflict resolution, facilitation, and inclusive dialogue.
3. Operational and Financial Oversight: Experience in financial planning, budget management, and expenditure tracking; understanding of procurement and logistical procedures.
4. Monitoring and Reporting: Competency in developing and applying M&E tools; strong reporting and documentation skills; experienced in TPM, mentoring, and evaluation; well-versed in report writing.
5. Languages and Travel: Proficiency in both Arabic and English (written and spoken); willingness and ability to travel regularly to field sites in all governorates (no constraints).

Tasks Description:

1. Lead day-to-day implementation: Coordinate project activities in line with work plans and strategic objectives alongside team focal points in targeted governorates.
2. Provide supervision and support: Guide and mentor field teams and project staff to ensure efficient performance.
3. Strategic planning contribution: Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
4. Ensure quality control: Oversee timely delivery and alignment with donor and SMEPS requirements in both ERP and MIS systems.
5. Maintain stakeholder relationships: Build and sustain strong relationships with local stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society, and community members in southern and northern areas.
6. Monitor project progress: Identify challenges, propose solutions, and document lessons learned.
7. Report preparation: Prepare regular updates, reports, and necessary documentation for internal and external use.
8. Financial oversight support: Assist in budgeting, expenditure tracking, and liaising with project focal points to ensure funds reach beneficiaries.
9. M&E tool design: Contribute to the design and review of the project log-frame, develop M&E tools, and participate in data collection and learning processes.
10. Representation and field visits: Represent SMEPS in coordination meetings and conduct field visits to both southern and northern areas as required.
11. Perform any other assigned tasks: Undertake additional duties related to the role as assigned by management.