Program Description

ENGINE is a four-year funded program by the U.S. Agency for International Development. The purpose of ENGINE is to increase private sector investment leading to inclusive, broad-based economic growth in the SAGCOT regions of Mbeya, Morogoro, and Iringa, and in Zanzibar.

The objective of Enabling Growth through Investment and Enterprise (ENGINE) Program is to increase private sector investment leading to inclusive, broad-based economic growth in the target regions. MEDA is responsible to facilitate the growth of a sustainable market for BDS providers. MEDA is supporting breadth of BDS market through the development and management of an e-Coupon platform to enable MSMEs to purchase BDS at a discounted price. ENGINE employs smart incentives to encourage BDS providers to work with women and youth-owned/led MSMEs. The project deploys  business experts from across the world, as volunteers and short-term consultants to provide technical assistance to BDS providers in Tanzania.

Position Responsibilities

The BDS Coordinator will lead the on-the-ground implementation of activities in his/her region of assignment, in alignment with the project workplan.  His/her role will include the following duties: -

1. Identify, build and maintain relations with BDS Providers in the targeted region;
2. Facilitate technical assessments and assistance plans for the BDS Providers;
3. Coordinate field activities of Expert Volunteers’ and Consultants’ technical assistance to BDSPs;
4. Identify opportunities to increase BDS sales and facilitate linkages between MSMEs and BDSPs;
5. Facilitate awareness creation to MSMEs about access to and benefits of BDS;
6. Promote the use of the e-Coupon arrangement and provide support to BDSPs and MSEs to use the e-Coupon facility;
7. Support Program monitoring and evaluation activities.

This position is responsible to manage and nurture project relationships with BDS Providers and key stake holders in the field, including Lead Firms and MSMEs.

The BDS Coordinator works with selected BDS Providers in his/ her region to assess their needs, and then work with professional volunteers and short-term consultants to provide technical assistance to the partner BDS Providers.

Position Requirements

• University degree, favorably at a Masters’ level, in international development, economic development, business, or related field;
• Proven track record of at least 3-5 years’ experience in international and/or economic development, or with the private sector;
• Demonstrated technical expertise and experience in business development programming, market systems development, and value chain approach.
• Experience working in Iringa is an added advantage;
• Strong understanding of small and medium businesses in Tanzania;
• Good oral and written English.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit an updated resume with no less than 3 professional references and a cover letter outlining interest and alignment to the position.  This should be emailed to hrtz@meda.org. Candidates from the Iringa region are encouraged to apply.  

Note : Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.