Company Description
SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance. Together with our team of over 1,600 people, our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all.
Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.
SNV recognises the finance gap existing in the global south especially for youth and women and works extensively to promote Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship with its YEE program which focuses on growth and finance support to MSMEs owned by young men and women to catalyse job creation and livelihoods especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
It is against this background that SNV registers its partnership within the TEI and specifically in the IYBA-SEED program, as a co-implementing agency to support entrepreneurship ecosystems development in Africa.
To support its activities, SNV seeks to engage a Junior Consultant under a framework agreement to provide periodic support to its Brussels team in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), administrative, and event coordination tasks with the IYBA SEED program in Brussels, while liaising with teams in Benin and Kenya.
For more information on SNV, please refer to our website: www.snv.org

Job Description
Background: Strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems for more resilient economies
The rate of job creation in Africa is not keeping pace with demographic growth. According to World Bank forecasts, Africa's working-age population is set to increase by 450 million by 2035, while the continent's economies are expected to produce just 100 million new jobs. While the entrepreneurial spirit is omnipresent in Africa today - one African in 5 sets up his or her own business - the continent's young businesses and entrepreneurs encounter a number of obstacles in their entrepreneurial adventure, all of which hinder the development of their project and the creation of jobs: financing, support, cultural or social barriers, particularly for women, regulations and public policies that are more or less favourable to business creation, etc.
The ILO estimates that MSMEs represent more than 70% of global employment and 50% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). They are a key engine of economic growth and poverty reduction providing goods and services to poor and underserved markets, as well as critical suppliers in global value chains. Despite this, gaps and deficiencies in the economic structure limit the capacity of both formal and informal MSMEs to grow, as well as limiting their potential to further contribute to job creation.
It is against this backdrop that the EU launched the TEI IYBA Team Europe Initiative Investing in Young Businesses in Africa to support start-ups and young entrepreneurs to launch and develop sustainable, inclusive, and job-creating activities.
The IYBA-SEED program, Investing in Young Businesses in Africa - Supporting Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development, part of the TEI IYBA, aims to foster the growth and success of businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly those in the very early (pre-seed) and early (seed) stages of development. The emphasis of IYBA-SEED is put on increasing access to Business Development Services for SEED beneficiaries, which primarily consist of young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 and women entrepreneurs.
Objectives of the Consultancy
The Junior Consultant will be responsible for fulfilling a variety of M&E, administrative, and event support tasks. This role will ensure smooth operational processes, facilitate effective communication, and support the project’s monitoring and reporting requirements. The consultant will have opportunities to work with multicultural teams across Belgium, Benin, and Kenya, and gain valuable experience working with other actors in international development and project management.
Scope of Work
The Junior Consultant will work under the supervision of SNV’s Program Manager and in close coordination with project teams in Benin, Kenya, and Brussels. The primary responsibilities of the consultant include:
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Support

• Collect and organise qualitative and quantitative data from field teams in Benin and Kenya to support ongoing project monitoring.
• Assist in analysing data to track project progress against key indicators.
• Contribute to the preparation of M&E reports, case studies, success stories, and lessons learned.
• Maintain and update an M&E database to support project tracking and reporting requirements.

Administrative Support

• Provide logistical and administrative support for meetings, workshops, and events, including scheduling, coordinating, and minute-taking.
• Support in managing project documentation, maintaining organized filing systems, and preparing presentations.
• Handle correspondence, maintain contact lists, and support project communications.
• Make arrangements for field visits and missions.

Event and Communication Support

• Assist in planning, organizing, and coordinating project events and workshops in Brussels, Benin, and Kenya, including virtual events.
• Draft and edit communication materials such as newsletters, social media posts, and updates for the program’s website when needed.
• Liaise with communication teams across partner agencies to ensure consistent messaging.
• Support in translating and proofreading documents as needed for internal and external audiences.

Deliverables
The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

• Periodic M&E data summaries and progress reports.
• Event coordination plans and post-event reports.
• Communication materials such as draft newsletters, social media posts, and updates.
• Documented meeting minutes and other administrative records.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field such as international development, public administration, communication, economics, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in M&E, administrative support, or event coordination.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in French is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point); familiarity with data analysis software or M&E tools is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary, multicultural environment.
• Self-starter with a proactive approach and ability to manage tasks independently.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and work under deadlines.
• Ability to work independently to finished assigned tasks within set timeframe.

Additional Information

• Initial Agreement: 50 expert days with contract validity of 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.
• Location: Brussels, Belgium (with flexibility for occasional remote work and potential travel to Benin and Kenya, as required).

Remuneration
The consultant will be engaged under a framework agreement with competitive remuneration commensurate with experience. Payment terms and rates will be established based on specific deliverables and tasks as defined in each work order.
Application Process
Interested consultants are invited to submit the following in their application via Smart Recruiters:

• A detailed CV, highlighting relevant experience and skills.
• A cover letter outlining their suitability and interest in the role.
• Contact information for two professional references.
• Daily or hourly rate expectation.

Deadline for application: 8th December 2024
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.