The Program Officer, Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative will be based in Castries, Saint Lucia, and will work under the guidance of the Caribbean Representative to support the design and implementation of a green entrepreneurship incubation program and associated activities of the Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative.  The Program Officer will initially support the Caribbean Representative at the inception phase of the program and then lead implementation of the assigned components of the program. 

The duration of the position is 3-years with the possibility of extension. Contracting of the successful candidate is conditional upon confirmation of funding.

 

Project Overview

GGGI’s Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative supports the development,  financing, and growth of businesses that contribute to addressing environmental and sustainability issues in 6  OECS countries (Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) in order to assist countries in meeting their climate change and green growth goals while creating green jobs and developing local green industries.  The initiative will offer incubation and accelerator programs, including virtual courses, a mentorship program, links to investors, in-person events and networking opportunities, in addition to provision of seed grants and repayable loans to selected businesses.

The initiative will offer incubation and accelerator programs, including virtual courses, a mentorship program, links to investors, in-person events and networking opportunities, in addition to offering seed grants and repayable loans to selected businesses. The Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative is funded with support from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).

GGGI is also delivering a corresponding project in the Pacific, called the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN).

 

Purpose

The Officer will support development and coordination of the program aimed to scale up green entrepreneurship across the Caribbean. The platform will offer training, mentorship, and financing opportunities to the participants, resulting in innovative new business ideas that will ensure profitability and social good. The Officer will develop and implement training and support mechanisms for the platform and recruit innovative green entrepreneurs and support them through design and implementation of their business ideas, that shall align with national development priorities and be promoted to the private sector and donor community.

 

Engagement

In support of the platform development the Program Officer will:

• Recruit and build strong relationships with entrepreneurs to ensure their commitment and engagement in program activities.
• Develop strong relationships with key government institutions, key private sector institutions including green businesses, relevant academic institutions, and other key stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of the project
• Deploy strategies to secure collaboration, buy-in, and support from a diverse range of stakeholders across the region in relevant disciplines, particularly private-sector, to ensure local support for the program
• Work closely and communicate regularly with GGGI team members to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Coordinate and communicate regularly with GGGI colleagues who are leading the delivery of green entrepreneurship projects in other regions

 

Delivery

The Program Officer will be responsible for job duties including but not limited to the following:

• Support the inception phase of the project by liaising with country governments and other project stakeholders, mapping stakeholders, and assisting with setting up the operational structure of the program, including development of projects, templates, documents, and other materials.
• Deliver Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative Incubation program activities, including an online training program, award and disbursement of start-up funds to select entrepreneurs and MSMEs, and knowledge sharing in the Caribbean to enable the environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Contribute to development of online training materials related to green business and the lean canvas approach, including written materials and hands-on activities and exercises.
• Organize and deliver on-line training sessions, including recruitment of guest speakers, coordinating times and agendas, and facilitating training sessions for a geographically dispersed audience.
• Lead mentorship program, including recruitment, matching, and managing of mentors.
• Lead the process of recruiting and selecting participants in the Incubation program.
• Organize program activities including capacity building workshops, mentorship meetings, and knowledge sharing events, and support in the facilitation of these activities based on yearly/ biannual work programs and budget plans
• Support implementation and delivery of the Acceleration program as necessary.
• Support the design of general and country-specific content to raise awareness on the Eastern Caribbean Green Entrepreneurship Initiative project, increase entrepreneurs’ participation in the program, and enhance buy-in among stakeholders.
• Report on results of program activities and facilitate internal and external communications.
• Capture lessons learned in project management to support refinement/improvement of existing policies and procedures.
• Identify project delivery issues and ensure effective coordination of project activities and resources to ensure attainment of objectives against established timeframes.

 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in the field of business management/development, finance, sustainable development, environmental science and/or a related field.
• 5 years of relevant professional experience in a related field, such as business, entrepreneurship, innovation, private sector engagement, training, sustainability, environmental science, green growth, etc. in Caribbean countries/small island developing states.
• Overall understanding of the concept of green growth, sustainability, and climate change vulnerability in the context of small island developing countries.
• Experience in engagement with the private-sector, particularly small and micro businesses, as well as government ministries and agencies.  Experience with international organizations is an advantage.
• Experience organizing and facilitating workshops, training and/or events, particularly related to entrepreneurship and sustainable development;
• Excellent and dynamic presentation skills, and experience in using online tools to support delivery of events and training.
• Experience in managing projects or programs, including reporting and communicating with stakeholders, and in applying participatory approaches, gender, environmental and social inclusion safeguards.
• Experience in identifying and of mobilizing funding opportunities for small businesses is a plus.
• Direct experience working as an entrepreneur is an advantage.
• Fluency in English and excellent writing skills are essential.

 

Functional

• Leadership, teamwork, and creative problem-solving abilities
• Excellent multi-cultural literacy and interest in being a part of an international team working in an evolving and entrepreneurial environment
• Excellent communication (both written and oral) and facilitation skills.
• Problem solver, able to find and implement solutions
• Innovative thinker, able to see opportunities across different sectors/disciplines
• Anticipate and provide necessary technical and content-based support
• Willingness and ability to travel within the Caribbean (pending COVID restrictions)

 

 Corporate

• Understand and actively supports GGGI’s mission, vision and values.
• Promote the optimum use of public resources
• Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect and partnership.
• Process and share information easily.
• Manage emotions and stress positively, builds rapport and resolves conflict easily.
• Promote creativity and innovation among staff.
• Be able to lead where needed and provide solutions to project-level challenges

 

Documents to be submitted :

• CV
• Cover letter
• Writing sample from related previous work