Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and MSME Development Expert at Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI)

Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI) is an Italian humanitarian non-governmental organization founded in Milan in 1965. COOPI aims to help the world’s poorest to improve their access to healthcare, food, and financial security, and to overcome their special vulnerability to wars, civil conflicts and natural disasters. For 50 years of long-term support and constant presence in the field, COOPI has been engaged in breaking the cycle of poverty and responding to specific emergencies in numerous sectors, including Food Security, Humanitarian Aid, Health, Socio-Economical Services, Water and Sanitation, Disaster Risk Reduction, Human Rights, Education and Training, Migrations and Sustainable Energy.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and MSME Development Expert

Location: Bade, Yobe
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and MSME Development Expert to lead initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and strengthen MSMEs in Yobe State.
• The ideal candidate will drive capacity-building programs, enhance access to finance and markets, and develop strategies to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Capacity Building: Oversee training programs for entrepreneurs and enterprises, providing technical advice on financial and market linkages.
• MSME Growth Strategies: Develop and implement approaches to enhance MSME scalability, including business development services (BDS), market access, and financial inclusion.
• Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development: Design and execute strategies to strengthen local entrepreneurship ecosystems, foster innovation and new MSME creation.
• Business Model Development: Create viable business models for beneficiaries and establish partnerships with institutions offering entrepreneurship training and BDS.

Selection, development and prioritization of value chains as follows: 

• Market analysis
• Mapping the value chain
• Analysing value chain technical capacities
• Analysing economic performance and benchmarking competitiveness
• Analysis of external sources of competitiveness
• Analysis of economic parameters
• Formulation of an upgrading strategy for selected value chains
• Identifying constraints to chain performance
• Value chain upgrading strategy Definition of roles and responsibilities
• Implementation of upgrading strategies Monitoring and impact assessment
• Assist the project management team in the market analysis and mapping of the value chains.
• Identify constraints and propose possible interventions in response to the addressed needs and demands.
• Support the project management on the development of the agribusiness value chain as follows:
  • Business environment.
  • Institutional support.
  • Improving access to business development services.
  • Strengthening the role and capacities of business membership organizations.
  • Compliance with health, safety, quality management systems, and environmental requirements.
  • Specific direct interventions and programs.
  • Cluster and network development.
  • Support to small and medium agri-enterprises.
  • Investment promotion.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in entrepreneurship development, MSME support, or economic empowerment programs.
• Proven expertise in business development, financial inclusion, and market linkage strategies.
• Strong understanding of Yobe State’s entrepreneurial landscape and challenges.
• Excellent partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Fluency in English (Hausa/Kanuri proficiency is an advantage).

Application Closing Date
4th August, 2025.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified canddiates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• At Cooperazione Internazionale, we dream of a world without poverty, able to mirror the ideals of equity and justice, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
• We offer competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in rural communities.
• Join us in our mission to empower farmers, promote sustainable practices, and improve livelihoods.
• Cooperazione Internazionale is an equal opportunity employer.
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
• If you are passionate about agriculture, rural development, and making a difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply for one of these exciting positions.
• Join us in our journey to create sustainable solutions for rural communities and contribute to a brighter future for all.