Jobs and Careers

TERM: 

Part-time employee (50% FTE)

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) as part of International Partnerships Austria is looking for an MSMEs Advisor (f/m, locally contracted, part time) for the project “Recovery, Resilience, Development for Syunik (R2D Syunik)”.

The ADA has been delegated by the European Union (EU) to implement a strategic project focusing on support to the green and inclusive socio-economic development in Syunik. The project is part of the Team Europe framework Initiative “Targeted Recovery Initiatives for Southern Armenia – Syunik Region” (https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/team-europe-initiatives_en).
The project funded by the European Union and co-funded by ADA with a volume of EUR 11 million will close by the end of 2027. To support ADA’s Coordination Office for Technical Cooperation in Yerevan in ensuring successful implementation of this project, ADA is recruiting an experienced MSMEs Advisor for the project office in Kapan, for a maximum of 23 months, starting in February 2026.
The overall objective of the action is to enhance recovery and resilience of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and sustainable small-scale community infrastructure in Syunik.
The project envisages the achievement of the following specific objectives.
Specific Objective 1: A sustainable mechanism for supporting MSMEs in line with ADA and EU guidelines is set up and being implemented in Syunik region.
Specific Objective 2: A sustainable support scheme mechanism for supporting small-scale community infrastructure is set up and being implemented in Syunik.
Specific Objective 3: Improved multi-stakeholder coordination for regional development in Syunik is set up and effectively cooperating for regional development.

The project envisages the achievement of the following results:

Output 1.1: Improved access of MSMEs to knowledge, technologies, services, markets and finance.
Output 1.2: Enhanced capacities of entrepreneurs and employees (with a particular focus on empowering disadvantaged groups)
Output 2.1: Sustainable, green community infrastructures are rehabilitated and maintained.
Output 2.2: Bankable community infrastructure projects are prioritized and prepared in the communities.
Output 3.1: Regular multi-stakeholder coordination for the regional development of Syunik is taking place.
Austria has a long-standing partnership with the Government of Armenia, which has been a priority partner country of technical cooperation since 2012. The ADA is Austria’s federal agency for development cooperation and humanitarian aid. Together with the people in the partner countries, ADA works to improve living conditions in their communities – for example, by providing education and training, by supporting small businesses, or by developing innovative solutions for water supply and agriculture. ADA is committed to reducing poverty, promoting peace and protecting the environment. For better lives and a secure future for all.
Further background information and documents regarding ADA’s engagement in Armenia are available on our homepage www.entwicklung.at.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Under the direct supervision of the Private Sector Development Expert (PSDE), the incumbent will support the procurement and entire grant management process. As the grantees have already been selected, the role will focus on carrying out procurement of the requested items, ensuring compliance with ADA/EU procedures, and supervising the implementation and monitoring of the funded projects, including those implemented by strategic partners.
The position will be based in Kapan with frequent trips within the Syunik region and occasional trips to Yerevan.
Specific Duties
- Support the PSDE and team members in procurement processes related to MSME support and community activities in Syunik, ensuring compliance with EU and ADA procurement rules.
- Oversee the entire grant management process, including support in the pre-selection and assessment of beneficiaries and selected grantees, monitoring of implementation, review of narrative and financial reports, and preparation of corrective measures as needed.
- Carry out and support procurement of goods and services for grantees in line with ADA/EU rules and maintain accurate documentation.
- Assess the grant schemes implemented by strategic partners under the PSD component and monitor their accuracy and compliance with project objectives.
- Support the design, preparation, and provision of non-financial services (training, coaching, mentoring, consulting, technical advice, etc.) for start-ups and MSMEs, including development of curricula, training materials, case studies, and others.
- Manage, monitor, and report on the above processes by developing and introducing relevant means and methods (attendance sheets, pre- and post-tests, registry of services, training and consulting reports, etc.).
- Contribute to narrative, as well as budget and expenditure reports (ADA and EU).
- Support data collection regarding his/her scope of tasks for research, educational and other purposes.
- Carry out any other duties as required by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

- University degree in business administration, procurement, economics, development studies, or another relevant field; postgraduate degree (Master level or higher) is an asset.
- At least five years of relevant, documented working experience, including procurement and grant management; experience with EU or ADA funded projects is an asset.
- Experience in business development services (training, consulting, mentoring, technical advice) for MSMEs is desirable.
- Strong knowledge of the private sector in Syunik region.
- Excellent written and oral communication/reporting and presentation skills in English and Armenian.
- Experience with donor procedures and rules applicable to funding received from large institutional donors, particularly the EU.
- Understanding of international development cooperation principles and quality standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Excellent inter-personal/social and communication skills; ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment.
- Adherence to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
- Flexibility to adjust working hours to actual workload, as required.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Valid driving license category B is desirable.
The minimum salary for this position depends on qualification and experience and is based on a part-time employment (50% FTE).

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: 

All applications are due by 31 December 2025 Yerevan time. If you wish to apply for this position, please send the cover letter and CV, as well as other relevant documents to *********@***.**.** with the subject line “R2D Syunik – MSMEs Advisor (Procurement and Grant Operations)”.
ADA retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.
Women are particularly encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence and no application fees or information with respect to bank account details are required by ADA for our recruitment process. Please note that in the event of invitation for an interview, ADA is unable to reimburse costs incurred. Candidates must expect that references from previous employers will be requested by ADA. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls or visits please.

Please clearly mention in your application letter that you learned of this announcement through Career Center and mention the URL of its website - www.careercenter.am. Thanks.

REMUNERATION/ SALARY: 

Proposed salary range: from 450,000 AMD to 490,000 AMD gross