Team Leader & SME Training and Coaching Expert

Human Relief Foundation (HRF) is an international, UK-based charity established in 1991 (UK Charity Commission registration no. 1126281). In the years since beginning operations, HRF has become internationally recognised. In April 2003, it was granted Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. HRF is a signatory of the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Since starting operations in response to the First Gulf War in Iraq, HRF has engaged in many humanitarian contexts around the world, including Somalia, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ghana. Within these contexts, HRF has implemented programmes across many sub-sectors of the humanitarian system, including food security and livelihoods, WASH, shelter, education and protection.

Within Iraq, HRF has a recent history of livelihoods, shelter, food security and education interventions working with a variety of UN institutions including UNDP, UNHCR, WFP and OCHA among others.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Team Leader and SME Training & Coaching Expert to lead the implementation of capacity development activities for SMEs under the SME Loop approach. The expert will oversee training, coaching, and monitoring activities while ensuring effective coordination with project stakeholders and partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the overall implementation of project advisory services.
• Ensure alignment of project activities with other initiatives at local and national levels.
• Design and oversee capacity development activities, including ToT, curriculum adaptation, and training impact measurement.
• Conduct needs assessments and stakeholder consultations for SME support.
• Develop and adapt training materials based on the SME Loop methodology.
• Provide technical guidance to trainers and coaches.
• Lead monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of project activities.
• Manage project team members and coordinate short-term expert assignments.
• Ensure consideration of cross-cutting issues such as gender equality.
• Support financial planning and project reporting in coordination with the project manager.

Required Qualifications

• A University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Agronomy, or a related field
• Excellent command of English (minimum C1 level).
• At least 7 years of experience supporting SME development or promotion.
• Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience in SME training and coaching, including experience with the SME Loop methodology.
• At least 3 years of experience leading project teams.
• 3 years of professional experience in projects in the Middle East, of which 2 years in Iraq.
• Minimum 6 years of experience working on development cooperation projects.
• At least 5 years of professional experience working outside the Middle East.

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience designing and delivering SME training and coaching programs.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and partners.
• Strong monitoring, evaluation, and reporting skills.