
Website Foretiafound Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center
Skills Development, Job Creation, Strengthening SMEs
Job Description: Director of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC)
Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon
Organization: Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation
Position Type: Full-time
Position Overview
The Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as the Director of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC). The Director will lead SBEC’s mission to promote private sector growth and entrepreneurship in Cameroon, with a focus on empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities. This role involves strategic planning, program development, stakeholder engagement, and operational leadership to ensure SBEC’s impactful contributions to sustainable economic growth in Cameroon and the Central African region.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Management
- Develop and implement SBEC’s strategic vision, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission and goals.
- Provide overall leadership for SBEC’s programs, projects, and initiatives to support small businesses and entrepreneurship.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of SBEC’s activities, making adjustments to ensure continuous improvement and impact.
Program Development and Implementation
- Design, implement, and oversee programs that support small business development, access to finance, and capacity building for entrepreneurs.
- Lead initiatives to empower women and youth entrepreneurs through tailored training, mentorship, and access to resources.
- Identify innovative approaches to address challenges faced by small businesses in Cameroon, including regulatory barriers, market access, and digital transformation.
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Establish and maintain strong partnerships with local, national, and international stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, financial institutions, and private sector actors.
- Represent SBEC in high-level meetings, conferences, and forums to promote its mission and attract funding opportunities.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for donors, preparing detailed project proposals and reports to secure and maintain funding.
Team Leadership and Capacity Building
- Recruit, supervise, and mentor SBEC team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Build the capacity of the SBEC team to deliver high-quality programs and achieve measurable results.
Financial and Operational Oversight
- Manage SBEC’s budget, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and compliance with financial guidelines.
- Oversee the operational aspects of SBEC, including logistics, program delivery, and reporting.
Qualifications
Educational Background
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in entrepreneurship development, small business support, or related fields.
- Proven leadership experience in managing teams and delivering results in a nonprofit, public sector, or private sector setting.
- Strong experience in project management, including designing, implementing, and monitoring economic development programs.
Skills and Competencies
- Working proficiency in English and French(both written and spoken) is required.
- Strong knowledge of small business challenges and opportunities in Cameroon and the Central African region.
- Excellent networking and partnership development skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and donor reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically, innovate, and solve complex problems.
Key Attributes
- Passionate about entrepreneurship and economic development.
- Proactive, results-oriented, and able to work independently.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and lead a diverse team.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following through the Application portal
- A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience and achievements.
- A cover letter outlining their motivation and suitability for the role.
- Contact information for at least three professional references.
Application Deadline: February 20, 2025
To apply for this job please visit www.emailmeform.com.