Manager, SME Development (Non-Financial Interventions), Export Development

Job Summary

The Manager, SME Development (Non-Financial Interventions) will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing structured non-financial interventions for African SMEs and Financial Intermediaries under the Export SME Development Programme (ESDP). The role focuses on capacity building, market access facilitation, and strategic partnerships to integrate export-oriented SMEs into global value chains.

The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in SME capacity development, technical assistance programs, market access facilitation, and development finance with a deep understanding of the financial and non-financial barriers to SME trade.

Key Responsibilities

SME Capacity Building & Market Access Development

• Lead the development and implementation of the annual ESDP capacity-building plan for SMEs.
• Develop and execute export readiness workshops, training programs, and technical assistance initiatives for SMEs in priority sectors, including:
  • Agribusiness
  • Manufacturing
  • Creatives
  • Automotives
  • Climate-focused enterprises
• Facilitate access to markets for SMEs through strategic partnerships and trade facilitation programs.
• Establish and manage relationships with technical partners, trade development organizations, and business service providers.
• Implement a framework for deploying Technical Assistance (T.A.) to financial intermediaries under the ESDP.

Strategic Partnerships & Resource Mobilization

• Develop and manage partnerships with development finance institutions (DFIs), donor agencies, and private sector partners to secure funding for capacity-building initiatives.
• Leverage the Bank’s ecosystem, including Africa Trade Gateway, Africa Quality Assurance Centres (AQACs), Africa Buyer Programme, and Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) to create value-added opportunities for SMEs.
• Design innovative trade facilitation interventions that enhance SME competitiveness in regional and international markets.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Assessment

• Build and manage monitoring frameworks to track the impact of SME capacity-building and market access initiatives.
• Conduct performance evaluations and impact assessments of non-financial interventions.
• Prepare periodic reports on the development impact of SME programs, including success stories and best practices.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to Afreximbank’s AML, Regulatory, and Conduct Compliance policies, including:
  • Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Counter-Terrorism Financing
  • Conflicts of Interest Policies
  • Insider Trading & Anti-Bribery Guidelines
• Report any suspicious or non-compliant activities to the Compliance Department.
• Complete the Annual Compliance Training & Assessment.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, International Trade, or a related field.

• Experience:

  • Minimum 8 years of experience in SME development, trade facilitation, business advisory, or capacity building.
  • Strong experience working with financial institutions, trade development agencies, and development finance institutions (DFIs).
  • Familiarity with the financial and non-financial barriers to SME trade, including access to finance, technical skills, and market linkages.
  • Proven ability to engage senior officials of banks, corporates, and governments to secure buy-in for SME development programs.

• Technical Skills & Knowledge:

  • Strong expertise in trade development, SME policy frameworks, and export promotion strategies.
  • Proficiency in project management, stakeholder engagement, and program impact evaluation.
  • Understanding of international trade regulations, quality assurance standards, and value chain integration.
  • Strong financial acumen and ability to analyze the development impact of trade programs.

• Soft Skills:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (French or Portuguese is an advantage).
  • Strong relationship management and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to function in a culturally diverse and change-oriented setting.
  • Willingness to travel extensively to support regional SME development initiatives.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CVs to Afreximbank@robertwalters.com with the job title “Manager, SME Development (Non-Financial Interventions)” clearly stated in the email subject line for proper consideration.