Business Development Officer

Position: Business Development Officer
Reports To: Project Coordinator
Job Level: Tier 5
Country/Location: Western Area, Sierra Leone
Organization: Street Child of Sierra Leone

Organization Background:

Street Child of Sierra Leone (SCoSL) is a local Non-Governmental Organization promoting the right to education and child protection for children in the most remote communities in Sierra Leone.

We believe that every child deserves the right to live in a safe place, secured home and above all, have the chance to receive a quality education. As an organization, our key focus is helping children into schools-and ensuring that they stay there. For those that have no access to education, we work towards creating access in some of the most remote parts of the country, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Project Summary:

The project focuses on the structural development of community-based, self-managed savings groups (Osusu) for small business start-ups in Western Area, Sierra Leone. The aim of the project is to increase the financial capacity of 2,000 caregivers and improve the economic security of school education for their children. In addition, we will provide social support to families to tackle stigma and barriers that may prevent children from accessing education.

Job Functions Summary:

The Business Development Officer shall, under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, work directly with their caregivers, their families, and community leaders to ensure the successful development of individual businesses and and participation in Osusu savings groups. The Business Development Officer is expected to support caregivers to develop and maintain sustainable businesses through adaptive mentoring and coaching skills. They shall also support caregivers to participate in the savings group. They will also seek to promote the importance of education, child rights issues and child protection within our communities of operation and support such families where possible.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Support the identification of beneficiaries for the project, as per beneficiary selection criteria
• Develop and maintain case files for all beneficiaries, collection relevant data as is required
• Provide socio-educational support for families to tackle the stigma and barriers that may prevent children from attending / enrolling in education
• Adhere to SCoSL’s safeguarding and child protection policies, remain vigilant to safeguarding incidents and report concerns appropriately
• Provide business support for families including: business coaching; assisting in the development of individual business plans; and monitoring the progress of business development
• Provide training and support to Osusu Masters to prepare them to take over all duties and responsibilities necessary for the long-term operation of the Osusu groups
• Undertake follow-up visits and monitor project beneficiaries, in order to assess impact of the grants on the livelihood of the family – especially children.
• Implementation of business training for families participating in the project
• Support communities with the distribution of start-up funding for businesses.
• Monitor the progress of the Osusu savings activities of families
• Report to the Project Coordinator, and submit weekly work plans in line with the main implementation plans of the project
• Work with other Business Officers to develop best practices for the monitoring and evaluation of the Osusu scheme.
• Any other duties as delegated/instructed by the Project Coordinator
• Note: the duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience

Person specification:

Experience / Knowledge:

• Degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Community Development, Social Work, or a related field.
• Additional training in business development, financial literacy, or community-based development is a benefit.
• Understanding of community-based savings models (e.g. Osusu) and their role in economic empowerment.
• Experience working directly with vulnerable families or communities, particularly in rural or underprivileged areas.
• Experience working with data collection systems and tools, such as CommCare, KoboToolbox, or other mobile-based data collection software.
• Previous experience working with NGOs, particularly in projects focusing on livelihoods, financial inclusion, or child protection.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to support beneficiaries in creating and maintaining business plans, improving financial literacy, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
• Strong skills in guiding and supporting caregivers and community members, particularly in challenging socio-economic environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with community leaders, families, and other stakeholders to build trust and ensure project success.
• Competency in maintaining accurate records, managing case files, and collecting and analysing data for monitoring and evaluation.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs for caregivers and community leaders, particularly related to business skills and financial management.

Attributes:

• Excellent written and spoken communications in English and Krio
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to identify challenges and implement practical solutions in low-resource settings.
• Commitment to Street Child of Sierra Leone’s mission, particularly in supporting vulnerable children to remain safe, in school, and learning.
• Commitment to SCoSL’s safeguarding and child protection policies.