ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP TECHNICAL FACILITATOR

Economics
Sierra Leone, Freetown
May 20, 2026
Full Time
Application ends: June 2, 2026

Apply for this job

Email *

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP  

TECHNICAL FACILITATOR 

WHAT IS GERES ? 

Founded in 1976, Geres is an international development NGO working to improve living conditions and fight against  climate change and its impacts. As a grassroots actor, Geres sees the energy transition as a key driver of its work.  To foster ambitious societal change, the organization promotes the development and dissemination of innovative  local solutions, supports local climate and energy policies, and mobilizes all stakeholders around the concept of  climate solidarity—encouraging them to take action and support the most vulnerable. 

For more information: https://www.geres.eu/en/ 

CONTEXT AND PROJECTS OF GERES IN SIERRA LEONE 

In West Africa, Geres implements projects in Benin, Togo, Mali, Senegal and more recently in Sierra Leone. Teams  are also deployed on an ad hoc basis to other countries in the sub-region on consultancy assignments. Sierra Leone  is a new country of intervention for Geres (The Sierra Leone Mission started in April 2025). The opening project will: 

  • Ensure an energy sizing is aligned with the productive uses connected to the grid, and, where necessary,  support additional investments in energy production equipment (generators, solar panels…); ● Propose innovative financing mechanisms to facilitate entrepreneurs ’investment in productive equipment  (mills, dehullers, efficient refrigerators…); 
  • Strengthen local mini-grid developers’ understanding of the challenges related to electrifying productive  energy users, building on Geres’ experience from EBA projects and its technical assistance to private Mini Grid  Operators; 
  • Empower productive energy users through a comprehensive entrepreneurship support and capacity-building  program. 

Ad term Geres team in Sierra Leone will consist of around 20 people for the implementation of the first project.  The national representation is based in Freetown, although most of the activities will be developed in rural areas  of the country. 

MISSION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION 

The Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Technical Facilitator (EDE-TF) reports directly to the Deputy  Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Manager (DM-EDE). He/she ensures the implementation on the field  activities of his/her thematic area.  

  • He/She works closely with other Thematic teams, the MEAL Officer, all the Support team and the Field teams  in Sierra Leone; 
  • He/She is the field focal point for his/her theme. 

LOCATION 

The Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Technical Facilitator (EDE-TF) is based at the Geres office in  Freetown. He/She will be required to travel regularly (70% to 90%, depending on the period / season) in the project 

Geres Sierra Leone – Freetown Office – Tel. +232 30 211 908 – Sierra-leone@geres.eu – www.geres.eu 

areas, particularly in the branch offices (SL rural Districts), and in any new intervention zones developed as part of  future projects (mainly in the same regions). 

HIERARCHICAL AND FUNCTIONAL LINKS 

  • Hierarchical link up: the Deputy Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Manager (DM-EDE) and, in  his/her absence, the Project Manager.  
  • Hierarchical link down: none at the start in the position, but for temporary mission or for other projects,  some field positions could be added (Field Facilitator, Technician, Surveyor…). 
  • Functional link: Project Managers, all DM (thematic & support), other TF thematic, MEAL Officer… 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES 

1/ Implement and Facilitate Economic Development & Entrepreneurship (EDE) Activities in the Field: ● Identify and profile small & medium size enterprises (SME) or productive users of energy (PUE) supported by  the project (operating in the EBAs and those supported as part of other energy systems in Geres Sierra Leone); ● Support SMEs & PUEs in the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of their business plans; ● Identify business needs, constraints and opportunities, propose tailored solutions and facilitate fruitful  exchanges with technical and financial partners; 

  • Support the SMEs & PUEs in identifying and implementing simple management tools, adapted to their  activities; 
  • Support the deployment of the SMEs & PUEs support systems on the ground; 
  • Support SMEs & PUEs facing challenges in their operations , management or market access; ● Train SMEs & PUEs on corporate management, financial education, management tools, market research and  financing, etc. 
  • Organize exchange visits for SMEs & PUEs to learn from each other’s experiences, adopt and adapt new  strategies to improve on their businesses.  
  • Provide technical expertise as part of the implementation of support strategies, training, control, animation,  marketing, organization of SMEs & PUEs, etc. 
  • Provide technical inputs for the design and implementation of support strategies, training modules and  capacity-building systems; 
  • Engage regularly with local authorities, financial institutions, equipment suppliers and other actors involved  in economic development.  

2/ Contribute to the EDE Strategic Planning and Thematic Development: 

  • Provide field-level insights to help define and adapt activities related to rural SMEs development, access to  finance, market linkages, entrepreneurship training and the inclusion of women entrepreneurs, in  collaboration with the DM EDE; 
  • Participate in planning exercises with the DM EDE and contribute to operational activity plans; ● Strengthen the capacities of partners, staff, and local facilitators (including intern & extern) involved in SMEs  & PUEs support; 
  • Map and monitor entrepreneurship support structures (public/private/CSO); 
  • Support SMEs and PUEs through processes for formalization and compliance with administrative  requirements;  
  • Contribute to the establishment of mechanisms to facilitate market access (local, regional and national) for  SMEs & PUEs; 
  • Facilitate access to credit schemes with finance institutions; 
  • Collaborate directly with stakeholders in the economic development of SMEs & PUEs, supervising the work of  the partners in entrepreneurship support. 

3/ Contribute to Project Implementation and Processes:  

  • Support the organization and facilitation of community workshops, consultation meetings and awareness  sessions, especially those promoting women’s entrepreneurship;  
  • Collaborate closely with the MEAL Officer by conducting high-quality data collection, monitoring visits and field verification;

Page 2 | 4 

  • Contribute to knowledge management and the capitalization of lessons learnt; 
  • Support in drafting of reports, terms of references and other important documents; ● The post holder may also perform any other tasks related to his/her skills as assigned by his/her Manager. 

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

TRAINING/EXPERTISE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES: 

  • First degree/Higher Diploma and/or significant professional experience in a field related to Economic  Sciences, rural entrepreneurship, social and solidarity economy, with a specialization in project  management/animation, rural development desirable; 
  • Experience working with the banking or microfinance sector on setting up business credit facilities is an asset; ● Experience in supporting businesses, especially in rural areas is an asset; 
  • Experience on the theme required (minimum 2 years); 
  • Proficiency in office software/ Very good level of English and mastery of local languages; ● Interest in rural economic development, renewable energy, climate change and sustainable development; ● Knowledge of the energy sector in Sierra Leone is an asset; 
  • Ability to convince and work in partnership, autonomy, honesty, diplomacy, rigor, ability to work within a  multicultural team. 

NON–PRIORITY SKILLS THAT WOULD BE HIGHLY VALUED: 

  • Knowledges in gender issues and women’s economic empowerment in West Africa, particularly in rural areas; ● Knowledge of the dynamics of the social and solidarity entrepreneurship sector; 
  • Ability to lead inclusive change management workshops with teams and organizations. 

CONDITIONS AND APPLICATION 

  • Status: Sierra Leonese fixed-term contract; 
  • Remuneration: Category D1 or D2 on internal Geres Sierra Leone salary grid, depending on profile;  ● Contract duration: 12 months (renewable subject to satisfactory results); 
  • Desired starting date: 15th of July 2026 (or before if available). 
  • Documents and procedure to apply:  

– CV (Curiculum Vitae) – 1 to 2 pages maximum 

– Motivation letter (maximum 1 page), clearly explaining: 

  1. Your motivation to work for Geres Sierra Leone; 
  2. Your relevant skills and experience for the position (without repeating your CV); 
  3. What sets you apart from other candidates; 
  4. Your expectations for this role. 

➢ To be uploaded no later than the 5th of June 2026 at midnight, via the following online application  form: CLICK HERE or copy-paste the following link to your web browser :  

https://tally.so/r/2Elaap 

➢ Completing the online application form is mandatory for your application to be taken in  consideration.

Page 3 | 4 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT 

Geres Sierra Leone is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, safeguarding, and the  promotion of a respectful workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and abuse. Qualified candidates of all  backgrounds are valued and welcomed. 

However, in line with Geres Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting gender balance, women’s leadership, and  inclusive participation in economic development and entrepreneurship programming, women are strongly  encouraged to apply for this position. 

Geres has a General Security Policy (GSP) and security procedures specific to Sierra Leone. Geres also has an internal policy to  against sexist behavior and sexual harassment. The incumbent will be briefed on these procedures on arrival at Geres.

Page 4 | 4