TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR
Individual Consultant (12 months) - Time-Based
Operations Officer Assistant
Enterprise Support Project
BACKGROUND
Following the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Government of Sint Maarten prepared a National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) that prioritizes immediate, short-, medium- and long-term needs for the recovery, reconstruction and resilience of Sint Maarten.
Since January 2018, the World Bank has been assisting the Government of Sint Maarten in the establishment and implementation of a recovery and reconstruction program to implement the NRRP. A significant component of this program is financed through a Trust Fund financed by the Netherlands, managed by the World Bank and implemented by Sint Maarten. The Government of Sint Maarten established the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), which serves as the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for the Government of Sint Maarten. US$35 million of the Trust Fund has been allocated to the Enterprise Support Project.
PROJECT
The Enterprise Support Project supports micro, small, and medium sized enterprises
(hereafter small businesses) in their recovery through direct financial assistance
contributing to the restoration of economic activity. The project has three components:
- Component 1: Direct financial support to small businesses for investment and working capital.
- Component 2: Study of financial solutions for disaster resilience.
- Component3: Training, project implementation, audit and monitoring and evaluation.
ROLE OF THE OPERATIONS OFFICER ASSISTANT
The Operations Officer Assistant will be responsible for the following areas of the project:
(a) Support to small businesses with loan/grant applications,
(b) Prepare and conduct eligibility verification,
(c) Log and provide support in monitoring applications
(d) General application and project assistance
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under supervision of the ESP Project Manager, the full-time Operations Officer Assistant is expected to perform the following tasks:
(a) Support small businesses with applications
- Providing applicants with general information about the legal environment in which they operate and guiding them to relevant institutions to gather information
- Support small businesses with completing application forms for the project
- Support small businesses in completing any supplementary application information Support Operations Officers by listing which information is missing from applications
(b) Prepare and conduct eligibility verification
- Compare business activities to the exclusion list.
- Verify that business turnover does not exceed eligibility threshold.
- Verify that business plans match the articles of incorporation (for incorporated businesses)
- Verify and ensure that assets and repairs above a threshold meet the procurement guidelines (e.g., three comparable quotes.)
- Support Operations Officers with application approval preparation
(c) Log and provide support in monitoring applications
- Log applications in database, and keep this up to date
- Provide support for data analysis
- Flag any inconsistencies or delays
- Prepare overview of applications from database for liaising with PFIs.
(d) General application and project assistance
- Support the project with general administrative tasks
- Assist with compliance of project reports such as Semi-Annual Reports
- Monitoring of beneficiaries incoming annual reports and other beneficiary obligations
- Support communication efforts/ public relations for the project
- Coordinates logistics for project related events including executing procurement for venues and assisting with incoming World Bank and Donor Missions
DURATION OF THE ASSIGNEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
A time-based contract is expected to be signed. The contract’s duration will be 12 months and will be renewable on a yearly basis, subject to quarterly performance reviews. The successful candidate is expected to deliver their services, full time, in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, except where situations demand travel outside the project area. The functioning of the Operations Officer Assistant will be assessed by the ESP Project Manager and the Director of the NRPB, based on a timely delivery of agreed upon deliverables.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Requirements
- A Bachelor or an Associate’s degree from a reputable institution, preferably in Business, Accounting, Legal, or other relevant field, with at least 2 years’ experience in an administrative environment.
- The candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in computer software operations (E-mail, Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.).
Preferred Experience
- Previous experience with lending in a financial services institution is a plus.
- Previous experience with information analysis is a plus.
- Previous experience in or with small business in Sint Maarten is a plus
- Strong attention to detail with organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Dutch is considered an advantage.
STRATEGIC COMPETENCIES -BRIEF DESCRIPTION
NRPB as an organization is committed not only to what we must achieve but also how we are going to reach our objectives. Therefore, for this position we are looking for a profile that displays the following competencies:
Professional Acumen - Intermediate Level
- Applies problem-solving methods and tools to diagnose and solve operational and interpersonal problems
- Shows empathy and objectivity toward individuals involved in the issue
- Analyses multiple alternatives, risks, and benefits for a range of potential solutions
- Demonstrates operational agility
Looking at the bigger picture – Strategic outlook –Intermediate Level
- Strategic thinking and strategic agility
- Develops skills in building business cases for the department projects
- Process improvement initiatives
- Analysis data for making recommendation in their area of expertise
- Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Leading myself and the others – Intermediate Level
- Actively listens to identify potential challenges or solutions
- Demonstrates adaptability, flexibility, and initiative
- Demonstrates self-control and recognizes own pressure points
Respect for diversity - Intermediate level
- Treats all individuals with respect
- Responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same.
- Shows flexibility in changing the styles when faced with multiple dimensions of culture in order to be effective across cultural contexts
- Understands multiple cultural frameworks, values, and norms
Successful Communication – Intermediate level
- Explains issues clearly and succinctly
- Writes clearly and succinctly in standard communication settings and styles
- Can clearly identify the subject and state the purpose of the communication
- Communicates with impact as well as with empathy
- Remains calm when dealing with conflicts; shows empathy
Relationship Building. Consultation and Collaboration – Intermediate level
- Establishes and maintains relationships and alliances
- Seeks assistance and feedback in the problem-solving process
- Discusses problems with team members that could impact results
Courage and Integrity – Intermediate level
- Maintains general knowledge of ethics, laws, regulations, standards that may impact the organization
- Takes immediate action regarding reports of unethical behavior or conflicts of interest
- Exhibits a commitment to integrity and ethics
HOW TO APPLY
Interested consultants should send their CV in English by email ONLY to the email address stated below. Applicants should ensure that their CV is received by NRPB before August 8, 2023, at 17h00 AST. The Client reserves the right to accept or refuse any CV coming after this deadline.
Before you proceed to apply, please consider the following requirements:
- Upon selection for an interview, applicants will be requested to produce evidence of the educational and professional qualifications pertaining to the minimum requirements. References may be asked for.
- Applicants may also be subject to satisfactory background checks.
In the subject line, clearly state the position you are applying for. The CV should be sent to this email address: jobopportunity@nrpbsxm.org
The CV should clearly present relevant experience to meet minimum requirements, preferred experience and general competences as outlined in the terms of reference above.