Regional Advisor

**Regional Advisor**

**OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES**

***
The Regional Advisor will participate and support Cairo-based Export Advisors in the identification and execution of TRADE’s critical interventions that develop the export capacities of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in several regions, particularly Alexandria/Delta, Suez Canal, and Upper Egypt. This includes helping SMEs adopt trade-oriented business models to compete successfully in international markets. The project aims to recruit three regional advisors, one stationed in Minya/Assiut, another in Alexandria, and the third in Ismailia/Port Said.
The Regional Advisor will also help coordinate and build networks with different business associations, women's associations, investor associations, MSMEDA, Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI), and other Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) and their respective regional offices/branches, as well as affiliates to the chambers and/or Export Councils in the Delta and Upper Egypt.

**TASKS**
- ** **Coordinate and contribute to the planning and monitoring of TRADE interventions for developing export capacities of regional SMEs in all focus sectors.
- Help Cairo-based Export Advisors reach out to potential SMEs in the different regions, support SME action plan implementation, and link SMEs to regional TSIs.
- Develop implementation plans and partnership agreements with relevant stakeholders and counterparts, including stakeholders and partners that help SMEs significantly improve export earnings, such as Export Councils; FEI; banks; and professional, business, and trade associations.
- Identify and pursue Private Sector Engagement (PSE) opportunities in close collaboration and under the guidance of USAID TRADE’s PSE Advisor, including leveraging private sector material and financial resources for activities and mobilizing private sector investment to improve SMEs’ export competitiveness.
- Conduct any other tasks as may be delegated by the supervisor.

**Required Qualifications**:

- B.A. or B.S. in a related field with 10+ years of related experience or Advanced degree with 7+ years of related experience.
- Prior export experience as export director/manager with a superior track record in one or more focus sectors.
- Demonstrated capabilities in analyzing market needs, identifying constraints, and designing interventions to address root causes.
- Experience marketing SMEs’ products is preferred.
- Experience brokering partnerships with development agencies and the private sector.
- Robust understanding of the Egyptian economy and SMEs' role in Egypt.
- Understanding of international buyers in the different sector of focus, their export requirements, and how, where, and when to access them on behalf of SMEs.
- Understanding of the issues facing underserved populations in Egypt, particularly women, youth, and communities outside of Cairo and Alexandria.
- Experience working in underserved areas throughout Egypt preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff and partners in a cross-cultural environment.
- Proficiency in both oral and written communication in both English and Arabic.

***Project Overview and Role**:
USAID’s Trade Reform and Development in Egypt (TRADE) project builds on decades of U.S. investments in Egyptian businesses and economic policy with the aim of substantially increasing Egyptian exports from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The TRADE project focuses on seven selected sectors: engineering products, food processing, home têxtiles, ready-made garments, chemicals, printing and packaging, and building materials. Through the project, USAID works with the Government of Egypt to improve the trade and investment policy environment and reduce barriers to trade. USAID also partners with business associations and export councils to strengthen the trade services ecosystem for small
- and medium-sized exporters and with private companies to help them access new international markets to increase export sales. TRADE tackles many trade and investment-related issues to sustainably increase Egyptian exports and drive economic growth.

**Company Overview**:
**About Palladium** - Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact - the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people's lives.