Consultancy - Finance and Investment Advisor

**Consultancy - Finance and Investment Advisor**

***Primary Duties and Responsibilities**:
**OBJECTIVES**

***
The objectives of this assignment is to assist an Egyptian SME to secure financing needed to expand its exports.

**RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS**:
The Finance and Investment Advisor will help a medium sized exporter in the processed food sector to secure critical financing needed to secure important export deals. The advisor is expected to undertake the following tasks:

- Identify SME financial/investment needs
- Arrange credit and/or investments through banks. Consultant support may include but is not limited to:

- Identifying financial intermediaries interested in financing targeted NEERE
- Supporting submission of NEERE proposals to financial institutions, lenders, or investors.
- Arranging meetings with NEERE officials and the Credit Officers/Credit Committees of FIs or investors and negotiating financing terms (debt/equity).
- Following through to obtain financing Term Sheet, supporting the due diligence, and closing the funding process to the client enterprise.
- Following up with the NEERE utilization of the received financing and monitoring for debt repayments.

Arrange credit and/or investments through private equity, social, or impact investors Specialist supports may include but is not limited to:

- Supporting the due diligence process.
- Providing valuation services.
- Facilitating negotiation of equity investments.
Others

Conducting any other tasks as may be delegated by supervisor

**DELIVERABLE**:

- A progress report included all steps to support SMEs to develop with the help of the consultant their credit/investment proposal based on the financial institution requirement.
- Submit all business plans/loan proposals developed with the help with the consultant for SMEs during the assignment.
- A report includes progress toward securing loans/investments for SMEs.
- Submit copies of Loans/investment agreements secured for SMEs and a final report with the assignment results.

**Duration: 30 days**

**Required Qualifications**:

- College education with equivalent of B.A. or B.S. in related field with 10+ years of related experience OR Advanced degree with 7+ years of related experience.
- Prior Access to Finance/Investment experiences related to SME’s
- Demonstrated capabilities in analyzing NEERE financial/investment needs, identifying constraints, and designing interventions to address root causes.
- Robust understanding of the Egyptian Financial Institutions and the role SMEs play in Egypt.
- Deep understanding of the Credit/Debit mechanisms in Egypt particularly those targeting SME
- Understanding of the issues facing SME’s credit/debit in Egypt, particularly owned by women, youth, and communities outside of Cairo and Alexandria.
- Broad network of leading Financial Institutions In Egypt
- 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 six selected sectors: engineering products, food processing, home têxtiles, ready-made garments, chemicals, 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, as well as 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.