Marketing Expert

1. Aim of the Position

AVSI is looking for two Marketing Experts to be involved in an AICS funded project implemented in Falluja, Sumel and Sinuni. The project aims to support the development of small start-ups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through technical trainings, business grants, capacity building, and technical assistance. Beneficiaries require continuous guidance to develop viable business plans, manage grants effectively, and ensure sustainability of their businesses. For this reason, AVSI is seeking two marketing experts to closely monitor and coach the supported businesses in the marketing point of view as well as in creating connections and market linkages with other actors working in their sector, while working alongside the MSMEs Support Officer, the Agronomist, the Business Experts, and the Field Coordinators of the project, in coordination with the Project Manager.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The Marketing Experts will strengthen the market access and commercial opportunities of supported startups and MSMEs by facilitating linkages with relevant market actors, organizing matchmaking and networking opportunities, and providing practical marketing coaching and follow-up support.

3. Positions and Duty Stations

• Position 1: Marketing Expert based in Falluja
• Position 2: Marketing Expert based in Sinuni (with regular missions to Sumel)

4. Scope of Work

Under the supervision of the MSMEs Support Officer (and in coordination with the Project Manager and Agronomist), the Marketing Experts will:

• Provide technical support and coaching to beneficiaries
• Assist the beneficiaries in marketing strategies creation
• Monitor business performance in terms of marketing strategies
• Create events for market linkages and matchmaking
• Support project implementation in the field (through assessments, data collection, post-monitoring-distribution, and any other task assigned by the Project Manager, in line with the project objectives)

5. Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

a. Market Linkages & Business Connections

• Identify potential buyers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, corporates, service providers, investors and other relevant market actors.
• Develop and maintain a database of potential market partners.
• Facilitate direct connections between beneficiaries and market actors.
• Identify concrete market opportunities for supported startups and MSMEs.

b. Matchmaking Events

• Design and organize B2B/B2C matchmaking, networking, business fairs, pitching and other market-oriented events (1 per area).
• Identify and invite relevant market actors.
• Prepare beneficiaries for participation, including pitches, product presentation and communication with potential partners.
• Facilitate meetings and ensure appropriate documentation of contacts and outcomes.

C. Follow-up & Monitoring

• Follow up with beneficiaries and market actors after matchmaking activities.
• Track the number and quality of linkages established.
• Monitor whether contacts lead to sales, contracts, partnerships, distribution agreements, referrals or other tangible outcomes.
• Identify challenges preventing successful linkages and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain records and contribute to project monitoring and reporting.

D. Marketing Capacity Building

• Coach beneficiaries on marketing strategy, customer identification, market positioning, branding, promotion, sales techniques and customer relations.
• Advise beneficiaries on appropriate traditional and digital marketing channels.
• Support beneficiaries to improve their marketing materials and business presentations.
• Provide practical advice tailored to their specific products/services and target markets.

E. Market Intelligence

• Monitor local market trends and identify relevant opportunities.
• Advise beneficiaries on customer preferences, competitors, pricing/positioning and potential market channels, within the expert's scope.
• Share relevant market information with the project team.

F. Monitoring and Reporting

• Maintain records of all visits and coaching sessions
• Update beneficiary tracking system on Activity Info in coordination with the Project Team and MEAL Department, including:
• Business status
• Progress indicators
• Challenges and risks
• Share regular reports including:
• Number of visits conducted
• Progress of businesses
• Key issues and recommendations

G. Support to Project Activities

• Support the team in other field activities as required by the Project Manager
• Assist in implementation of:
• Trainings
• Assessments
• Follow-up activities
• Data Collection

H. Support to Business Events

• Contribute to the planning and organization of business events, such as:
• Business fairs
• Networking events
• Pitching sessions
• Support beneficiaries in preparing for events

6. Duration of the Assignment and Salary Range

• 5 months (1 month of probation period)

7. Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in:
• Marketing strategies development
• SME/MSME support
• Entrepreneurship programs
• Experience with NGOs or development projects of minimum 2 years
• Strong understanding of:
• Marketing
• Market Assessment
• Matchmaking in Business
• Local market dynamics

8. Competencies

• Strong coaching and mentoring skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work in field conditions
• Ability to work with different communities
• Strong organizational and reporting skills
• English knowledge
• Arabic knowledge
• Kurdish knowledge is an asset

9. Reporting Lines

The Marketing Experts will report to the  Project Manager and coordinate closely with:

• Project Technical Team
• Trainers
• Legal advisors
• Field Coordinators
• MEAL Department

AVSI is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, and ethnic backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply (Application Process):

Interested candidates are required to send CV and job application to Two Marketing Experts (National Position) | Fondazione AVSI

starting from 23-09-2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and based on urgency, AVSI may fill the position prior to the closing date.