Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) Consultant

Background:

Corus International is implementing the LDS-funded FARMHELP Phase II initiative in Ukraine, designed to support the recovery and long-term resilience of rural communities affected by conflict. A core component involves identifying and supporting 10 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)—5 each in Kharkiv and Odesa Oblasts—through a competitive selection process. These enterprises will play a key role in revitalizing local agri-service markets, creating jobs, and supporting supply chains in safer, non-frontline zones. In parallel, the project will provide 1,000 microgrants to individual farmers and rural entrepreneurs as part of a broader livelihoods recovery strategy.

Scope of Work:

The Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Consultant will lead the development and facilitation of the SME selection and subsequent accompaniment process and contribute to related program components such as review and advisory services of select business processes, new ways of working and social impact mainstreaming opportunities. SME consultant will work closely with the Corus's Agro team and partners, to accompany the the selection and assessment of 1,000 microgrant recipients. As part of the consultancy, the incumbent will be expected to provide rigorous analysis of the SME realities in select Oblasts and develop a roadmap for future opportunities and adjustments Corus can incorporate into its strategy of Ukraine's reconstruction and economic development outlook. The consultant will report to the Program Coordinator and work in close collaboration with the agronomist and technical staff at Corus to ensure coherence, transparency, and alignment with project objectives.

Key focus areas:

• Design and manage the SME grant competition process, including development of the selection criteria, scoring tools, and outreach materials.
• Support the application and review process, including technical assessments, due diligence, and field verification.
• Provide guidance on business planning, sustainability, and post-selection support to selected SMEs.
• Work closely with the agronomist team and other technical staff to align enterprise development with agricultural value chain goals.
• Serve as a technical business expert in capacity building and knowledge transfer opportunities.
• Participate in the design and review of the selection process for 1,000 microgrants, including support for eligibility criteria, application review, and applicant profiling.
• Conduct field visits to Kharkiv and Odesa for both SME and microgrant components to ensure high-quality implementation and mentoring support.
• Contribute to documentation of the all stages of the grants` competition process, lessons learned and final project reporting.
• Develop rigorous analysis of the SME and select value chain sectors, options and opportunities taking into consideration Ukraine's realities.
• Develop a Roadmap for Corus's SME engagement and support strategy.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree in Business Administration, Agribusiness, Rural Development, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience supporting SME development and/or rural entrepreneurship, preferably in conflict or post-conflict settings.
• Demonstrated experience in managing (financial and feasibility expertise) or advising on competitive grant programs.
• To be confident in the implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track project outcomes and impact.
• Strong understanding of Ukraine's rural economy, agricultural sector, and local governance frameworks.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel to project sites in Kharkiv and Odesa Oblasts.
• Fluency in Ukrainian and professional working knowledge of English.

How to Apply:

Please send a clearly marked CV and a Motivation letter in English.

Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the vacancy will be closed when filled.

Please note that CORUS does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.

We support the principles of inclusiveness and non-discrimination in the selection process