Alliance of Small and Medium Enterprises is looking for a National Economic Expert

Alliance of Small and Medium Enterprises is looking for a National Economic Expert

AIM is a non-governmental, non-profit and non-political organization that pursues the public interest and operates in accordance with the applicable legislation of the Republic of Moldova. AIM is a membership-based employers' association and was established in March 2016. 

The mission of the association is to contribute to the development of a favorable business environment for the organic growth of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the Republic of Moldova. One of the core activities of AIM is to represent its members in dialog platforms between the business environment and public authorities in order to improve public policies in the area of entrepreneurship, with a focus on micro and small enterprises and their regulatory framework. Currently, AIM has about 150 members, companies with foreign and local investments, whose interests are represented in various forums and working groups at the national level, including in the field of participation and decision-making by central public authorities. 

Position Description:

The National Economic Expert will join the AIM’s effort in developing of first edition of the Small and Medium Enterprises White Book for the Year 2023 (SMEs White Book), financed by the Center for International Private Enterprise.

The purpose of the SMEs White Book is intended to be an in-depth analysis of the SME sector in the Republic of Moldova, which will present the overall situation of the business environment and the difficulties faced by SMEs, their financing needs and sources, the way they innovate, the intention to access funds (loans and/or non-refundable) or the criteria they take into account when choosing a business partner, forming the basis for proposing strategies regarding future directions of support and development of the business environment in Moldova. AIM intends to develop an SMEs White Book to be used as a reference by all national and international partners in designing and justifying future public policies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or Master's degree in Economic Studies 
• At least 10 years of experience in the Economic area, preferably with a focus on comparative analysis and analysis of the economic and financial impact of regulation (including basic modeling)
• Strong reports drafting experience and tracking records 
• Strong communication skills both written and oral in Romanian and English 
• Ability to work in in-person and online environment, participating in virtual meetings
• Ability to interact directly and independently with counterparts as public authorities, government officials and private entities 
• Experience in academia will be considered an advantage

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver comprehensive parts of the SME White Book document as assigned by the AIM with a focus on the following areas:
  • Overview of Moldova’s regulatory and tax system
  • Analysis of the incentives, disincentives and comparative competitive position of the country regionally
  • Analyzing and modeling changes in policy (economic, regulator, fiscal) to build the case for / against various approaches. This includes impacts on budget, economic growth potential and time value of money problems
• Provide support as required and written documentation to the team in relation to the said task.

Deliverables:

• Working with the AIM advocacy and legislative team to organize research areas and chapters of the White Book based on the AIM legislative agenda for 2024. 
• Contributing to the chapters and sections outlined with the team on economic research and analysis questions
• Support the AIM team in overall working process and its outcomes with the view to the successful completion of the assignment.
• Support the team in SME White Book related activities.

Period of Performance

The level of effort is estimated for up to 20 days. The period of performance will start on Feb 15, 2024, and end on April 2024.

Reporting

This position reports to the AIM Executive Director and AIM President. 

Application

Email a resume / CV to contact@sme.md

The deadline for applications is February  4th, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.