Under the supervision of the Project Leader based in Tbilisi (Georgia) and the Deputy Project Leader, based in Chisinau (Moldova), the EU 4 Innovation East Country Coordinator is responsible for the project coordination in Azerbaijan.

The Country Coordinator is based in Baku, Azerbaijan. 

He/she supports the Project Leader and the Deputy by coordinating the activities at the local level, notably the consultations with local stakeholders. He ensures the communication of the project activities at the local level, mobilises the local stakeholders, and coordinates the Country Task forces that will be set up.

The role requires a high degree of autonomy and interpersonal skills suitable for an international and multicultural environment. Building connections with local stakeholders is crucial for the project's success.

EU4Innovation East is a EU-funded project aiming to support the Eastern Partner Countries (EaP) startup ecosystems’ growth.

Position Description

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Project Leader and the Deputy Project Leader.

Technical Aspect:

Initially, during the inception phase, the Country Coordinator will:

• Lead the Country Deeper Diagnostic by establishing and overseeing task forces for each strategic pillar, ensuring effective cross-country collaboration, and crafting detailed action plans.
• Support the Grant Manager by facilitating local capacity-building initiatives, including tender preparation training and community events like the project kickoff, to strengthen the ecosystem.

Throughout the project, the Coordinator will:

·    Conduct consultations with local stakeholders to set annual targets and develop annual strategic roadmaps, ensuring alignment with broader project goals.

·     Oversee the execution of annual action plans, acting as a key intermediary between the project team and local entities to ensure effective collaboration and achieving objectives.

·       Enhance synergies with other donor-funded projects.

·       Support and organize visits from the project team or external experts, enhancing their interaction with the local ecosystem.

·       Share local insights to promote understanding and integration of diaspora entrepreneurship.

·   Support the Project Communication Manager by suggesting content for project communications, such as articles and interviews, to support objective achievement.

Quality Control and Reporting:

• Oversee the quality of technical deliverables from partners and service providers, ensuring compliance with project standards, in addition to the training and advice provided by grant officers.
• Consolidate and report on local activities, incorporating narrative reports from supported structures to provide a comprehensive overview of project progress and impact.
• Support the MEAL Manager by contributing to the project's monitoring and evaluation efforts, ensuring data and insights are captured accurately and timely.

Strategic Implementation and Oversight:

• Direct the project's strategic alignment with local ecosystem needs, actively involving Environmental and Ecosystem Actors (EEAs) to ensure relevance and impact.
• Provide strategic guidance and operational recommendations based on field insights, aiming for continuous improvement and innovation within the project's framework.
• Develop a network of national partners and experts, fostering collaborative actions and partnerships to enhance project outcomes.
• Manage operational risks and develop mitigation strategies, ensuring any challenges in partnership management or activity implementation are promptly addressed and communicated to Expertise France.

Institutional Relations, Partnerships, Governance, and Representation:

In close collaboration with the project team, the Coordinator will:

• Ensure stakeholders (e.g., Ministries, local actors, implementation partners, Embassies, AFD, NGOs) are well-informed and engaged, promoting effective information flow and integrating each actor based on their role.
• Represent the project at local events on request, maximizing ecosystem actor involvement and keeping local EU or French representatives informed.
• Serve as the secretary for the Country Consultations Committees.