Field Coordinator Assistant – Market Access & B2B Support

Organization: Innovation for Development (I4D)

Project: Bridging Futures: Refugee-led and Turkish MSMEs in Trade

Duty Station: Gaziantep, Türkiye

Contract Type: Full-time, 10 months

Reporting to: Field Coordinator

About I4D

Innovation for Development (I4D) is a development organization working to promote inclusive economic development, entrepreneurship, private sector engagement, and social innovation, with a particular focus on disadvantaged communities and underserved businesses.

About the Project

Bridging Futures: Refugee-led and Turkish MSMEs in Trade aims to improve the competitiveness and market access of refugee-led and Turkish MSMEs in Adana, Hatay, and Gaziantep.

The project focuses on connecting local producers with corporate buyers, including national retail chains, organized retailers, distributors, and institutional purchasers. Through tailored business support and B2B matchmaking activities, it helps MSMEs better understand corporate procurement requirements and access new commercial opportunities.

Position Overview

I4D is seeking a motivated, collaborative, and locally connected Field Coordinator Assistant to support project activities in Gaziantep.

Working under the supervision of the Field Coordinator, the successful candidate will assist in engaging local businesses, coordinating B2B activities, communicating with relevant stakeholders, and following up on market access opportunities.

We particularly welcome candidates who are familiar with Gaziantep’s entrepreneurship and business ecosystem, enjoy working directly with entrepreneurs, and can communicate effectively with diverse communities.

Key Responsibilities

1. MSME Outreach and Market Access Support

• Identify and reach out to local producers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs that may benefit from project activities.
• Support the collection of business profiles, product information, production capacities, and market access needs.
• Assist in identifying potential matches between participating MSMEs and corporate buyers.
• Maintain regular communication with participating businesses and support their engagement in project activities.

2. B2B Matchmaking and Corporate Buyer Support

• Assist in identifying and contacting potential corporate buyers, including retail chains, distributors, and institutional purchasers.
• Support the collection of information on buyer needs, sourcing interests, and basic supplier requirements.
• Help organize B2B meetings, business visits, networking events, and matchmaking activities.
• Assist in preparing supplier profiles, product catalogues, meeting schedules, and other relevant materials.
• Follow up with participating businesses and buyers after meetings to document feedback, next steps, and potential business opportunities.

3. Project Activities and Stakeholder Coordination

• Support the organization of tailored training sessions, workshops, and advisory activities based on identified business and buyer needs.
• Assist with event logistics, participant invitations, scheduling, and coordination with trainers and consultants.
• Maintain communication with local chambers of commerce, business associations, entrepreneurship networks, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate communication with Arabic-speaking entrepreneurs and businesses when needed.

4. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate participant records, business contact lists, meeting notes, and activity documentation.
• Update project databases and track participation, B2B meetings, and follow-up activities.
• Support the preparation of brief field updates, progress reports, and activity summaries.
• Ensure the confidentiality of business and participant information and compliance with organizational procedures.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, international trade, social sciences, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 1–3 years of relevant experience in project support, entrepreneurship, business development, MSME engagement, or field operations is preferred.
• Good knowledge of Gaziantep’s local business and entrepreneurship ecosystem is highly desirable.
• Experience working with entrepreneurs, local producers, chambers of commerce, or business associations is an advantage.
• Familiarity with organized retail, B2B activities, or corporate procurement processes is an asset.
• Previous NGO or development project experience is an advantage but not mandatory.

 

Language Skills

• Turkish: Strong communication skills are required.
• Arabic: Strongly preferred.
• English: An advantage.

 

Personal Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships.
• Collaborative, flexible, and supportive team player.
• Well-organized, reliable, and attentive to detail.
• Proactive, solution-oriented, and willing to learn.
• Comfortable engaging with entrepreneurs and diverse communities.
• Willingness to conduct field visits and travel within the project area.

What We Value

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with people, understands local business dynamics, and is motivated to help small businesses access new opportunities.

A strong local network, good communication skills, teamwork, and a practical, hands-on attitude are particularly important for this role.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• An updated CV.
• A brief motivation letter highlighting relevant experience, local business ecosystem knowledge, and language skills.

Applications should be submitted through the application link provided in the vacancy announcement.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. I4D reserves the right to proceed with recruitment before the application deadline.

I4D is committed to equal opportunity, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding in its recruitment practices.