Organization: Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem (ARIJ)
Location: Bethlehem
Contract: Project-Based (1 year)
Project: “Nuhoud”: Advancing Local Economic Empowerment for Women and Persons with Disabilities in Bethlehem Governorate
Application Deadline: 05/10/2026
About the Position

ARIJ is seeking a motivated and experienced Business Development & Entrepreneurship Specialist to work under the project titled “Nuhoud”: Advancing Local Economic Empowerment for Women and Persons with Disabilities in Bethlehem Governorate under Social Recovery and Job Creation Project – SRJC funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Finance and Planning and managed by NDC.

The Specialist will provide practical, coaching, mentoring, and business development support to entrepreneurs and SMEs, following up on their small businesses and working closely with them to develop and strengthen their viable businesses, address their operational needs, access markets and finance, and build resilience, and adopt green and circular economy practices.

Key Responsibilities

  • Business Development: Support women entrepreneurs in developing and strengthening their small businesses, identifying their operational needs, improving their products and services, and accessing markets and finance.
  • Business Linkages: Facilitate connections with markets, financial institutions, relevant service providers, and other stakeholders that can support the development of their businesses.
  • Field Support: Conduct regular field visits, follow up on the progress of women-led small businesses, and provide tailored technical and practical support to identify and help resolve any challenges or problems they may face.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Contribute to project reporting, documentation, success stories, and lessons learned.
  • Coordination: Work closely with ARIJ staff, partners, women entrepreneurs, and other relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
  • At least 3 years of relevant experience in entrepreneurship, business development, SME support, economic empowerment, or development projects.
  • Proven experience in training, coaching, and mentoring entrepreneurs and/or SMEs.
  • Strong knowledge of business planning, market development, and financial analysis.
  • Experience working with youth, women, and/or vulnerable groups.
  • Knowledge of green economy and sustainable business models is an advantage.
  • Strong communication, facilitation, coordination, analytical, and reporting skills.
  • Very good to excellent Arabic and English communication and writing skills.
  • Ability to conduct field visits and work independently; valid driving license is required.

Application

Interested candidates should submit:

  • Updated CV and short cover letter in English.
  • Contact details of two professional references.
  • Recommendation letters or relevant experience certificates, if available.
  • Examples of relevant work, such as training materials, business plans, tools, or case studies, if available.

Applications should be sent to ARIJ HR hr@arij.org by 05/10/2026.

Subject: Business Development & Entrepreneurship Specialist

ARIJ is an equal opportunity organization and encourages qualified women and young professionals to apply.