Private Sector Advisor, Prosper Africa Trade & Investment program

Qualifications

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to private sector development is mandatory. Graduate degree is preferred. However, in circumstances where a candidate possesses exceptional relevant experience but lacks a graduate degree (defined as a minimum of 8 years of experience), the exceptional relevant post-education experience will be considered.
• At least 8 years of relevant market-driven private sector experience in the role of managing, developing and deploying innovations and efficiencies in businesses with demonstrated results in helping firms expand, with at least three years in an international developing country context.
• Strong preference in past experience working with the private sector in African markets
• Ability to prospect for potential new project partner enterprises to jointly improve their operations, improve their competitiveness, and enhance their business growth.
• Ability to build relationships with management of project partner-enterprises, leading to developing a strong shared vision about enterprises’ needs and recommendations to enhance their competitiveness, grow their business, and generate employment.
• Integrity and honesty in the management of a portfolio of private sector partner enterprises.
• Experience engaging private sector partners and forging public-private partnerships in North Africa and/or Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical abilities.
• Strong execution skills yet displaying the potential/ability to adopt a strategic approach.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills required, including ability to produce high-quality project reports and deliver high level presentations to clients and partners.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the continent.
• Problem solving, stress management and time management skills are required.
• Proficient at using Microsoft office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private sector partners and stakeholders, including the national government.

Overview

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Summary:

The purpose of USAID’s Prosper Africa Trade and Investment program (PATI) is to mobilize enterprise-driven solutions that will help bolster Africa’s growing markets while expanding U.S.-Africa trade and investment relationships. The program will advance the U.S. Government initiative Prosper Africa and its goals to boost trade, increase investment, and support business-friendly policy reforms. The activity will support trade and investment that drives development outcomes in all sectors through increasing trade and investment opportunities and improving the enabling environment. The program will complement U.S. Government’s trade and investment tools through customized services – from business consulting and transaction facilitation to targeted policy interventions. Through a continent-wide approach and with satellite offices supporting North and sub-Saharan Africa, the program will provide well-coordinated services aligned with private sector needs.

Position Summary:

The Private Sector Advisor will support Public-Private Partnership (PPP) efforts in establishing co-investment projects in the African Continent. The Private Sector Advisor’s responsibilities will include:

• Lead the activity’s engagement and partnerships with private sector organizations and firms and building partnerships with financial institutions in Africa, both with banks and non-traditional institutions, such as private equity, venture capital, and impact investors
• Leveraging existing network and contacts to engage with private companies and achieve proven results;
• Completing preliminary analysis and evaluations of potential projects;
• Conducting and supporting technical screening efforts of potential partners;
• Supporting grantees during the implementation of activities as the technical point of contact.
• Supervise technical staff and PPP teams in providing guidance to private sector partners to organize coordination of technical assistance

Reporting and Supervision:

The Private Sector Advisor will report to the Deputy Chief of Party.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

• Build relationships with the private sector in Africa, pro-actively identify new potential partners and co-investment opportunities, and develop innovative ways to grow the pipeline;
• Maintain strong relationships with private sector firms and financial institutions operating in strategic sectors of investment with the goal to develop co-investment opportunities through the project’s co-investment mechanism;
• Facilitate relationships between financial institutions, investors, and value chain businesses in agriculture, apparel, energy, and water & sanitation to enhance ATIP’s partners’ capacity to meet and exceed the grant’s co-investment matching requirement;
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive pipeline of potential companies and financial institutions to show the future impact of these activities on project indicators;
• Complete preliminary analysis, investment memos for projects and partners, and provide recommendations for shortlisting;
• Present the project and/or the pipeline to USAID, business associations, government officials, and other stakeholders when requested;
• Provide guidance to prospect co-investment partners during the concept note and full application submissions;
• Evaluate concept notes and full applications to ensure the activity adheres to project objectives;
• Provide technical oversight to grantees during the implementation of their investment projects;
• Ensure efficient and effective coordination between applicants and Trade Hub’s Grants, M&E, Communication, and Procurement teams;
• Update ATIP’s portfolio and pipeline tracker tools and systems;
• Supervise the PPP team in other regions to help facilitate the implementation of the Co-Investment Fund.

Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Creative Associates Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran.

Apply Here (going below sector in page)

PI130298194