Private Sector Engagement Lead (TVET)

Please Note: This position is contingent upon award and USAID approval with an anticipated start date of September 2022.

Overview:

Global Communities works at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development and financial inclusion to save lives, advance equity and secure strong futures. We support communities at the forefront of their own development in more than 35 countries, partnering with local leaders, governments, civil society and the private sector to achieve a shared vision of a more just, prosperous and equitable global community. We work with government, non-government, private sector, and community stakeholders to promote transparency, foster accountability, and access the channels they need to make their voices heard, promote change, and realize their full potential.  

Global Communities seeks a Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Lead for the anticipated USAID West Bank/Gaza Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Project. This five-year $30M program will empower Palestinians, in collaboration with non-governmental TVET institutions, to become more employable or entrepreneurial in the current competitive technical sectors. The Activity intends to develop new technical training while improving the quality and relevancy of existing programs and increasing youth access.

The PSE Lead oversees the business and private sector component of the project. S/he will work closely with the project leadership team, PSE staff, and local partners to design and implement private sector engagement strategies that are responsive to the TVET Activity objectives. S/he is expected to bring on board the private sector and link them to TVETs operating in the operational areas. S/he must leverage resources to impact the project outcomes. S/he will also take on additional coordination roles.  The Private Sector Engagement Technical Specialist will be based in Ramallah and will lead efforts to link TVET institutions with private sector firms and service providers as well as develop Work-Based Learning programs for TVET students and graduates by co-creating market-based solutions with the private sector. We are looking for passionate, dedicated professionals to help us build the world we envision: one of expanded opportunity, where crises give way to resilience and all people thrive.  

Responsibilities

The PSE Lead will be responsible for the leadership, oversight and management of all efforts related to private sector engagement to ensure Partnerships between the TVET institutions and the private sector firms in specific sectors are created and sustained.  

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for Component 2 activities. Component 2 will focus on the development of partnerships between private sector companies and TVET institutions.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with stakeholders including private sector enterprises, chambers of commerce, trade associations and others.  
• Lead the development of new and/or improved Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs through co-creation with the private sector to provide on-the-job training opportunities for TVET students
• Support the development/update of training programs based on current and projected market needs
• Develop and design sustainable mechanisms to enable TVETs to continue meaningful partnerships with the private sector after the program closes
• Lead and manage technical staff and partner organizations implementing Component 2 activities
• Ensure interventions reflect high technical quality and international best practices
• Responsible for sustainability of program activities
• Ensure strong collaboration with other donor activities and other implementing partners
• Support the development and review of project work plans and reports
• Ensure the program adaptively responds to changes in the operating environment to meet the desired objectives
• Ensure activities are gender sensitive/transformative, aligned with positive youth development principles, and emphasize participatory and youth-led approaches
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning; project communications; and project reporting
• Represent Global Communities and overall program interests as necessary and appropriate.
• Build and maintain strong working relations with key internal and external stakeholders, beneficiaries, prime and subcontractors, suppliers, and partners. Provide effective and timely responses to inquiries and concerns.
• Other duties, as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline (international development/affairs, economics or related field) with a minimum of 8 years of experience in private sector engagement and partnership building or,
• Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to international development/affairs, economics, or similar field with a minimum of 10 years of experience in private sector engagement.
• Experience engaging the private sector in West Bank, Gaza, and internationally.
• Experience in partnership building with demonstrated impact  
• Experience working with businesses, chambers of commerce, unions, and sector associations in West and Gaza
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in implementation of projects with a focus private sector engagement and workforce development
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and respond to emerging opportunities and overcome barriers
• Attention to detail and ability to effectively and efficiently perform multiple tasks and balance competing priorities often within a required timeframe
• Palestinian citizenship or residency with work authorization
• Experience working in the private sector or a demonstrated understanding of private sector engagement principles and ability to develop a vision for both private and public sector alignment/convergence for increased development outcomes for youth
• Experience developing and leading apprenticeship/Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs in partnership with private sector firms/service providers to provide on-the-job training opportunities for TVET students and graduates highly desired
• Excellent skills in stakeholder mapping, outreach, engagement, and partnership development in support of program activities
• Demonstrated track record of working in teams and fostering partnerships
• Experience managing staff to ensure timely, accurate and impactful reporting and communications
• Experience working on large-scale donor-funded projects (preferably USAID) strongly preferred
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum of ten years professional experience, including seven years of progressively responsible professional work experience.  
• Arabic language knowledge.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with USAID
• Demonstrated experience in female empowerment and disability inclusion

Global Communities positively welcomes and seeks applications from all sections of society.  We are committed to a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of everyone and offers equal opportunity.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

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