Economic and Private Sector Engagement Team Leader

Job Title: Economic and Private Sector Engagement Team Leader (West Bank)

Project: West Bank/Gaza Raedat-Pioneers Activity

Location: Ramallah, West Bank

OVERVIEW

Global Communities operates at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and financial inclusion to foster equity, save lives, and secure prosperous futures. We partner with local leaders, governments, civil society, and the private sector in over 35 countries to realize a vision of a more just, prosperous, and equitable global community. In Palestine, we collaborate with government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and communities to promote transparency, accountability, and access to avenues for meaningful change and development.

Global Communities is seeking an Economic and Private Sector Engagement Team Leader for the USAID West Bank/Gaza Pioneers-Raedat Project. This five-year, $35 million program aims to harness women's potential to catalyze transformative shifts in gender-based power dynamics within Palestinian society. The project will enhance institutional frameworks in select sectors to align with legal requirements and international best practices for women's inclusion. It will empower communities to advocate for women's participation beyond traditional roles, build women's capacity through collaboration with higher education institutions and civil society, cultivate male allies, strengthen political structures, engage the private sector, and raise public awareness on gender issues, including gender-based violence (GBV).

The Economic and Private Sector Engagement Team Leader is pivotal in steering the Raedat Project's business and private sector initiatives toward achieving transformative gender equality outcomes. Collaborating closely with the project leadership, the dedicated private sector engagement team, and a network of local partners, this role is tasked with crafting and executing innovative strategies for private sector engagement that resonate with the project's overarching goals. Central to this position is strategically mobilizing resources and forging synergistic partnerships that amplify the project's impact on women's economic empowerment. Positioned in Ramallah, the Team Leader will spearhead the integration of partner institutions with a broad spectrum of private sector entities and service providers. This includes pioneering Work-Based Learning programs that bridge the gap between academic preparation and the professional world, fostering the creation of market-driven solutions that cater to the evolving needs of students and graduates. Through this leadership, the Raedat Project aims to catalyze a significant shift in the private sector's approach to gender equality, making substantial strides in empowering women within the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Private Sector Engagement and Partnership

• Strategic Private Sector Engagement:Develop and implement a multifaceted private sector engagement strategy deeply aligned with the Raedat Project's objectives. This strategy will be comprehensive, identifying synergistic collaboration opportunities between academic institutions, NGOs, and a diverse range of private sector entities to foster a broader commitment to gender equality and women's economic empowerment.
• Partnership Development and Cultivation:To significantly amplify the project's impact, actively cultivate and deepen relationships with a broad spectrum of local businesses, industries, service providers, and innovators. This includes engaging with firms interested in gender equality initiatives and expanding the network of allies committed to sustainable economic development.
• Strategic Prioritization and Opportunity Identification:Lead the project team in actively identifying new engagement opportunities within the private sector, strategically expanding the project's priorities to include various industries and service sectors. Facilitate the integration of market-based solutions with academic insights to develop work-based learning programs that are both scalable and impactful.
• Systemic Change Advocacy:To vigorously advocate for systemic changes within our network of private sector partnerships, utilizing best practices, successful case studies, and collaborative experiences. This advocacy aims to foster gender-sensitive policies and practices across the private sector, ensuring that women's empowerment is woven into the fabric of business operations.
• Synergistic Project Integration:Ensure a seamless synergy between private sector engagement activities and other project components, thereby enhancing the overall sustainable impact of the Raedat Project. Act as a conduit for technical management, offering guidance and supportive leadership to team members throughout the project lifecycle.

Capacity Building

• Comprehensive Capacity Building:In close collaboration with the Raedat team, lead the assessment, design, and delivery of targeted capacity-building interventions for private sector partners. This entails developing strategies that not only link private sector partners with training providers but also foster enduring linkages among stakeholders, enhancing the ecosystem for women's entrepreneurship.
• Technical Guidance and Support:Provide expert technical guidance to consultants, service providers, and stakeholders involved in delivering capacity-building initiatives. This support aims to bolster the capabilities of entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on women, thereby fostering an environment conducive to gender-sensitive business practices.

Resource Mobilization and Grant Management

• Resource Leveraging for Impact: Actively leverage resources, including financial contributions and in-kind support, to facilitate enhancements in workplace environments and support gender-equitable business interventions. This includes identifying funding opportunities and potential sources of investment that align with the project's economic and private sector goals.
• Budget and Resource Management: Oversee the management of budgets and resources allocated for private sector engagement initiatives, ensuring efficient and impactful use of funds. Collaborate closely with the Hassaleh Innovation Fund and grant team to synchronize grant activities with broader project objectives.

General Responsibilities

• Strategic Reporting and Documentation: Provide critical inputs for program reports and work plans related to the private sector component, ensuring compliance with USAID requirements and project objectives. Manage the private sector team effectively, fostering a culture of structured documentation, robust partner relationship management, and collaborative success.
• Cross-Component Collaboration: Engage in cross-functional collaboration with the Hassaleh Innovation Fund, grant team, and other project components to ensure cohesive and integrated implementation of project activities. This role involves embracing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor, contributing to the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the Raedat Project.

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QUALIFICATIONS

• Educational Background:A bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, international development, or a closely related field is essential. A master’s degree in one of these fields is highly desirable, reflecting a more profound academic understanding of the complexities of private sector engagement and economic empowerment.
• Experience and Track Record:At least eight years of professional experience in private sector engagement, business development, or economic development, with a strong preference for experience in international development projects. A proven track record of designing and successfully implementing private sector engagement strategies that have contributed significantly to project objectives.
• Partnership Development Skills:Exceptional negotiation and networking skills are critical for building and sustaining productive partnerships with a wide range of private sector stakeholders. Experience with diverse business cultures and environments, especially within the West Bank and Gaza context, is highly valued.
• Project Management Proficiency:Demonstrated project management expertise, including proficiency in budgeting, resource allocation, and overall project coordination. The ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders under tight deadlines is required.
• Leadership and Team Management:A minimum of four years of management or supervisory experience, with demonstrated leadership abilities in team management, mentorship, and team member development. Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams towards common project goals is essential.
• Local Economic Insight:Deep understanding of the economic landscape, business practices, and specific West Bank and Gaza challenges. Knowledge of local market dynamics, regulatory environments, and barriers women entrepreneurs and employees face in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. 
• Work-Based Learning Program Experience:Previous experience developing and managing Work-Based Learning programs or similar initiatives designed to bridge the gap between education and employment is highly advantageous. This includes creating partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector to provide practical, impactful learning opportunities.
• Technical Communication:Demonstrated ability to clearly articulate and present complex technical information that is accessible and engaging to diverse audiences, including stakeholders, partners, and team members.
• Stakeholder Relationship Management:Proven competencies in creating and maintaining effective working relationships with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector partners, and international donor agencies. Ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes and foster collaboration.
• Visionary Leadership:The capacity to communicate a unifying vision among diverse partners and lead multidisciplinary teams with a collaborative and inclusive approach. Demonstrated success in aligning team efforts with overarching project goals.
• Communication Skills:Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic, enabling effective interaction with all project stakeholders and fulfilling technical and managerial requirements. Bilingual proficiency is required to navigate the project's multicultural and multilingual environment effectively.

Application Process: To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter outlining your qualifications for this position to [email protected] by April 16, 2024 indicating the position title and location in the subject line.

Global Communities encourages applications from all sections of society. We are committed to an inclusive work environment that values diversity and offers equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment.