Private Sector Engagement Advisor

Job Description

Title: Private Sector Engagement Advisor

Company Name: Chemonics International - USAID Ecosystems/Protibesh Activity

Vacancy: --

Age: Na

Job Location: Anywhere in Bangladesh

Salary: --

Experience:

• At least 20 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

• At least 20 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO

• Minimum 20 years of working experience within and/or with engaging the private sector to adjust business practices, take part in development programs and advocacy related activities that advance environment protection and biodiversity conservation or similar social and/or environmental causes.

• Preference is given to candidates with multiyear experience and demonstrated successes in private sector partnership development and resource mobilization, and experience in working with or leading associations, such as chambers of commerce.

• Demonstrated networking ability with private sector actors and skilled in mobilizing private sector for social and/or environmental causes.

• Understanding of market systems and value chains, including their connection to the private sector and ecosystem conservation.

• Deep context understanding of relevant policies, rules, and regulations that enable private sector engagement in environmental protection.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with emphasis on mobilizing high-level private sector representatives.

• Capacity to deliver actionable insights and the ability to present findings, solutions, and approaches in an understandable and useful way to a broad range of stakeholders.

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as a dedication to teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

• Proficiency in English and Bengali.

• Women are encouraged to apply.

Background: Chemonics International implements the USAID Ecosystems/Protibesh Activity, a five-year project for improved ecosystem conservation in and around select Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) of Bangladesh. To achieve sustainable conservation gains, the project focuses on three interrelated results i) Strengthening environmental governance and management; ii) Mitigating biodiversity threats and iii) Advancing market-based incentives that promote sustainable natural resources management. To this end, Protibesh engages relevant Government agencies, NGOs, universities, communities and a broad range of private sector actors to advance co-management of KBAs.

Position Description: Chemonics International is looking for a Private Sector Engagement Advisor to help develop and implement sustainable strategies for engaging private sector actors in conservation, as well as realistic actions to realize these strategies. S/he will closely work with the Economic Growth Team, the Policy and Governance Team, and the Biodiversity Conservation Team of Protibesh Activity, as well as relevant regional and site teams and sub-awardees, to develop and implement options and actions of engaging, forming partnerships, and collaborating with private sectors, especially viable companies, industries, private banks, associations, chambers of commerce, etc. The Private Sector Advisor will likewise advise the team on how to institutionalize private sector engagement approaches within the context of existing policies, such as the Protected Area Management Rules, 2017, the ECA Rules 2016, and others.

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Develop and advise the Protibesh team, private sector actors, and relevant government entities on the implementation of sustainable strategies and realistic actions that engages the private sector in advancing conservation strategies and market-based incentives for communities by leveraging the sector’s resources, business acumen, and environmental leadership.
2. Support in the development of private sector partnerships with communities and/or other stakeholders to sustain conservation actions including viable companies, industries, private banks, associations, chambers of commerce, social works, etc.
3. Facilitate high-level and outcome-focused private sector round table discussions at national and regional level and develop position papers to upscale outcomes of such discussions with relevant private sector authorities, such as Chambers of Commerce, FBCCI, other relevant national and regional associations.
4. Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including Bangladesh Forest Department and other government entities, private sector representatives, development partners, and technology providers, and seek opportunities to establish strategic partnerships to promote conservation goals.
5. Evaluate research challenges and opportunities and identify PSE contributions that promote conservation and market-based incentives for natural resource dependent communities.

Timeframe and Level of Effort: The assignment will begin on July 15, 2024, and end on March 31, 2025. The proposed LOE for the STTA will be a maximum of 100 days.

Job Location: Dhaka and Protibesh sites in the Khulna and Sylhet Division as needed.

Supervision and Reporting: The Private Sector Engagement Advisor will report directly to the Chief of Party of designee and will work closely with the Livelihood and Market Systems Lead, as well as other relevant technical leads and specialists of the Protibesh team.