PM I – Private Sector Engagement Advisor at Catholic Relief

Job Summary:The Private Sector Engagement Advisor (PSEA) will be the lead contact and relationship manager within the STAWI project for all engagement with private sector actors, designing and leading a strategic approach to private sector engagement that ensures the development initiatives are locally led, owned and managed thus accelerating self-reliance, and contributing to transformational change in water resources management and improved water service delivery. S/he will enhance collaboration with government counterparts, emphasizing direct relationships whenever possible (through grants to county governments), work with local actors (including women, girls and youth) and organizations (including DiP WASH APS addendum awardees) and seek private sector solutions. S/he will ensure STAWI builds on the capacity of and leverage existing knowledge and skills of county

• Lead in the design, development and implementation of STAWI private sector engagement strategy
• Oversee the effective co-creation, startup and implementation of PSE related activities across the project
• Manage private sector relationships across project sectors and lead the co-creation and implementation of market-based project components, including negotiations with private sector partners.
• Investigate, as program needs require, additional private sector partners, including enterprises, investors, Business Development Service providers, financial institutions, sector organizations and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with private sector partners to inform the design of public-private partnership including subsidies as well as appropriate financial instruments accessible to water service providers, including blended finance that contribute to sustainable market development instead of furthering market distortions.
• Build the ‘investment case’ for targeted counties by highlighting opportunities for Private Sector to leverage STAWI interventions
• Collaborate with Social Behavior Change teams to ensure relevant messages are informed by private sector expertise and consistent across communications channels and activities.
• Train and mentor STAWI and GUC awardee staff, as needed, to improve their knowledge and skills related to engagement with the private sector.
• Working with MEL, help define targets with private sector partners, implement data collection systems with private sector partners and monitor progress towards development and business objectives to inform collaboration, learning, and adapting (CLA)
• Capture and share Private Sector Engagement related reports, lessons learned and best practices.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Economics or any other relevant field.
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in international development, with a focus on market-based solutions and/or private sector engagement.
• Experience in WASH related PSE or finance is a plus
• Strong understanding of barriers and opportunities for Private Sector investment in Kenya ASALs.
• Familiarity with blended finance approaches for development.
• Demonstrated experience working in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated experience in driving proactive and innovative strategies to achieve results.
• Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion including gender equality.