Public Private Partnerships Regional Director

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 Africa Trade and Investment Program (ATIP) 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 (USG) 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 the USG'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:

Creative Associates seeks a Public Private Partnerships (PPP) Regional Director for an upcoming USAID-funded trade and investment project based in Africa. The PPP Regional Director will identify and establish relationships with potential businesses to form partnerships. S/he will maintain liaisons with both public and private partners that have committed support to the project and innovative win-win partnerships. S/he will also manage a team of regional coordinators supporting the Chief of Party (COP) in appropriate technical and coordination of aspects of the program in addition to leading activities to support the private sector and public-private partnerships participating in project activities.

Reporting and Supervision:

The PPP Regional Director will report directly to the Chief of Party and will manage a team of regional coordinators.

Expected Outcomes:

• Develops and maintains excellent relationships with critical clients and private sector partners;
• Dynamic representation of Creative before private and public-sector clients and critical audiences;
• Achieves component deliverables.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership for the design, formalization and management of innovative public-private partnerships and strategies in coordination with sector divisions and in consultation with relevant government agencies;
• Advise and assist sector divisions in identifying, developing, structuring, executing and financing of PPP projects across all sectors;
• Provide technical assistance to field coordinators and stakeholders relative to the structuring of PPPs and outreach to the private sector;
• Coordinate with other donors, local organizations and government structures to ensure harmonization and development of public-private partnerships and activities;
• Build the capacity of local government structures to take leadership on public-private partnership issues;
• Monitor the development and implementation of policies and actions related to PPP issues;
• Conduct policy dialogues with Governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to identify and address challenges to scaling up private sector development and PPPs in target countries;
• Support ATIP program components and departments in leveraging private sector support in activities and assist in cross cutting themes;
• Engage the private sector and other private entities to promote a culture of private support to improve trade and investment in the region and continent;
• Maintain knowledge of emerging best practices on enhancing private sector development and PPPs, including good practice examples, and guidelines through internal and external networks;
• Take the role of team leader and supervise the work of team members and regional coordinators;
• Support implementation of ATIP’s core technical areas, in cooperation with the COP, other project staff, USAID and the regional and local government; and
• Support the COP, Deputy Chief of Party and technical teams in identifying, reaching out to, and managing cooperation with stakeholders in the private sector, civil society, and national and local government, in the target regions in compliance with Creative and USG policies and procedures.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Masters’ degree in business, economics, or other relevant field;
• At least ten (10) years of relevant work experience, in private sector development and a strong focus on development of partnerships with leading private sector companies and associations;
• Demonstrated experience with private sector relationships in Africa to advance the program results and objectives;
• Previous management experience with similar activities;
• Strong communication skills;
• Demonstrated capacity to form innovative win-win partnerships; and
• Must be fluent in English.

Regional candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Position contingent upon donor funding.