Private Sector Engagement Officer

Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity, with a focus on vulnerable and under-served populations.  Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world.

EDC promotes equity and access to high quality education and health services and products that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. We support an inclusive workplace culture that embraces many perspectives and broadens our understanding of the communities we serve, enhancing and enriching our work.

EDC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.  

Project Description

The goal of the five-year, USAID-funded Integrated Child and Youth Development (ICYD) Activity is for Ugandan children and youth, especially the most vulnerable, to receive the support and services necessary to lead resilient, healthy, and productive lives. The ICYD Activity is expected to achieve the following:

1. Children and youth have improved learning outcomes;
2. Children and youth are safe and healthy in their community and learning environments; and
3. Youth practice positive behaviors and are able to make informed decisions about their lives and relationships.

Working in partnership with Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development (MGLSD), district and zonal officials, and other Ugandan government and civil society partners, ICYD will comprise a series of activities to: support improved basic education for Ugandan children; address school-related and gender-based violence; facilitate enhanced child protection and support for vulnerable youth; provide support to HIV-affected orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and their caregivers/families; and support HIV care and treatment outcomes in close collaboration with clinical and community structures. ICYD will also contribute to improved systems within the MoES and MGLSD to promote Early Grade Reading (EGR) and child protection.

The Private Sector Engagement Officer will work closely with the ICYD Team, specifically, the Sr. Private Sector Engagement Specialist (SPSES), key technical leads from the Basic Education and OVC teams, and the EDC Home Office team to identify, collaborate and coordinate with private sector stakeholders in Uganda, USAID/Uganda, government entities and various project partners. Additionally, they will help support with ongoing efforts to facilitate private sector engagement and partnerships through capacity building and training.  They will play a key role in promoting and nurturing private sector partnerships to advance the objectives of the ICYD project surrounding early grade reading (EGR), retention and positive youth outcomes. This is a full-time position based in Kampala, Uganda, reporting to the Sr. Private Sector Engagement Specialist.

Essential functions include (but not limited to):  

Technical Programing 

• Identify private sector opportunities at district and community levels for youth skilling, work-based learning, employment, self-employment, and entrepreneurship among others
• Support SPSES with day-to-day relationship building of projects and partnerships and implementation of signed up agreements and MoUs.
• Working closely with SPSES, develop strategies to maximize engagement of private sector as well as gain its commitment to maintain its support to vulnerable youth
• Support with private sector work in relation to private sector engagement and partnerships

Monitoring & Evaluation 

• Compile and submit weekly, monthly, quarterly and activity reports in accordance with ICYD organizational requirements and guidelines
• Document success stories and best practices
• Working closely with the SPSES monitor performance of private partnerships programs and support with recommendations to support continuous improvement
• Support all monitoring and learning activities and; Undertake periodic field visits to verify and triangulate reported findings.
• Support with exchange of information and development of good practice regarding all relevant issues relating to private partnerships implemented

Stakeholder Management 

• With support of Senior Private Engagement Specialist:
• Maintain relationships with local communities, public and government institutions, educational institutions, private sector organizations and national bodies
• Create awareness of the local trends, perceptions and players in the local community.
• Influence and advocate localized policies and perceptions in favor of ICYD.

The candidate for the position of Private Sector Engagement Officer shall have, at a minimum, the following qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Management or other related field
• At least 5+ years’ experience
• Certificate in Project Management is preferable
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with individuals across multi-functional disciplines
• Familiarity with Uganda’s private sector landscape and economic, social, and political contexts.
• Network including private sector companies, industry associations, government institutions, NGOs/CSOs, and more spanning a range of industries within Uganda.
• Prior practical experience of supporting private sector engagement, partnership modelling and proposal and concept development.
• Demonstrated experience in report writing and excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development and delivery of trainings.
• Prior USAID and/or donor development experience.
• Proven project management and technical skills preferred.
• Extremely analytical and disciplined individual
• Good emotional and cultural intelligence
• Ability to multitask, manage stress and handle conflict resolution.
• Developed problem solving and organizational skills
• Wise decision making across all program related issues
• Strong sense of personal responsibility
• Accurate and on time reporting
• Smart allocation of resources
• Agility and quick problem resolution
• Project completion on time and within Scope and budget

Job application closing date: January 4, 2023

Applications submitted without a resume or CV will not be reviewed.

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