DAI is seeking highly qualified candidates for the following position: 

Private Sector Engagement Officer

Project: The USAID West Bank/ Gaza Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Activity or Forsah TVET Activity

Expected Start Date: ASAP

Level of Effort: Full-time

Location: Ramallah, Palestine

Project Overview

The USAID West Bank/ Gaza Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Activity or Forsah TVET Activity is intended to build the capacities of TVET institutions in order to meet labor market demands and provide Palestinians with meaningful, well-paying employment and income generating opportunities. TVET Forsah will support the development of new technical trainings and improve the quality and relevancy of existing technical programs, with a particular focus on improving youth access. These programs will help Palestinians become more employable and find employment opportunities, or start their own business, in increasingly in-demand technical sectors. The activity will focus on three main areas: IR 1: TVET institutions’ capacity to respond to the needs of the private sector enhanced; IR 2: Partnerships between the TVET institutions and the private sector firms in specific sectors created; and IR 3: Enrollment in TVET programs increased.

Purpose The Private Sector Engagement Officer will identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with and between chambers of commerce, trade associations, TVETs, and private enterprises; support job placement and work-based learning (WBL), serving as a point person for private sector engagement (PSE) partners, and provide technical support in the implementation of the IR2 assigned activities and for our partners/ stakeholders, when needed. This position will utilize experience mobilizing and effectively engaging private sector firms and business associations across the West Bank/Gaza and support sustainable institutional relationships between private sector actors and educational institutions and/or civil society organizations. Key Duties and Responsibilities Provide technical inputs to technical report development, capacity building, and MEL reporting, while working closely with the Sustainable Partnerships Manager and the Gaza based TVET and PSE Partnership Advisor (as relevant). This includes providing technical capacity building to partners (BCCI) and stakeholders (PS and umbrella organizations, TVET institutions for Work Based Learning, Career Development Centers and Labor Market Information) for project implementation activities which need special support. Also, in activity implementation, support and/or develop technical reports on activities, special manuals, labor market surveys, evaluation reports including MEL documentation. Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships between chambers of commerce, trade associations, TVETs, and private enterprises and work on implementation and sustainability after the end of the project. Serve as the main point of contact for private sector engagement partners and stakeholders and provide them with technical inputs and direction for the implementation of related activities under IR2 components and under IR2 Manager supervision. Support Work-Based Learning programs in partnership with the private sector firms/TVET in coordination with the project partner’s (BCCI). This will involve the execution of WBL with partners which will involve capacity building, development/improvement and training with procedure developments. Support the Forsah TVET team in managing cooperation with stakeholders in the private sector, civil society, and national and local government and value chains in compliance with USG policies and procedures. Broker linkages with private sector firms in collaboration with different teams in Forsah TVET. Communicate progress and challenges to diverse audiences, and to external stakeholders as needed, in both oral and written forms related to the development of private sector linkages and provide solutions for these challenges and potential opportunities which would be beneficial for the Forsah Team. Support the Sustainable Partnerships Manager (IR2) in identifying, reaching out to, and managing cooperation with stakeholders in the private sector and work on the implementation of these cooperation with the stakeholders with full guidance from the IR2 Manager. Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning and work on MEL documents for IR2 components and support in the project communications and reporting including annual planning, progress reports, and learning agenda questions. Deputize the Partnerships Sustainable Manager and provide other support for the IR2 components when needed including coordination, and delegation of responsibilities of IR team members. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Degree in a relevant technical discipline or field including economics, finance, business, or administration. A Master’s degree is preferred. At least four (4) years of experience implementing activities focused on private sector development, partnerships development with industry association representatives/private sector with donor projects. Relevant experience in the collection and synthesis of labor market information, Work-Based Learning programs, and/or with the TVET sector is preferred. Strong teamwork, communication and presentation skills, negotiation skills with ability to interact with people at various levels of the organization and outside environment, strong business and relationship management skills. The ability to work with multiple stakeholders and partners on multiple tasks with strict deadlines. A strong network in the WBG private sector is preferred with demonstrated track record of working in teams and fostering partnerships from previous experience in WB/Gaza or other regional relevant experience. Ability to work autonomously, work with a team and solve problems quickly within the Forsah Team and with other partners/stakeholders. At least 4 years of experience with proven track records on technical assistant projects (USAID/EU/World Bank/FCDO) with strong technical assistance and capacity building skills in private sector and/or educational sector. Experience with private sector relationships to advance the project results and objectives. Ability to undertakes complex technical assignments and manage special projects as needed with ability to execute high quality results delivering any technical assistant activity or capacity building for stakeholders or partners. Professional proficiency in English; fluency in Arabic. This includes good skills in both languages in reading, writing, and verbal communication with excellent skills in writing technical reports and other progress reporting, etc. Reporting The “Private Sector Engagement Officer” will report to the Sustainable Partnerships Manager. For contractual and administrative matters, the employee shall report to the DAI Palestine Country Director.