Advisor Private Sector Development (F/M/D) 60-80%

Advisor Private Sector Development (F/M/D) 60-80%

Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

For our Skills, Jobs and Income team based in Zurich and Bern we are looking for a result-oriented and dynamic individual to join our organization as per October 1, 2024 or upon agreement.

The Skills, Jobs and Income team provides advisory services to Helvetas programmes and to external clients. The thematic fields in this working area focus on private sector development, market systems, financial inclusion, vocational skills development and basic education. The Inclusive System Approach (ISA) (or Market Systems Development (MSD) approach) that creates business opportunities and skills that help poor and disadvantaged people gain access to jobs and a higher and more secure income, is key to our work.

The advisor will support both Helvetas projects as well as external clients through thematic expertise in the following areas:

• Entrepreneurship promotion and business development for micro, small and medium enterprises in both farm and non-farm sectors.
• Agricultural value chains and market systems development for smallholders, targeting local as well as regional and export markets.
• Private sector engagement and facilitation of public-private partnerships.
• Inclusive Green Economic development for green job creation and green skills development.

YOUR MAIN TASKS

• Manage independently advisory mandates on the above topics from external clients.
• Providing technical and strategic advice on Private Sector Development and Private Sector Engagement to Helvetas programmes and projects in our partner countries and at Head Office.
• Support Helvetas projects and country programmes in key moments (planning of new projects or phases, reviews and evaluations).
• Lead or provide substantial inputs to acquisition processes, including proposal writing.
• Maintain client and partner contacts related to the working area for collaboration and acquisition.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in economics, business administration, international development or any other area relevant to the position.
• At least 5 years of experience in international development cooperation with assignments that are thematically relevant, including long-term experience in the Global East / South in several countries and short-term consultancy experience for different clients.
• Proven experience working on topics such as entrepreneurship promotion, business development, market systems development, labour markets and agricultural value chains and green economy. Experience in vocational skills development is an additional advantage.
• Strong project management and client relations skills.
• Proven experience in project/mandate acquisition processes and excellent writing skills.
• Conceptual competencies, analytical strength, very good advisory and facilitation skills, intercultural and gender sensitivity.
• Excellent spoken and written English. Fluency in either German or French with a good understanding of the other language. Spanish or Portuguese is an advantage.
• Readiness to travel 4-5 times a year including to fragile contexts.

OUR OFFER

A fix-termed contract of two years with a possibility for extension.

An interesting opportunity in a motivated team and attractive working conditions. You can expect working in an international environment and in a multicultural setting. The main workplace is Zurich or Bern (close to the respective main stations).

We look forward to receiving your complete application including CV, motivation letter, diplomas and work certificates by June 9, 2024 via our online recruiting portal.

For further information please contact Sabrina Würmli, Head Skills, Jobs and Income Team, +41 31 385 10 34 or visit our website www.helvetas.org.