Private Sector Engagement and Enterprise Development Specialist at Connexus Corporation

Connexus Corporation is an international development consulting firm that provides consulting services in the areas of finance, enterprise and agricultural market development. Connexus’ mission is to provide high quality global consulting services to transform international development and build local capacity. Connexus is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Private Sector Engagement and Enterprise Development Specialist

Location: Abuja (FCT)

About the Opportunity

• Connexus is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Private Sector Engagement (PSE) & Enterprise Development Specialist for the anticipated USAID/Nigeria Value Chain Activity. The PSE & Enterprise Development Specialist will be responsible for engaging private sector actors and fostering partnerships, promoting innovation, and enhancing the productivity and profitability of agricultural value chains. Note: this is a preliminary position description and may be clarified further after solicitation release.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Design and implement strategies to engage private sector actors, including agribusinesses, input suppliers, and service providers, among others, to drive inclusive and competitive agricultural market development.
• Identify, assess, and cultivate strategic partnerships with private sector actors, including agric-MSMEs, investors, and industry associations.
• Conduct market assessments, value chain analyses, and feasibility studies to identify business constraints and opportunities for private-sector enterprise development.
• Develop and implement innovative business models, value-added services, and market-driven solutions to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of agricultural enterprises.
• Collaborate with relevant government agencies, NGOs, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for private sector investment and enterprise development.
• Facilitate capacity-building activities, including training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions for private sector actors to share techniques, strategies, and models for growing and developing their businesses.
• Contribute to Activity reporting, documentation, and knowledge management activities, including capturing lessons learned, best practices, and success stories related to PSE and enterprise development programming.
• Stay abreast of latest developments, research findings, and innovations in PSE and enterprise development, and adapt approaches, as necessary, to reflect newest and most relevant innovations and principles.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business, Agricultural Economics, or another relevant field with a minimum of 9 years of professional experience, preferably for USAID or another donor-funded project; or Bachelor’s degree in Business, Agricultural Economics, or another relevant field with a minimum 11 years of experience, preferably for USAID or another donor-funded project.
• Experience designing and implementing strategies to build the capacity of private sector actors and proven track record of building and managing partnerships with the private sector, government, and other stakeholders.
• Strong technical expertise in market analysis, business development, value chain development, access to finance.
• Excellent written communication skills, including ability to contribute to high-quality project reports.
• Fluency in English required and other local languages desired.
• Must be authorized to work in Nigeria.

Application Closing Date
31st March, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Resume and cover letter to: NigeriaVCcareers@connexus.email using “PSE & Enterprise Dev Specialist – USAID/Nigeria Value Chain Activity” as the subject of the mail.

Note: No phone calls.