Program Director, Usaid Micro-Retail Development Project

About TechnoServe

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. As a non-profit organization working in over 30 countries worldwide, TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty. We work with a range of partners across diverse market systems to make small farms and businesses more profitable and environmentally, socially, and commercially sustainable. We are recognized as an impact-driven organization, and in 2022 alone our programs benefitted 1.3 million people and businesses (39% women and women-owned businesses), increasing their revenues by over $366 million and achieving a return on investment of $5 for every $1 invested.

TechnoServe is looking for a dynamic Program Director for an anticipated USAID project in El Salvador that will seek to transform the micro-retail sector by leveraging private sector investments and innovative partnerships.

Micro-Retail Development Project Summary

TechnoServe has received notice from USAID El Salvador of the Mission’s intent to award a project in early 2024 that will strengthen the profitability and resilience of the micro-retail sector in El Salvador. The project will leverage the unique capacities, resources, and networks of the project’s private sector partner, TechnoServe, and USAID to sustainably address the key challenges facing micro-retailers in El Salvador and drive long-term inclusive growth in the sector. The project will support micro-retailers to gain and apply the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to profitably manage their businesses; access finance to expand inventory and invest in business growth; and adopt new revenue streams that benefit their clientele and community, with a focus on women and youth. By these means, we will improve the revenue and resilience of micro-retailers, increase community access to goods and services, and improve economic prospects in El Salvador, fostering rootedness and reducing economic pressures driving irregular migration.

Job Summary

The Program Director will lead the overall implementation of the project, ensuring the project achieves its established objectives and targets. He/she will provide strategic direction, leadership, management, and general technical and financial oversight of the project to ensure successful implementation, and will act as the key liaison with all counterparts, including USAID, the project’s private sector partner, and other stakeholders.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Ensure sound project financial management and compliance, in coordination with TechnoServe’s El Salvador country platform team and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) divisional team.
• Proactively identify and build partnerships and alliances with other private and public market actors through outreach and promotional activities.
• Lead and coordinate partnership agreements ensuring collaborative working relations.
• Oversee project team – approximately 11 members total, including four direct reports.
• Co-design and test methodologies, products and services provided to program beneficiaries addressing our partners needs.
• Continuously develop operational efficiencies and drive innovations in delivery.
• Oversee development and submission of project deliverables on time, within budget, and in compliance with USAID and TechnoServe requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with USAID El Salvador, the Government of El Salvador, the project’s key private sector partner, and any additional private sector counterparts, implementing partners, and stakeholders involved with the project.
• Foster collaboration, learning, and adaptive management to inform decision-making, communicate with stakeholders, and drive impact.
• Act as a spokesperson for the program and present its work regionally/globally.
• Coordinate with TechnoServe’s Entrepreneurship practice and other global practice areas and experts to incorporate and share tools and best practices.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of experience or a Master’s degree with at least 7 years of experience, with a background in economics, international development, business management, or other relevant areas.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the international development sector, and at least 3 years of professional experience working with private sector companies and businesses.
• At least 5 years of experience leading and managing teams, for instance as a team leader, chief of party, or other Program Director-level role

Preferred Qualifications:

• Local/regional candidates preferred; Experience working in Central America and/or the Latin America Region strongly preferred.
• Experience implementing USAID-funded programs and knowledge of USAID regulations and procedures.
• Experience building win-win partnerships between private sector and development stakeholders, including financial institutions and technology providers.
• Experience ensuring the consultation and meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including women and youth.
• Results-oriented, with demonstrated experience achieving project targets.

Required Languages :

• Fluency in English and Spanish with excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills and demonstrated experience in managing complex, multi-disciplinary, and challenging field operations in developing countries (in Central/Latin America preferred).
• High capacity to work and solve problems autonomously.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate a high-level strategy to internal and external stakeholders, while driving execution of a work plan and achievement of short-term milestones.
• Demonstrated ability to use adaptive management principles to make strategic, data-driven decisions in the face of uncertainty and complexity.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills and ability to effectively motivate and manage teams in a multicultural environment.
• Strong private sector market orientation; entrepreneurial and innovative thinker.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving, consensus building, and coordination of diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks and activities.
• Ability to develop well written, cohesive analyses and reports.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent upon donor approval. All applications must be submitted in English for consideration.

We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe'svision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply.

With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability and all other protected classes.

We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.

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