Global Gateway Facility for Central America

The purpose of the project is to strengthen the participation of civil society (private sector and civil society organizations) in the implementation of the EU-CA Association Agreement to support progress in the trade and sustainable development agenda (labor rights, notably decent work, gender equality and economic empowerment/inclusivity) and related dialogue, and to contribute to unlocking potential for investment opportunities for the EU as well as Central American actors. It targets processes at regional level of the Central American Economic Integration System (SIECA) as well as at member state level (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama

 

Duties to be performed by the expert:

Under the supervision and direction of the Team Leader and in coordination with Key Expert 2 and 3, the investment and private sector development expert will be co-responsible for drafting, coordinating and implementing the investment and private sector strategy of this contract, to unlock barriers to private sector engagement including finance and investment. The expert will assist in the implementation of the activities for the defined geographical region as defined in the Annual Plan, approved annually, and the corresponding implementation of unforeseen expenditure, the actions approved by the EU Delegation in Costa Rica, and the requests for assistance raised; particularly in the areas under his responsibility and expertise.

 

Qualifications: 
  • University degree at master level in a discipline relevant to the profile (sustainable finance, economics, international trade, public-private relations or a directly related discipline)
  • Proven private sector, business and entrepreneurship development and engagement skills. A particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises will be considered an asset;
  • Proven private sector and business collaboration skills,
  • Proven knowledge on innovative finance approaches and impact investments;
  • Proven public-relations, communication and stakeholder engagement skills;
  • Technical knowledge on project management cycles;
  • Proven drafting, synthesis and communication skills;
  • Proven capacity for interpersonal relations and working in a multidisciplinary team;
  • Proven ease of relationship, work and communication with stakeholders from different sectors (e.g. public, private sector, financial sector, international bodies, civil society, etc.);
  • Proven skills in the usage and application of technologies, software and digital tools, including Microsoft Office, presentation and communication tools;
  • Proven knowledge of evaluation and monitoring techniques and systems;
  • Preferably knowledge of the European Union’s development cooperation policies and strategies.

 

General professional experience

  • Extensive experience of at least 5 years in private sector engagement and the development of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Specific professional experience

  • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in international trade and investments, corporate social and environmental responsibility, or sustainable finance and institutional investing;
  • Proven experience in the creation of enabling conditions and improved business climates for sustainable growth opportunities;
  • Proven experience in the development of inclusive business approaches;
  • Proven experience in the structuring value chains and strengthening economic sectors;
  • Proven experience in match-making of financial and non-financial services, business creation and economic and social performance improvements;
  • Proven experience in regional and local market analysis, identification of constraints and design of market development interventions. Experience in market systems development, trade policy, local economic development and value chain development will be considered an asset.
  • Experience working with and delivering support to governments;
  • Experience in building partnerships and liaising with relevant public-private stakeholders and partner organizations.
  • Proven experience in the enabling and generation of public-private structured dialogue to boost sustainable investment;
  • Experience of working with European businesses and investors, good knowledge of the EU – CA AA and existing opportunities and barriers for sustainable trade and investments and GGIA.
  • Understanding of Central America’s regional economic integration agenda and inclusive EU-CA AA implementation issues;
  • Preferable local experience in the Central American region;
  • Preferably experience in managing cooperation projects. Knowledge in the implementation of the European Union’s contractual procedures will be appreciated.
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Start / Duration: 

960 working days over the project duration of 48 months expected to start in November 2024

Please upload your current CV here