TechnoServe is seeking a Private Sector Manager for the anticipated five year LSFFA Activity. As a Private Sector Manager, you will work directly with the private sector to identify support needs, provide technical assistance, and strengthen key food processing practices such as quality control/quality assurance. This position will also support the engagement of industry actors within national coordination and policy processes.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Support industry advisory services to food processors across the program portfolio
• Provide contextualized, data-informed technical advisory services to individual food processors that address gaps in business and technical capacity, with particular attention to good food fortification practices
• Oversee and/ or conduct food processing sector landscape rapid assessments at country level and more comprehensive, detailed industry assessment at factory level for target countries and food vehicles
• Support sector-wide trainings (SWT) conducted in partnership with local training service providers on topics such as fortification technology, food safety and quality control, business strategy, and financing
• Identify opportunities to build potential partnerships and alliances with private and public market actors through outreach and promotional activities
• Pursue partnerships with financial institutions and service providers to increase agricultural sector lending
• Collaborate with COP and other team members to effectively pursue private sector partnership opportunities that align with program objectives
• Foster collaboration, learning, and adaptive management to inform decision-making, communicate with stakeholders, and drive impact
• Support the development of training materials, technical briefs, success stories, and other knowledge products related to private sector engagement and technical assistance to the food industry.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, economics, business, or other relevant subject
• At least 7 years experience working with Zambia’s private sector, particularly private sector companies in food processing
• Understanding of USAID Private Sector Strategy and programming
• Ability to understand, negotiate and strike win-win deals with private sector partners
• Must have an excellent track record of achieving results in private sector-led development activities, preferably in food fortification. In particular, must have proven ability to establish strong and effective working relationships with private sector actors and solving challenges together
• Fluent in written and spoken English with strong presentation and communication skills.
• Must have demonstrated high level technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent management and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in economics, agricultural economics, business, international development, public policy, law, or other relevant field.

Required Languages: Fluency in English, including excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership skills and demonstrated experience in managing complex, multi-disciplinary operations in developing countries.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills and ability to effectively motivate and manage teams in a multicultural environment.
• Strong presentation and influencing skills, with a track record in representation at global technical and international development forums.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving, consensus building and coordination of diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to use adaptive management principles to make strategic, data-driven decisions in the face of uncertainty and complexity
• Ability to work under tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks and activities.
• Ability to develop well written, cohesive analyses and reports
• Strong focus on results