Job Summary:

The PSE Specialist plays a key role in advancing SMSA’s mission by providing vision, strategy, and leadership for private sector engagement. This involves leveraging private sector resources and capabilities to support inclusive education and ensuring that PSE activities align seamlessly with the project’s objectives to generate meaningful and sustainable impacts. The Specialist is tasked with building and maintaining partnerships with private sector stakeholders, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, to secure financial and non-financial contributions. They will develop and implement tailored partner-donor engagement plans, analyze and prioritize potential partners, and lead negotiations to secure funding commitments, acting as the primary point of contact and coordinating alliances while managing the due diligence process. By closely collaborating with the technical and communications teams, the Specialist ensures the integration of PSE initiatives into the broader project framework, while also developing innovative solutions to address challenges and enhance project sustainability. This position is based in Dhaka and requires frequent collaboration with the SMSA main office and field stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of engagement activities.

The PSE Specialist will report to the DCOP and work closely with technical, communications and operations teams, maintaining compliance with USAID and RTI regulations.

Essential Duties:

• Private Sector Strategy and Partnership Development
  • Lead the implementation and refinement of the PSE strategy, ensuring alignment with SMSA’s goals and objectives.
  • Identify, evaluate, and establish strategic partnerships with private sector stakeholders, including businesses and not-for-profit organizations, to support inclusive education initiatives.
  • Develop tailored engagement and contribution plans for private sector partners to foster meaningful collaboration.
  • Ensure that all partnerships comply with USAID regulations and project objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building
  • Conduct outreach, briefing sessions, round table, and due diligence assessments for identified organizations.
  • Facilitate the development and signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the agencies, organizations, ensuring financial or in-kind contributions.
  • Convene regular check-in meetings with private sector partners to monitor progress and address challenges and reporting. Provide actionable recommendations for improving partnerships, addressing challenges, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of PSE activities.
  • Document all engagement activities, including due diligence reports, meeting minutes, and partnership progress reports, to support project learning.
• Collaboration with Technical and Communications Teams
  • Collaborate with technical teams to integrate PSE activities into broader project deliverables and ensure alignment with inclusive education strategies.
  • Collaborate with the Communications Manager to develop and execute high-quality pitch materials, success stories, and other communication tools tailored to engagement strategies tailored to potential partners.
  • Provide strategic input to the project’s cost-share plan to identify funding opportunities, and collaborate with operations team to get appropriate cost share documentation from partners.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Deputy Chief of Party

Qualifications

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Masters degree with 6 years of experience or Bachelors Degree with 8 years of experience in business administration preferably in Marketing, or Social Science, Communication, Education, or a related field.
• Experience working on USAID-funded projects (preferably in education and/or including a cost share component).
• Proven expertise in developing and managing strategic partnerships with private sector entities.
• Familiarity with cost-sharing mechanisms and private sector engagement strategies.
• Experience collaborating with government agencies, donor organizations, and media.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal/relationship-building skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Proven ability to solve problems with creative solutions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Bangla.
• Ability to adapt, multitask and work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated professional etiquette and strong negotiation skills when dealing with stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, and donor organizations.
• Able to understand and appreciate differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, national origin, and disability status
• Ability to travel on field visits up to 50% time per month

Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 72