Deputy Country Director, Market Development Facility (MDF)

Market Development Facility  - a place to become part of something bigger
Market Development Facility (MDF) is an Australian Government funded multi-country initiative which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries.

We connect individuals, businesses, governments, and NGOs with each other, and with markets at home and abroad. This enhances investment and coordination and allows partnerships to flourish, strengthening inclusive economic growth. MDF is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT). It is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Swisscontact.

In Sri Lanka, MDF focuses on strengthening the tourism, agriculture, and fisheries sectors. Key areas of support include promoting high-value sustainable tourism, high-value agriculture products and services, agriculture technology, and export-oriented fisheries.

About the role
The DCD will take the lead in coordinating many of the day-to-day activities of the Country Team including sector analysis, negotiations with potential partners, inclusion, results measurement, and engagement, influencing and learning events. As such they play a pivotal role in mentoring and building capability of the Business Advisers developing the right organisational culture, business skills and development ethos.

Key responsibilities
This role offers it all, with key responsibilities including:

• Support the development and management of a portfolio of interventions.
• Identify new commercial opportunities in the Tourism sector.
• Oversee the quality and compliance of intervention agreements between MDF and its partners.
• Develop partnerships with a large variety of strategic private and public players to introduce innovation and unlock the pro-poor growth potential.
• Lead the recruitment of qualified staff for the country as well as short-term advisers to provide support to the country team and partners.
• Ensure that all procurement within country is in line with the MDF Procurement Guidelines.
• Support the Country Director to foster a culture of continuous learning.
  

MDF the place to be
MDF is a project within the broader Palladium group. You will join a supportive and collegiate environment.  We have ambitious goals and we believe everyone can make an impact.

Key requirements

• A strong business orientation and demonstrated work experience at a senior leadership level in Sri Lanka in another organisation within the private sector or in a Market Systems Development environment.
• Demonstrated experience in developing strategies and new business opportunities with the private sector to promote the Tourism sector.
• Proven ability to conduct economic analysis and translate the findings into pro-poor growth strategies and interventions.
• Proven ability to negotiate, design and assess strategic, sustainable market systems development activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated capacity to constructively engage with the private and public sector, development partners, other development programs, and other similar stakeholders.
• Post graduate qualifications in development economics, business, tourism, agriculture, or another relevant field(s).
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills, numeracy, analysis and networking skills.
• Willingness to work in a challenging environment and to travel nationally and internationally.

For complete Terms of Reference (TOR) here.

Application Guidelines

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter (no more than one page) outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.

Interested candidates can apply by clicking “Apply Now” below. 

Application closes midnight 22nd July, 2023 (Colombo Time) 

This position is open to Sri Lankan nationals and permanent residents with authority to live and work in Sri Lanka. Rates of pay are based on local labour standards.

MDF is committed to creating a creative and diverse workforce. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we offer internal and external learning and professional development opportunities.
The chosen candidate will be required to provide a police clearance certificate. Relevant education certificates may be requested as part of the recruitment process.

Company Overview:

About Palladium - Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value.  We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people's lives.