Local Economic Development (LED) Specialist

Background and Objectives
The primary aim of the Urban Connect project is to promote inclusive and resilient economic growth of USAID Cities Development Initiative (CDI) cities by (1) enhancing local economic development and (2) improving public service delivery. To advance local economic development, this activity will (1a) improve the local regulatory environment for private investment and enterprise growth, and (1b) strengthen inter LGU coordination and connectivity. To improve public service delivery, this activity will (2a) strengthen public financial management, (2b) advance e-government solutions and (2c) improve delivery of health and education services. As a cross cutting focus, this activity will engage the private sector, promote climate resiliency and disaster preparedness, and ensure gender and social inclusion. 

The Local Economic Development Specialist is a short-term consultancy position (STTA) who will provide technical advisory to improve the overall business environment in Urban Connect partner cities by helping them formulate investment policies and priority sectors, build up capability of their investment promotion offices and strengthen public-private collaboration in investment marketing and facilitation. 

Specific tasks and deliverables are outlined below.

• Provide technical advice in the review and updating of local investment incentive codes and investment priority areas in five cities (Batangas, CDO, Iloilo Tagbilaran, Zamboanga)
• Provide technical advice in strengthening investment promotion capabilities of selected LEIPOs (CDO, Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, Zamboanga and Legazpi) including local investment promotion strategies and design and conduct of online or in-person capacity building training on investment promotion and facilitation for LEIPOs
• Provide technical advisory to selected cities in the design of investment promotion events/campaigns
• Propose strategies or mechanism for stronger private sector participation in local investment policy formulation and investment promotion and facilitation activities in LEIPOs
• Provide advisory and inputs in the review and updating of the economic development roadmap for the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC)
• Provide technical advisory in the formulation of value-chain focused MSME development plans including recommendations on appropriate LGU services and programs to support/promote MSMEs in Batangas, CDO & Tagbilaran

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, development studies or any relevant field (Post-graduate degree an advantage preferred)
• 8 years of work experience in business, local economic development, trade and investment policy, promotion and facilitation, chamber or industry development, economic policy.
• Extensive experience in public-private partnership and engagement with LGUs, national government agencies, chambers or industry associations.
• Excellent report writing and oral communication skills
• Good working knowledge of MS Office tools including video-conferencing applications 

Interested candidates may submit their updated CVs with Cover Letter to alaa.hameed@wsp.com cc: Alyse.Lopez@wsp.com