Private Sector Development Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to disasters and hardships, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger, more resilient communities from within. The organization is committed to addressing critical issues such as water security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, food security, and climate resilience, and aims to empower local populations through innovative programs and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Asia regional team at Mercy Corps is seeking an experienced Private Sector Development professional to lead the development and writing of innovative, market-based project concept notes. This role will primarily support Mercy Corps’ Country Teams in Asia, focusing initially on Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The consultant will play a crucial role in creating traction for private sector investment by identifying market opportunities that support water security, food security, and climate resilience. The consultant is expected to possess technical expertise in Private Sector Development, Market System Development, or Private Sector Investment, along with a solid understanding of the private sector landscape in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, or the broader Central Asia region. Additionally, experience working with or for SMEs and a strong appreciation for climate adaptation's urgency and opportunities are essential.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting desk research to inform and develop evidence-based proposals for institutional and/or private donors. This research will help Mercy Corps’ country and regional teams understand how to best support private sector investment and development in key areas related to water security, food security, and climate adaptation and resilience. Based on the findings from the desk research and consultations with country and regional leadership, the consultant will draft 2-4 short concept notes or proposals (2-5 pages each) for discussion and review by the regional and country teams. The consultant will also structure the desk review into a comprehensive report, engage in discussions, and potentially design sessions with country and regional teams, as well as other stakeholders and partners. The final deliverables will include 2-4 concept notes or shorter proposals, which will be jointly determined based on the research and discussions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field, with a Master’s degree preferred. They should have 5-10 years of technical experience in Market System Development, Private Sector Development, International Climate Finance, or Private Sector Investment. Experience working with or in the private sector and a good understanding of international development, particularly in Central or South Asia, is essential. Candidates should also have a good knowledge of International Finance Institutions (IFIs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and private sector finance instruments such as equity, loan guarantees, and impact bonds. Additionally, experience in designing and writing high-quality funding proposals in English is required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field is required, while a Master’s degree is preferred. The educational background should align with the technical expertise needed for the role, particularly in areas related to private sector development, market systems, or international finance.

Experience:
The position requires 5-10 years of relevant technical experience in areas such as Market System Development, Private Sector Development, International Climate Finance, or Private Sector Investment. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with or in the private sector and a solid understanding of international development, especially in the context of Central or South Asia.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with the ability to read and converse in Russian, Uzbek, or Kyrgyz being merited. Proficiency in these languages would enhance communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is fully remote, with the option to work from the Mercy Corps office in Tashkent if the consultant is based in Uzbekistan. The maximum budget for this consultancy is USD 8,000, and applicants are required to include a day rate in their application. The consultant is expected to start as soon as possible, with deliverables ideally due before August 202

• Flexible working hours are available, but occasional meetings will be required to align with working hours in London, United Kingdom, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.