Private Sector Engagement and Access to Finance Specialist

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Summary:

The purpose of Nicaragua Youth and Communities Secure, Empowered and Resilient (NYCSER) is to empower youth and their communities to acquire the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to become resilient and better equipped to advocate for their own best interests and security in the current national context of social and political instability and discrimination, including by actively participating in their communities’ and nation’s decision-making.

Position Summary:

The Private Sector Engagement and Access to Finance Specialist will manage establish relationships with private sector and cooperative partners to link youth to viable livelihood opportunities. S/he will be responsible for identifying and managing opportunities to integrate youth into supply chains and liaise with financial institutions to support youth’s access to finance.

Reporting:

The Private Sector Engagement and Access to Finance Specialist will report to the Chief of Party (COP).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Liaise with private sector partners and cooperative federations to identify areas where youth can be integrated into supply chains, distribution systems, or cooperatives in order to provide sustainable livelihoods;
• Manage relationships with private sector and cooperative partners to match livelihood opportunities created through partnership with youth beneficiaries, considering geographic location, skill profile, asset profile, and youth goals in order to create mutually beneficial business relationships;
• Troubleshoot potential issues in integrating youth into private sector partner supply chains and distribution systems;
• Liaise between financial institutions and private sector partners to support access to finance; and
• Identify and analyze youth-friendly financial products available through local financial institutions that can be leveraged.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, corporate social responsibility, or related field required; Master’s degree desired;
• At least eight (8) years of general work experience;
• At least five (5) years of experience in private sector engagement, corporate social responsibility (CSR), financial inclusion, or related activities;
• At least four (4) years of direct supervisory experience;
• Demonstrated technical knowledge in business inclusive practices, CSR programming, youth-friendly financial services, village savings and loan association (VSLA) design and management, and guarantee funds;
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with private sector partners, cooperative leaders, local governance leaders, youth leaders, and other stakeholders;
• Deep understanding of the financial landscape in Nicaragua;
• Experience working with donor-funded programming, USAID preferred; and
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish desired.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Technical knowledge in youth livelihoods, labor inclusion, CSR, or financial inclusion; and
• Fluency in Spanish is required, fluency in English is preferred.

Local and regional candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position contingent upon donor funding.