Director, Strategic Initiatives, New York/London

Closing date: Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Supervisor: Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives

Location: New York City/Norwalk/ London

Travel: International up to 50%

I. TechnoServe Background:

TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a nonprofit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.

II. Position Description:

An important element of TechnoServe's 5-year Strategic Plan (2013-2017), involves strengthening our corporate partnerships. This is based on the recognition that large corporations have tremendous potential to leverage and scale TechnoServe's work and will become increasingly important partners for securing public sector funding. The Director, Strategic Initiatives will report to the Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, and work in collaboration with TechnoServe' s various field units and Development Division to grow TechnoServe's global corporate portfolio and public-private partnerships. This will involve working closely with corporations to analyze and design strategies that support smallholder farmers and position TechnoServe as a distinctive long-term partner.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design sector approaches for business models that will reduce poverty
• Identify potential corporate partners and structure analytical engagements that may include developing sustainability strategies, reviewing supply chains and creating local economic development programs
• Project manage strategy engagements
• As appropriate, serve as dedicated partner relationship manager coordinating partner work across all TechnoServe units to ensure communication with partner is consistent and multiple projects are aligned
• Ensure resources are in place to deliver work and that work quality is of highest caliber
• Recruit and mentor new team members to grow SI practice
• As appropriate assist with project design and proposal preparation for implementation projects
• Provide ongoing technical support to implementation programs in the field
• Lead internal thinking on theories of change and business solutions for poverty
• Liaise, collaborate and knowledge-share with other parts of organization including field teams, regional staff and the development division to ensure impact of TechnoServe work
• Represent TechnoServe at key stakeholder events and conferences
• Additional duties including business development as assigned

III. Required Skills & Experience:

• Advanced degree in business management or other relevant field strongly preferred
• 10-12 years of experience with BS/BA or 7-10 years with Masters working in top tier consulting firm or similar
• Experience working with non-profit/International NGO organizations and field-based experience preferred.
• Exceptionally strong project management and analytical skills as evidenced by leading roles on engagements of significant scale
• Demonstrated ability to effectively service clients/partners, particularly in the for-profit sector
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills
• Excellent oral & written presentation skills required
• Proven ability to build rapport among internal and external stakeholders
• Travel internationally and domestically up to 50% of time.
• Perform other related duties as requested

IV. Application Instructions:

Qualified and interested applicants should submit a single Word-formatted document consisting of cover letter, resume and salary history to jobs@tns.org. Please identify the position and preferred location for which you are applying in the subject line. Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be considered or contacted. No phone calls please. Closing date for applications is December 3, 2014.

Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities