Manager, Strategic Initiatives, New York or London

Closing date: Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Reporting Unit/Supervisor: Director, 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. TechnoServe is looking for a Manager to join the Strategic Initiatives team. S/he will be responsible for supporting specific client engagements (e.g., diagnostics, pilot projects) and also providing technical and operational assistance to field programs. Over time, the Manager is expected to gain proficiency in a specific sector and geography.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct in-depth diagnostics to identify strategic opportunities in specific countries, sectors or value chains
• Coordinate and support implementation of projects in partnership with donors and TechnoServe's in-country field teams
• Assist field staff in project design, monitoring, and work-planning
• Advise partners on implementation strategies and propose funding models to enhance scalability and sustainability
• Regularly develop and deliver presentations to persuade partners of new ideas
• Perform data analysis and modeling to evaluate the financial and non-financial returns of different types of investments
• Help codify lessons learned and knowledge management efforts in a specific sector
• Participate in new business development and proposal writing

III. Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree with 5-7 years of experience working in private sector or demonstrated success supporting entrepreneurial business management or Master's Degree with 3-5 years of experience.
• Experience in implementing field work in a developing country, preferably related to small business development
• Experience working with multinational corporations
• Demonstrated leadership skills, teamwork and relationship building
• Proven analytical and financial modeling skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong computer skills, including MS Word, Powerpoint and Excel
• Ability to work independently, flexibly and responsively
• Able to adapt to changing working conditions
• Able to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of time, mostly international
• Advanced degree in business management or other relevant field preferred
• Knowledge of Spanish is highly desirable. Knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage.

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