Director - Private Sector Development

Director - Private Sector Development

Cowater International

Manila, Philippines

OBJECTIVE

Cowater International is seeking a highly qualified Director – Private Sector Development for the anticipated Promoting Growth, Resilience, Economic Stability, and Sustainability in the Philippines (PROGRESS PH) activity. Progress PH is an Australian Government initiative led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This five-year initiative, with an investment of AUD 45 million, will aim to improve the business enabling environment to encourage investment, promote trade and climate resilience, and strengthen economic and fiscal management, particularly to support clean energy and sustainability of the resources sector.

The Director – Private Sector Development provides strategic, and technical leadership to support inclusive economic growth. The role operationalises DFAT’s emphasis on technical assistance for public-private partnerships (PPPs), climate-resilient agriculture, and gender-responsive market systems in the Philippines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Market Intelligence and Growth Opportunity Leadership

• Conduct market diagnostics based on DFAT’s engagement areas (e.g., MSME growth, trade connectivity, clean economy) and evolving markets and economic trends in the Philippines to identify systemic barriers in targeted sectors and financing;
• Lead targeted research and guide diagnostics, assessments, and sector mapping exercises with a focus on new or emerging value chains, inclusive business models, and market channels that align with program goals;
• Prioritise climate-smart value chains and align interventions with the Australian and Philippine Development Plan’s target;
• Contribute to the development of dynamic and adaptive strategies that respond to shifting market conditions and policy landscapes.

Partnership Ecosystem and Inclusive Market Development

• Co-design and oversee sustainable, scalable inclusive partnerships with private sector actors, and financial institutions to promote innovation, improve productivity, and enhance diversity particularly for women, youth, and marginalised communities;
• Champion private sector and market systems development tools and methodologies across program components;
• Strengthen multi-stakeholder governance and systemic change by establishing inclusive governance frameworks such as Technical Working Groups and public-private task forces to align market actors, policymakers, and civil society around shared objectives, fostering local ownership and policy coherence;
• Coordinate closely with DFAT, GoPH counterparts, other donor-funded projects, private sector leaders, civil society, and other stakeholders;
• Serve as a key technical voice and institutional representative in external engagements, policy dialogues, and strategic forums.

Capacity Building, Coordination & Adaptive Leadership

• Provide ongoing capacity-building and coaching for project teams, implementing partners, and stakeholders on market systems development and systems thinking approaches;
• Contribute to adaptive management processes by embedding continuous learning, feedback loops, and reflection within program operations;
• Facilitate collaboration, learning, and adaptation across components to maximise effectiveness and learning uptake;
• Oversee technical quality, integration, and execution of all private sector and MSD-related interventions in coordination with M&E and communications teams.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in economics, public policy, international development, or a related field;
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in private sector and market systems development, SME development, economic growth and competitiveness programs, focused on climate resilience preferred;
• Demonstrated experience with DFAT or other major donor-funded programs, including familiarity with donor reporting and compliance requirements;
• Knowledge of market systems development and systems thinking approaches and best practices in private sector engagement and facilitation;
• Strong track record of integrating GEDSI principles into systems and practices;
• Excellent speaking, writing, and oral communication skills in English.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituencies and cultures;
• Proven track record fostering inclusive and collaborative learning, adaptive management, and data-driven decision making;
• In-depth knowledge of the Philippine political, economic, and institutional context;
• Experience working in or with government agencies in Southeast Asia;
• Proficiency in Filipino or other Philippine languages;
• Strategic thinker with exceptional analytical and facilitation skills;
• Collaborative and inclusive leader, adept at building partnerships and consensus;
• Strong communicator, skilled at conveying technical information to diverse audiences;
• Committed to locally-led development, ethical practices, and continuous professional growth.

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