Businesses

Are you an entrepreneur with a great idea but not sure how to make it happen? Do you already have a successful business but could do with some strategic advice?

Maybe you are part of an organisation trying to bring key business leaders together to make your sector work better.

Whoever you are, if you’re interested in working with us, drop us a line at info-mdf@thepalladiumgroup.com.


If you are an Australia or New Zealand-based (ANZ) business looking to expand into an MDF partner country, or if you are based in an MDF partner country and are seeking to strategically engage with ANZ businesses, our Australian Business Engagement Unit would like to hear from you.

MDF’s Australian Business Engagement Unit focuses on:

• Identifying partnership opportunities with ANZ businesses trading with the Pacific region – in particular, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu

• Engaging with ANZ businesses interested in trading with MDF’s partner countries across key sectors including high-value agriculture, agritech, tourism, seafood processing and outsourcing services.

If you are interested in working with us, drop us a line at info-mdf@thepalladiumgroup.com

Opportunities 

MDF is committed to offering all of its staff an invigorating work environment.

If you’re looking for a new challenge and are as enthusiastic about reducing poverty and empowering disadvantaged women and men as we are, then take a look at our list of vacancies below.

If you have a question about a position you've applied for or simply want to know more, drop us a line at
mdf-hr@thepalladiumgroup.com

"I’m continuously exposed to new experiences and opportunities for learning, with such a variety of people! It’s unlike any other place I’ve worked."

Cate, Program Officer  
Take a look at the job opportunities available with Market Development Facility for those who are enthusiastic about reducing poverty and empowering disadvantaged.

Scroll down to view current vacancies...

Current vacancies

Australia
Fiji
Sri Lanka
Timor-Leste
Papua New Guinea
Pacific Regional

Expressions of Interest – MERL Consultants

About MDF    

Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) helps countries in the Indo-Pacific region to grow through improved productivity, economic diversification, competitiveness and trade.

The facility helps government and business partners to identify markets that have high potential to be profitable, grow and deliver social and environmental value. MDF supports catalytic innovation in these markets by co-investing with local and international partners to reduce the costs and risks of early-stage commercial opportunities. This accelerates progress to profitability and scale.

MDF currently operates in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga and Sri Lanka. The facility is funded by the Australian Government and co-funded by the New Zealand Government in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. It is implemented by Palladium, in partnership with Swisscontact.

About the Opportunity  

MDF is a high-performing program with a diverse portfolio of interventions in agriculture, livestock, tourism, renewable energy, climate change, finance, freight, outsourcing, business services, transport and logistics. MDF’s MERL team play a critical role in the design of MDF’s interventions, monitoring, evaluation, learning, research, knowledge management and influencing.

MDF is looking to retain a panel of specialists to provide ongoing on-demand remote and/or in-person support to country teams with all aspects of monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL) across the Facility’s large portfolio of activities. In MDF the ‘MERL’ function is referred to as Research, Impact Measurement and Inclusion (RIMI).

These positions would be remote but are likely to require travel to one or more MDF country offices. The following outlines the range of tasks that the MERL consultants might be asked to contribute to, noting that the actual assignments will vary depending on the requirements of the MDF country teams and the specific skills sets of the consultants. Input days and the specific tasks will be set out in Tasking Notes when required by mutual agreement.

Key activities on assignment may include:

  • • Provide support to develop and update intervention guides, research plans, attribution strategies, concept note and value for money calculations development, ensuring inclusion indicators are appropriately integrated.  
  • • Analyse assessment results, develop reports and provide recommendations to improve intervention design based on the findings.  
  • • Support the production of content for MDF’s Annual Strategic and Operational Plans, Annual Reports, case studies, and Guidance Notes, as required and in coordination with MDF’s MERL and communication teams.  
  • • Lead and/or support in-depth research on MDF’s impact in target market systems.  
  • • Lead and/or support research on emerging trends in target markets to produce actionable market intelligence for MDF, DFAT and MFAT. 
  • • Support MDF’s MERL director and country teams to integrate Women’s Economic Empowerment, climate change, disability inclusion in MERL-related activities, including, but not limited to intervention guides, monitoring, impact assessments and concept notes.  
  • • Provide support for MERL capacity development, knowledge and skills transfer for local teams as required through formal training, coaching and mentoring.  
  • • Perform other duties as required, which are deemed necessary as directed by the Team Leader, Director, MERL and other MDF leadership.

Requirements 

  • • At least two years’ prior experience in monitoring results in Market Systems Development (MSD) or similar private sector development programs.  
  • • Proven qualitative and quantitative research skills, including demonstrated complex field research in MSD or a related development approach in areas such as productivity, poverty and social norms, sustainability and resilience; and applying the DCED Standard for Results Measurement.  
  • • Excellent analytical skills combined with the ability to translate complex findings and ideas into simple, clear and actionable content.  
  • • Excellent English language skills (written and spoken).  
  • • Proven track record of writing insightful, succinct and accessible outputs for external/non-specialist consumption. 
  • • A bachelor’s degree preferred in economics, business, finance, agricultural sciences, international development, research or related field. 

Please submit your application online including a cover letter and CV, addressing how you meet the requirements of this role.

Closing date: Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.  

We welcome and thank all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Apply

Technical Adviser – Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)

About MDF   

The Market Development Facility (MDF) is a multi-country initiative which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries across the Indo-Pacific.

We support partners from business and government to identify and grow commercial opportunities that are profitable, scalable and deliver social and of environmental value. We currently work in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Samoa, Vanuatu and Tonga.

MDF is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and co-funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. It is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Swisscontact.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a GEDSI Adviser with experience in private sector or market systems development, to ensure that MDF continues to adopt best practices in mainstreaming GEDSI across our portfolio of interventions with business and government partners.

The GEDSI Adviser will provide technical advice to country office teams across our geographic locations, review the current portfolio of GEDSI related work, provide recommendations to current work plans and identify new opportunities to mainstream GEDSI across the Facility. This will include developing the business case to engage and work with the private sector, support data capture in monitoring and results measurement of market interventions, as well as contributing to management reporting and documenting GEDSI case studies.

Key areas of focus will include:

  • • Develop and update MDF’s GEDSI strategic framework to ensure consistency and effective implementation.
  • • Provide technical advice and guidance to country office teams on integrating GEDSI into market interventions.
  • • Lead capability strengthening initiatives to enhance knowledge and integration of GEDSI across MDF.
  • • Support the development and execution of GEDSI training modules and identify opportunities for collaborative learning.
  • • Contribute to GEDSI thought leadership by documenting and showcasing case studies demonstrating best practices.
  • • Assist in stakeholder mapping, strategic research designs, and communication products targeted at DFAT and other stakeholders.
  • • Monitor and report on GEDSI deliverables, ensuring inclusivity in RIMI data collection and monitoring activities.

This key position will also work with the MDF Leadership team and Country Offices to shape the intersectionality of GEDSI in cross cutting areas such as climate change, as well as lead on capability strengthening of country teams to deepen knowledge in integrating GEDSI in all areas of MDF’s work.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

  • • Demonstrated experience in integrating GEDSI in market systems development or similar large-scale programs, preferably in the Asia and/or Pacific context.
  • • Proven results in working with the private sector to engage with GEDSI, including knowledge of GEDSI monitoring and conducting impact assessments in market systems.
  • • Strong strategic research abilities and excellent written skills to capture and document GEDSI case studies.
  • • Experience in GEDSI capacity building, professional development, and mentoring with culturally diverse local teams.
  • • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including cross-culturally and remotely.

Join us in making a significant impact by mainstreaming GEDSI in our program interventions and contributing to sustainable development.

Closing date: Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.

Apply

Director RIMI (Research, Impact Measurement and Inclusion)

The Market Development Facility (MDF) is an Australian Government-funded multi-country initiative that promotes sustainable development in its partner countries.
We work with businesses, government and other organisations to identify and develop profitable and scalable business opportunities that help reduce poverty, empower women economically and combat climate change. We currently operate in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga and Sri Lanka.
MDF is funded by the Australia Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and is implemented by Palladium, in partnership with Swisscontact.

Objectives
The RIMI Director (Research, Impact Measurement, and Inclusion) is a member of the Core Leadership Team (CLT) and will ensure MDF’s monitoring and results measurement (MRM) system runs smoothly and generates timely, high quality and actionable outputs. The RIMI Director provides the technical guidance and quality assurance of the RIMI team across the Facility, consisting of approximately ten people including country RIMI teams and Facility-wide RIMI specialists.
The RIMI Director will also support MDF’s approach to gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) and contribute to MDF’s learning and communication agenda.

Key responsibilities
Managing the monitoring and results measurement system
▪ Technical guidance, quality assurance and oversight of the monitoring, results measurement and research framework, including the management information system, across the Facility. This includes but not limited to: intervention guides, results chains, research plans, attribution strategies, concept notes, intervention agreements and value for money calculations.
▪ Ensure that the MRM system fullfills the requirements of management, reporting and communications in line with the DCED Standard, DFAT guidelines, and MDF guidance on cross-cutting issues.
▪ Ensure that projections and results from all MDF countries are accurately aggregated on a timely basis for planning and reporting purposes, including climate finance data, and contribute to the preparation of annual plans and reports.
▪ Capacity development of a skilled and capable cadre of RIMI staff across the Facility, building the knowledge base in high quality, qualitative and quantitative research methods and techniques, working closely with the Team Leader, Country Directors and the Human Resources Manager.
▪ Oversee Facility-wide analytical activities, including cross-cutting issues that influence the quality of impact (e.g. climate preparedness, food security), and support country teams to conduct or commission research initiatives and apply appropriate methodologies.

Support MDF’s pursuit of GEDSI objectives
▪ Support country teams to understand, integrate and implement GEDSI in all areas of MDF’s work, including sector/market system strategies, implementation guides and results chains, and monitoring and impact assessments.

Contribute to MDF’s learning and communication agenda
▪ Contribute content to and support the delivery of MDF’s learning and communication agenda. This includes analysis and evidence gathering, lesson learning, in-house training, preparation of communication outputs, and participation in events.
▪ Participate in routine processes to ensure the quality of MDF’s implementation e.g. portolio reviews, concept note reviews and Technical Advisory Group (TAG) reviews.

Requirements
▪ Proven experience in managing a large scale, innovative and complex, qualitative and quantitative measurement framework across multi-country settings, ideally in private sector development or related fields.
▪ Familiarity with the DCED Standard for Results Measurement and/or DFAT M&E standards and its application.
▪ Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex information into succinct and accessible content.
▪ Willingness to travel extensively to MDF countries (approx. 10-12 weeks travel per year)
▪ Advanced numeracy and IT skills, including the ability to work with extensively with spreadsheets, databases and management information systems (MIS).
▪ Strong interpersonal skills with experience managing teams in different cultural settings.
▪ Demonstrated ability to support remote teams and ensure the delivery of a large and diverse number of routine and periodic tasks to tight deadlines.
▪ Fluency in English language (spoken and written).
▪ Degree in relevant fields (desirable but not essential) or equivalent experience.

Closing date: Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found.

Apply

Talent Acquisition/HR Specialist

Overview

The Market Development Facility (MDF) is a multi-country initiative which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries across the Indo-Pacific.

We support partners from business and government to identify and grow commercial opportunities that are profitable, scalable and deliver social and environmental value. We currently work in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Samoa, Vanuatu and Tonga.

MDF is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and co-funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. It is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Swisscontact.

Position Summary

The HR Coordinator will partner with the MDF HR Manager and Operations Managers in MDF countries to coordinate HR service delivery across the Facility, with focus on the end-to-end recruitment cycle, learning and development initiatives and coordination of the annual performance review and planning cycle. This position will support HR service delivery across all MDF country offices, noting that as a large proportion of MDF’s HR processes will be undertaken in the Pacific, this position will be based in Suva (Fiji). The successful person in the role will ideally be a HR professional with a track record of quality high-volume recruitment, with experience in Pacific countries.

Key Responsibilities
Recruitment & Selection

  • • Working closely with the MDF HR Manager, establish and develop an understanding of recruitment pipelines, and work this information into the recruitment tracking systems.
  • • Coordinate the end-to-end recruitment cycle with focus on sourcing, identifying and screening potential candidates for vacancies as required; proactively grow the available talent pool for difficult to fill roles through networking and headhunting .
  • • Provide advice to hiring managers across multiple countries on talent sourcing and assessment methodologies and coordinate recruitment processes to drive quality recruitment outcomes and reducing time to fill/hire metrics.
  • • Prepare and create a central library of contemporary job advertising, up to date Terms of Reference and quality interview questions for core positions per job family.
  • • Coordinate interview and other assessment processes with stakeholders (panellists and applicants) across multiple time zones, preparing video conference set-ups and applicant/panel interview preparation documents.
  • • Monitor end-to-end hiring processes to ensure a positive experience for candidates throughout the cycle.
  • • Quality assure MDF’s recruitment activities ensuring full compliance with DFAT client requirements as well as Palladium policies and procedures, ensure recruitment documentation is fully complete, up to date and filed appropriately.
  • • Promote the ongoing compliance of MDF’s fair and equitable recruitment policies (including safeguarding, child protection, discrimination, conflicts of interest), and take an active lead on reducing bias in recruitment.

Onboarding

  • • Working closely with the HR manager, review the approach and format for the onboarding program for new hires.
  • • Ensure a smooth transition for new hires to complete a quality orientation and onboarding experience, coordinate induction and onboarding briefings as required.
  • • Coordinate check-ins with new hires and managers within the first 3 months to provide further support and gather feedback on the onboarding experience as well as quality of hire.

Learning & Development

  • • Working closely with the HR Manager, support training needs analysis to consolidate learning needs arising from individual learning plans as part of the annual performance review cycle, to identify patterns and trends emerging for country locations and job family.
  • • Support the HR Manager to identify learning solutions in response to the training needs analysis, consolidate and maintain a library of training resources and materials, to support learning priorities per country office and job family.
  • • Support the communications and delivery of facility wide in-house learning initiatives e.g. technical onboarding learning series, placement program, leadership development et al, and manage the delivery of vendor led training programs if required.
  • • Maintain a central database of L&D initiatives, activities and participants across the Facility and ensure country offices maintain accurate records of training attendance.
  • • Coordinate evaluation feedback to ensure that MDF’s facility wide learning initiatives are measured for success and effectiveness, monitor and report on progress per country location and across the Facility.
  • • Ensure effective administration, monitoring and reporting of MDF’s performance review and planning cycle, providing resources to adequately enable participation and facilitate development requirements as needed.

HR metrics and reporting

  • • Ensure data relating to recruitment, onboarding, and learning and development are maintained and up to date in MDF’s Management Information System.
  • • Gather and prepare information for reports for further analysis where requested.
  • • Provide a weekly report on recruitment progress to the HR Manager and Chief Operations Officer.

General

  • • Support the HR Manager in reviewing and updating the HR Operations Manual as required.
  • • Support development and implementation of new HR initiatives as required.
  • • Other activities as directed by the HR Manager, Chief Operating Officer, Team Leader or representative(s) of Palladium.

Selection Criteria

  • • Substantial experience in related HR coordination, for multi-country locations across the Pacific, preferably applied in international development context.
  • • Experience in full-cycle recruiting for local and international hires, using various interview techniques and evaluation methods, CV databases, professional networks, LinkedIn Talent Solutions to proactively source candidates.
  • • Ability to consult stakeholders to understand their needs and priorities and develop solutions.
  • • Project coordination skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
  • • Deep level of cultural maturity and excellent communication skills with diverse stakeholders.
  • • Demonstrated working knowledge of MS Office programs.
  • • Excellent command of both verbal and written English.

This position is open to Fijian nationals and permanent residents with authority to live and work in Fiji. Rates of pay are based on local labour standards.

Closing date: Wednesday 19 June 2024.

 

Apply

RFQ-FJ24-048 Landscape Assessment of Accelerators and Incubators in Fiji

Background

Market Development Facility (MDF) is a multi-country Australian Government funded initiative, with locations in Fiji, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. MDF aims to stimulate economic growth – and hence employment and income earning opportunities for the poor and underprivileged – by making selected sectors of the economy more competitive and stimulating business innovation. MDF is implemented by Palladium Group and Swisscontact and started operations in Fiji in July 2011. MDF has been supporting the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in Fiji since 2017, with the aim to stimulate sustainable private-sector-led MSME business development services. MDF’s support included piloting business accelerator programs and incorporating business development services (BDS) into coworking business models, and it is committed to ensuring the sustainability of BDS in Fiji.

The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) is established under the Reserve Bank Act, for the purposes of regulating the issue of currency, and the supply, availability, and international exchange of money; promoting monetary stability; promoting a sound financial structure; and fostering credit and exchange conditions conducive to the orderly and balanced economic development of the country.

In 2022, the RBF launched Fiji’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022 – 2030 which included a commitment to promoting economic growth that is broad-based, inclusive, and sustainable through improving access to finance for MSMEs and their financial resilience. RBF’s strategic priorities include developing an enabling regulatory framework for MSMEs; establishing a specialized institution for MSME sector; developing value-chain financing programmes and initiatives; and developing suitable financial products and services to support start-ups and key target sectors.

The strategic focus of MDF and RBF intersect around promoting a long-term inclusive and sustainable MSME sector for Fiji. As such, MDF and RBF are seeking a suitable service provider to conduct a landscape assessment of accelerators and incubators in Fiji.

Objectives of the assignment

The objective of the study is to assess the landscape of accelerators and incubators in Fiji which will assist RBF and MDF in assessing the sustainability of BDS in Fiji and share the key findings with key national stakeholders, as a tool to improve BDS for MSMEs and inform policy and strategy development for MSMEs in Fiji. The landscape assessment should (but is not limited to):

  • i. Investigate wider market changes in the MSME environment.
  • ii. Assess the landscape of accelerator and incubator programs in Fiji which includes but is not limited to, operational models, outlook, trends, deep dive into key players (along with their revenue streams and product offerings), customer base, regulatory environment, consumer behaviour, accessibility, challenges, opportunities, and sustainability.
  • iii. Assess the economic potential and growth levers in the BDS space.
  • iv. Assess the impacts of BDS on the wider MSME sector and Fiji’s economy.
  • v. Assess successful accelerator programs such as the Fiji Enterprise Engine (FEE) and its impact on the wider MSME sector.
  • vi. Outline key findings and recommendations that can be shared with key national stakeholders including the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications, as a tool to improve and inform policy and strategy development for MSMEs in Fiji.

To achieve these objectives, a mix of research methodologies (including but not limited to; desktop research, stakeholder consultations/meetings and interviews) will need to be implemented and the service provider will work closely with RBF and MDF throughout all stages of the project.

Scope of services

The successful service provider will:

  • i. Develop a workplan outlining methodologies, approach and key activities with corresponding timelines, deliverables, resources and addressing all elements outlined in this RFQ.
  • ii. Through qualitative and quantitative research, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the accelerator and incubator landscape in Fiji, addressing all elements outlined in this RFQ.
  • iii. Develop the draft Landscape Assessment report and present the draft report to RBF and MDF.
  • iv. Incorporate feedback from RBF and MDF and develop the final Landscape Assessment report.
  • v. Present the final Landscape Assessment report to key national stakeholders (public, private and non-governmental organizations) in a national MSME stakeholder event.

Experience and qualifications

The service provider should demonstrate the following required skills and qualifications:

  • • Relevant qualifications and experience in market research, enterprise development and solutions, business and management or related fields.
  • • Sound understanding of the MSME, accelerator and incubator context in Fiji or similar developing countries.
  • • Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with programs/projects for private sector development and economic growth.
  • • Strong applied research and analytical skills with the ability to analyze different markets and trends.
  • • Experience in designing BDS solutions and/or conducting similar research on accelerators, incubators or MSME landscapes would be an added advantage.
  • • Experience in facilitating key national stakeholder events would be an added advantage.
  • • Excellent communication and organizational skills, including working according to tight deadlines while maintaining high product quality.

Quote / Proposal format

Interested service providers must complete the Response Form provided with this RFQ to submit an offer. Submissions that do not use the Response Form will not be considered for assessment due to non-compliance with RFQ format.

Evaluation criteria

Technical criteria

MDF will assess each submission based on compliance with this RFQ, ability to meet the requirements as specified and overall value for money. The technical response will be evaluated using the following criteria:

  • A. Overall experience and demonstrated capability to deliver the requirements as described in this RFQ. (40%).
  • B. Approach to delivery of services (40%).
  • C. Qualifications and experience of proposed personnel (20%).

The technical score will account for 80% of the total score.

Financial criteria

Following the assessment of the technical response, MDF will undertake a like-for-like price comparison of all technically suitable offers. The Financial Score will account for 20% of the total score.

Contracting details

The successful service provider will be contracted by MDF and will work under the guidance of MDF and RBF at all times, providing regular updates to both parties on progress and any problems that may be encountered.

If your quote is successful, you will be required to enter into the Company’s standard contract for the types of goods or services being provided. In the provision of the Goods and Services, you will be required to comply with the Company’s policies, including (without limitation) its Business Partner Code of Conduct and any relevant Project Manual. Potential suppliers must also comply with the Company’s Business Partner Code of Conduct in the submission of any quotes pursuant to this RFQ.

If you are bidding as part of a joint venture, partnership or similar, please make this clear in your submission. Likewise, if you propose to subcontract any part of the goods or services provision, then disclose this fact within your submission. The Company may require additional information from you and approval for subcontracting will not be automatic as subcontractors will be subject to Palladium’s Due Diligence process.

Registration of Interest

Register your interest to submit an offer by sending your organization name, contact person and contact details to the Contact Person by email on or before Thursday, 6 June 2024, 5:00pm Fiji Time.

Last date for Queries

Send all queries to the Contact Person by email on or before Thursday, 6 June 2024, 5:00pm Fiji Time. Indicate the RFQ-FJ24-048 Landscape Assessment of Accelerators and Incubators in Fiji in the subject line.

Closing Date and Time

Friday, 28 June 2024 / 5:00PM Fiji Time.

Addendum 1
Please find responses to tender queries here: Addendum 1

Addendum 2
Please find responses to tender queries here: Addendum 2

Apply

Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist

Market Development Facility is an Australian Government funded multi-country initiative which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries.

We connect individuals, businesses, governments, and NGOs with each other, and with markets at home and abroad. This enhances investment and coordination and allows partnerships to flourish, strengthening inclusive economic growth.

MDF is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT). It is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Swisscontact.

MDF currently operates in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

MDF has staff in each country team responsible for monitoring, results measurement, evaluation, and inclusion. Other development programs typically incorporate such functions under the umbrella of MRM, M&E or MERL. In MDF, these functions come under what we call ‘Quality and Inclusion’. This work is divided into two areas (a) Quality – which includes monitoring and results measurement; and (b) Inclusion – which includes cross-cutting issues such as climate change, gender equality and disability.

About the role:

The Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist –  , Research, Impact Measurement, and Inclusion (RIMI) is responsible for Monitoring and Results Measurement (MRM) on assigned programmes.  In other words, measuring the results of MDF’s work to determine if we’re achieving the desired objectives with tangible and credible results measurement.

If you’re someone who enjoys monitoring and analysing results and research measurement, combined with the diversity of conducting field trips to gather real time information and data, then this role is for you.

MDF activities are making a genuine difference to people’s lives and communities including initiatives focussed on climate change and inclusion.

The successful applicant would join a small and cohesive team of other Fiji-based RIMI Specialists, working across the Pacific Region in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

Key responsibilities

  • • Contribute to the development and review of all documentation wholly or partially focused on Monitoring and Results Measurement (MRM).
  • • Using a research calendar, support planning of all MRM work for relevant countries to ensure timely completion of fieldwork, analysis, and data presentation.
  • • Ensure integration of MRM documentation and data into MDF’s Management Information System.
  • • Ensure that projections and results from responsible countries are accurately aggregated for planning, reporting, and learning purposes, providing insights into progress against key headline and intermediary indicators.
  • • Provide advice to teams on how to integrate climate change principles of adaptation, mitigation, and resilience in all activities, including intervention and results measurement documents.
  • • Contribute to the development and learning of the MDF team, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the broader global development community through lessons sharing, reflection, evidence gathering, in-house trainings and events participation.

Requirements

  • • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation/MRM, research, economics, business, international development, or related fields.
  • • Qualitative and quantitative research skills and experience, including in complex field research, in areas such as productivity, poverty and social norms, sustainability and resilience.
  • • Experience in analysing complex data sets and conveying findings into simple, clear, and actionable content.
  • • Willingness to work in challenging environments and travel extensively to and within MDF countries.
  • • Strong written and spoken English language skills.

Application Requirements

Please submit your CV and brief cover letter (no more than one page) outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.
This position is open to Fiji nationals and permanent residents with authority to live and work in Fiji. Rates of pay are based on local labour standards.

Application close date
Applications close at midnight Friday 15 March 2024 (Fiji Time).

Apply

Business Adviser, Market Development Facility (MDF) – Fiji & Regional

Market Development Facility is a multi-country initiative, funded by Australian Government and the New Zealand Government, which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries.

We connect individuals, businesses, governments and NGOs with each other, and with markets at home and abroad. This enhances investment and coordination and allows partnerships to flourish, strengthening inclusive economic growth. It is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Swisscontact.

MDF Fiji and Regional are recruiting several Business Advisers. We are looking for candidates with a diverse range of skills. Some of the qualities we are seeking include:

• Business acumen
• Creativity and an eye for innovation
• Robust analytical skills
• Persuasive communication and negotiation skills
• Excellent English communication skills – verbal and written.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of our dynamic and dedicated team working to build a stronger, more resilient and equitable Fiji/Pacific. The position is perfect for individuals that are looking to apply their investigative skills and gain hands-on experience in economic development in a thriving and supportive workplace.

Assignment objectives

The Business Adviser analyses economic opportunities and constraints to growth and develops innovative solutions with businesses and other organisations. The economic sectors in which you will work may change over time but are likely to include one or more of the following: agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and financial services.

Responsibilities

• Meeting with a wide variety of public and private stakeholders, especially businesses, government officials, workers, and farmers, to understand how the economy, sectors, markets and businesses in Fiji/Pacific function. This will include travel and fieldwork throughout the country/Region.
• With the support of colleagues and management, conducting socioeconomic analysis, including assessing the business environment, poverty, gender, industry competitiveness, as well as the roles of businesses, traders and farmers. This will include identifying constraints to, and opportunities to promote economic growth.
• 
Assisting with the creation of strategies that will allow MDF to address the constraints identified, and achieve MDF’s pro-poor economic development objectives.
• 
Designing innovative activities in line with MDF’s strategies. This will include working with a wide mix of organisations, devising new business models, negotiating with prospective partners, and drafting concept notes and contracts.
• 
Developing strong working relationships with program partners and other external stakeholders, from government, the private sector and non-government organisations.
• 
Monitoring the progress of activities, making adjustments based on lessons, and identifying opportunities to scale up the best ideas.
• 
Working with Research, Impact Measurement and Inclusion staff to create, monitor and update quality and inclusion documentation, including results chains, results measurement plans, field surveys, etc.
• 
Integrate climate change principles of adaptation, mitigation and resilience, intervention and results measurement documents.
• 
Applying inclusion frameworks and strategies (gender equality, disability inclusion) to all programme activities.
• 
Working with communications staff to develop communications products related to MDF’s activities.
• 
Supporting various aspects of program administration, including contracting, budgeting, financial management, recruitment, etc.

Key requirements

Essential

  1. 1. An entrepreneurial attitude, and a strong interest in working with the private sector on innovative business models.
  2. 2. Willingness to work hard and travel extensively within Fiji and Region, meeting a diverse range of stakeholders, conducting research and monitoring activities.
  3. 3. Demonstrated interpersonal skills with both colleagues and external stakeholders.
  4. 4. Familiarity with issues affecting the Fiji/Pacific economy, business environment and international business trends.
  5. 5. At least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as economics, business, agriculture, tourism, or international development, or equivalent professional experience.
  6. 6. Excellent English language skills (written and spoken).

Desirable

  1. 7. Work experience in economic development, business, or closely related fields.
  2. 8. The ability to undertake short-term travel to other MDF Pacific locations for capacity building (subject to travel and health restrictions).

Applications

The position is open to Fiji nationals and permanent residents with authority to live and work in Fiji.  Rates of pay are based on local labour standards.

MDF is committed to creating creative and diverse workforce. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we offer internal and external learning and professional development of staff.

Please send your CV and cover letter addressing outlining your skills and experience. Applications close midnight 15 March 2024 (Fiji Time).

Apply

Sorry, no positions are available at the moment

Sorry, no positions are available at the moment

Monitoring & Evaluation Adviser

About MDF   

Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) helps countries in the Indo-Pacific region to grow through improved productivity, economic diversification, competitiveness and trade.

The facility helps government and business partners to identify markets that have high potential to be profitable, grow and deliver social and environmental value. MDF supports catalytic innovation in these markets by co-investing with local and international partners to reduce the costs and risks of early-stage commercial opportunities. This accelerates progress to profitability and scale.

MDF currently operates in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga and Sri Lanka. The facility is funded by the Australian Government and co-funded by the New Zealand Government in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. It is implemented by Palladium, in partnership with Swisscontact.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced monitoring and evaluation professional to manage the monitoring and results measurement (MRM) system for the Market Development Facility in Timor-Leste. If you have the expertise to aggregate complex data into succinct results, the ability to tell the stories behind the numbers, while supporting continuous learning to grow market systems in Timor-Leste, we’d like to hear from you!

The key areas of focus for this position, will include, but not limited to:

  • • Assist in developing and reviewing MRM documents, including results chains, research plans, intervention designs and value for money calculations.
  • • Manage a research calendar, ensuring timely fieldwork, analysis, and data presentation.
  • • Provide recommendations to improve sector and market system strategies.
  • • Ensure M&E data informs strategic decisions and learning agendas.
  • • Maintain the MDF results measurement system in collaboration with the M&E team.
  • • Assist the country team to integrate MDF’s inclusion strategy into MRM activities, ensuring inclusion indicators are appropriately integrated.
  • • Build team capacity in MRM best practices including the integration of inclusion strategy.
  • • Coordinate with DFAT/MFAT on MRM tasks, including annual reporting and data requests.
  • • Analyse economic sectors to identify growth potential, constraints and opportunities in the sectors.
  • • Support the production of annual reports, market briefings, strategic Plans, and guidance Notes.
  • • Develop and deliver MDF’s learning agenda, including training, evidence gathering, and participation in events.

In MDF, the monitoring and evaluation function is referred to as Research, Impact Measurement and Inclusion (RIMI). The country of work will focus on Timor-Leste, however, support in other MDF countries may also be needed.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

  • • Proven qualitative and quantitative research skills, including field research in economic development (e.g. agriculture, poverty, climate).
  • • Excellent critical analysis skills and ability to simplify complex findings.
  • • Ability to work well with technical teams on research activities.
  • • Strong written and spoken English skills.
  • • Willingness to travel to MDF countries and internationally.
  • • Bachelor’s degree in economics, sociology, agricultural sciences, international development, or related fields (or equivalent experience).

Experience with Market System Development (MSD) methodology and familiarity with the DCED Standard for Results Measurement, is highly recommended.

Join us in monitoring and measuring our impact in our program interventions, and contributing to sustainable economic development in Timor-Leste.

Closing date: Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.

Apply

Field Research Assistant for Monitoring and Evaluation Support in North Central Province Sri Lanka

The Market Development Facility (MDF) is an Australian Government funded multi-country initiative, which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries. We connect individuals, businesses, governments, and NGOs with each other, and with markets at home and abroad. This enhances investment and coordination and allows partnerships to flourish, strengthening inclusive economic growth.

MDF is funded by the Australian Government. It is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Swiss contact. In Sri Lanka, MDF works in high value tourism, high value agriculture and fisheries sectors with cross-cutting investments to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation, access to finance and digital tools adoption.

Assignment Objectives

MDF has several active projects in the agriculture sector. In Sri Lanka, MDF works with the private sector and government stakeholders to improve access to improved agricultural inputs, extension services and digital technology and tools.

Several of these projects involve activities in the Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa districts. To support with the ongoing monitoring of these activities, MDF is looking to recruit a Field Research Assistant which will be based in Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa.

Supporting with monitoring related to MDF’s existing partnerships in the region will be the primary purpose of recruitment. The recruited Field Research Assistant will work closely with the MDF team and partner teams  to conduct interviews with farmer networks in the Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura districts.

Key responsibilities

  • • Travel extensively in the North Central region based on a schedule agreed with MDF implementation team to collect information on MDF interventions.
  • • Through interacting with farmers, obtain insights on the intervention execution, climate change relevance, and gender dynamics.
  • • Enter the data collected into formats provided by MDF.
  • • Provide brief updates on research findings.
  • • Develop and implement weekly work plans as per guidance of MDF team in Colombo and submit monthly time sheets.
  • • Participate in de-brief and planning sessions at MDF Sri Lanka office in Colombo.

Requirements

  • • A good understanding of the Sri Lankan agriculture sector including a basic understanding of the crop lifecycle and farming • practices of key agricultural crops like paddy, maize, and vegetables.
  • • A diploma in agriculture or a related discipline will be an added advantage.
  • • Experience interacting with farmers in a village or home setting. Experience in conducting structured interviews will be an added advantage.
  • • Experience with digital tools or apps related to agriculture or otherwise will be an added advantage.
  • • Excellent written and spoken Sinhalese skills. Proficiency in English will be an added advantage.
  • • Willingness to travel extensively in the North Central region and Colombo as required.
  • • Duration: Up to 3 months with the possibility of extension.

This position is open to Sri Lankan nationals and permanent residents with the authority to live and work in Sri Lanka. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Please include an up-to-date CV with contact details of two non-related referees and cover letter, combined in one file. Interested candidates can apply via the Palladium Website.

Apply

Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist

About MDF  

The Market Development Facility (MDF) is a multi-country initiative which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries across the Indo-Pacific.
We support partners from business and government to identify and grow commercial opportunities that are profitable, scalable and deliver social and of environmental value.
MDF is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and co-funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. It is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Swisscontact.

About the role

The Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist is responsible for monitoring and results measurement (MRM) for an assigned portfolio of investment interventions in Sri Lanka. This key position measures the results of MDF’s work to determine if we are achieving the desired objectives with tangible and credible results measurement.
A team of local and international staff implements MDF in each country. Many of MDF’s technical staff are Market Systems Development (MSD) practitioners, and each country team has a monitoring and evaluation team known internally as RIMI (Research, Impact Measurement, and Inclusion). Other development programs typically incorporate such functions under the umbrella of MRM, M&E or MERL.
The position works with a small team of other RIMI Specialists on MDF monitoring and results measurement (MRM) activities in Sri Lanka, including the application of MDF’s climate change and inclusion policies.

Key responsibilities
Monitoring and Results Measurement (MRM)

  • • Contribute to the review of supporting MRM documentation including intervention guides, results chains, research plans, attribution strategies, concept notes, intervention agreements and value for money calculations.
  • • Support planning of all MRM work for assigned portfolio to ensure timely completion of fieldwork, analysis and data presentation.
  • • Ensure integration of MRM documentation and data into MDF’s Management Information System.
  • • Ensure that projections and results are accurately aggregated for planning, reporting and learning purposes, providing insights into progress against key headline and intermediary indicators.
  • • Support the production of the Annual Report, case studies, Annual Strategic Plans and Guidance Notes.
  • • Contribute to analysis of economic sectors and markets to identify their potential for pro-poor growth, constraints to growth, and innovative solutions and opportunities to unlock this growth potential.
  • • Help to ensure that information gathered through the QI system is fed into the strategic and implementation decisions and MDF’s learning agenda.
  • • Provide recommendations to improve market system strategies and intervention concept notes.

MDF’s Cross Cutting Issues (Inclusion)

  • • Support country team staff to understand and integrate MDF’s inclusion strategies and climate change principles of adaptation, mitigation and resilience in i activities, including intervention and results measurement documents.

Other duties

  • • Contribute to the development and learning of the MDF team through lessons sharing, reflection, evidence gathering, in-house trainings and events participation.
  • • Perform other duties as directed by line manager.

Essential Criteria

  • • Experience and skills in qualitative and quantitative research, preferably applied in monitoring and results measurement of economic or private sector development.
  • • Capabilities in analysing complex data sets, including complex field research, and conveying findings into simple, clear and actionable content.
  • • Advanced proficiency in Excel.
  • • Excellent command of the English language, both verbal and written, plus spoken proficiency in either Sinhalese or Tamil language.
  • • Willingness to travel regularly in Sri Lanka.

Desirable Criteria

  • • A degree in research, economics, business, international development or related fields is desirable. Familiarity with Market Systems Development or similar approaches.
  • • Familiarity with the Donor Committee of Enterprise Development (DCED) Standard for Measuring Results in Private Sector Development.

How to Apply

Please submit your application online and attach your cover letter and CV, addressing how you meet the requirements of this role.

Closing date: Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until suitable candidate(s) are found.

This position is open to nationals and permanent residents with authority to live and work in Sri Lanka. Rates of pay are based on local labour standards.

 

Apply

Business Adviser – MDF Sri Lanka

About Market Development Facility (MDF)

The Market Development Facility (MDF) is an Australian Government-funded multi-country initiative that promotes sustainable development in its partner countries.

We work with businesses, government and other organisations to identify and develop profitable and scalable business opportunities that help reduce poverty, empower women economically and combat climate change. We currently operate in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga and Sri Lanka.

MDF is funded by the Australia Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and is implemented by Palladium, in partnership with Swisscontact.

In Sri Lanka, MDF works in high-value agriculture, high-value tourism and fisheries sectors with cross-cutting investments to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation, access to finance and digital tools adoption.

Role

In this unique role, you will interact with an array of representatives from business, civil society groups, public sector, farming and fisher communities, economists and change-makers, Australian Government representatives, international experts, and colleagues across Asia Pacific.

Business Advisers in our teams have:

•  Business acumen.
•  Creativity and an eye for innovation.
•  Robust analytical skills.
•  Persuasive communication and negotiation skills.
•  Excellent English communication skills – verbal and written.

Responsibilities

This position is ideal for early-career professionals with a passion to build an extensive network, knowledge base and professional profile to propel their career forward. The role entails:

•  Meeting with a wide variety of public and private stakeholders, especially businesses, government officials, workers, and farmers, to understand how the economy, sectors, markets, and businesses in Sri Lanka function. This will include travel and fieldwork throughout the country.
•  Developing a strong network of relationships with MDF partners and other collaborators and utilising this network to gather real-time business and market intelligence.
•  Assisting with the creation of strategies that will allow MDF to address the constraints identified and achieve MDF’s pro-poor economic development objectives.
•  Identifying opportunities in different markets that can improve business performance and increase climate resilience while being socially inclusive.
•  Designing innovative activities in line with MDF’s strategies. This will include working with a wide mix of organisations, devising new business models, negotiating with prospective partners, and drafting concept notes and contracts.
•  Monitoring the progress of activities, adjusting based on lessons, and identifying opportunities to scale up the best ideas.
•  Working with communications staff to develop communications products related to MDF’s activities.
•  Supporting various aspects of program administration, including contracting, budgeting, financial management, recruitment, etc.

Application Requirements

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter (no more than one page) outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.

Application close date

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until suitable candidate(s) are found.

Interested candidates can apply by clicking “Apply” below.

Apply

RFQ-TP24-008 – Web Developer

Overview

Market Development Facility is an Australian Government funded multi-country initiative which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries.

We connect individuals, businesses, governments, and NGOs with each other, and with markets at home and abroad. This enhances investment and coordination and allows partnerships to flourish, strengthening inclusive economic growth.

MDF is currently active in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. MDF is funded by the Australian and New Zealand Governments. It is implemented by Palladium, in partnership with Swisscontact.

Background

Tonga’s e-commerce landscape is emerging. At present, e-commerce in Tonga is constrained by a lack of payment solutions gateways. In particular, there is considerable unmet demand among Tongan business for payment gateways that would enable online transactions using credit cards.

ANZ Bank of Tonga launched Tonga’s first international payment gateway (ANZ eGate) in November 2023. This service allows customers to shop and pay online using Visa and MasterCard credit cards.

Objective

The objective is to provide web development services to Tongan businesses to integrate the ANZ eGate to their websites and enable online payments using credit cards.

Using ANZ’s eGate online integration guide, web developers will have access to a suite of integration options that supports WooCommerce, Magento 2, Prestashop, OpenCart, Shopify and offers a range of hosted checkout options.

Selected web developers will be required to:

  • • Participate in an introductory briefing with MDF and ANZ Tonga.
  • • Participate in introductory meetings with Tongan businesses selected to have the ANZ eGate integrated into their websites.
  • • Effectively interpret the technical information provided in ANZ’s eGate online integration guide to successfully integrate websites of Tongan businesses to any of ANZ eGates’ suite of hosted solutions which include:
    • – Hosted Checkout (Options – Light-box pop up or redirect to a full payment page)
    • – Hosted Session
    • – Recurring payments/Merchant Initiated Payments.
    • – Webhook Notifications
    • – Mobile App integration (IOS and Apple)
  • • Work with MDF, ANZ and Tongan businesses to prepare, discuss, and execute an agreed integration implementation plan.
  • • Perform development and/or integration work in the ANZ eGate sandbox environment with successful end-to-end testing outcomes.
  • • Work with the ANZ eGate Tech Support team to perform verification testing on any integration work done with successful end to end testing outcomes according to ANZ’s verification testing requirements.
  • • Achieve a successful Go Live to production with successful end to end test results and formal sign off from selected Tongan businesses and ANZ.
  • • Provide Post Go live support to the merchant and ANZ for any unforeseen technical issues that require troubleshooting and resolution.
  • • Prepare reports on lessons learned and recommendations for future eGate integrations.

Minimum requirements for applicants

  • a) Knowledge and experience in working with JSON, REST Formats.
  • b) Knowledge and experience in working with Web API’s.
  • c) Knowledge and experience in setting up 3DS 2.2 authentication.
  • d) Supplier must be able to work in the same time zone as Fiji and Tonga.
  • e) Knowledge and experience in setting up Webhook notifications (desirable but not required).
  • f) Knowledge and experience in Mobile App development and integration (desirable but not required).

Mandatory Criteria

Consultant(s) or Firms will be required to submit a technical and financial proposals together with their cover letter on or before Tuesday 25 June 2024, Midnight Tonga Time. Potential bidders may direct their questions via email to katherine.sika-mdf@thepalladiumgroup.com to gain further clarifications about the scope of work and/or the overall assignment.

Evaluation Criteria

MDF will assess submissions in line with the technical and financial evaluation process described below. In assessing submissions, MDF, at its sole discretion, may consider information from other relevant sources.

Technical evaluation

MDF will first score compliant submissions against the following technical criteria:

  • A. Capability and experience demonstrating your ability to deliver services relevant to MDF’s requirements (50% of the Technical Score)
  • B. Approach to communication and meeting tight deadlines (25% of the Technical Score).
  • C. Qualifications and Experience of Key Personnel (25% of the Technical Score)

The technical score will account for 80% of the Total Score.

Financial evaluation

Following the assessment of the technical response, MDF will undertake a like-for-like price comparison of all technically suitable offers. The Financial Score will account for 20% of the Total Score. The lowest-priced financial offer will be awarded the full weighted score. The weighted score of other financial offers will be calculated as a fraction of the higher scoring offer.

If your quote is successful, you will be required to enter into the Palladium’s standard contract for the types of goods or services being provided. In the provision of the Goods and Services, you will be required to comply with the Palladium’s policies, including (without limitation) its Business Partner Code of Conduct and any relevant Project Manual. Potential suppliers must also comply with Palladium’s Business Partner Code of Conduct in the submission of any quotes pursuant to this RFQ.

If you are bidding as part of a joint venture, partnership or similar, please make this clear in your submission. Likewise, if you propose to subcontract any part of the goods or services provision, then disclose this fact within your submission. The Company may require additional information from you and approval for subcontracting will not be automatic as subcontractors will be subject to Palladium’s Due Diligence process.

Registration of Interest

Register your interest to submit an offer by sending your organisation name, contact person and contact details to the Contact Person by email on or before Friday 21 June 2024, Midnight Tonga Time.

Last date for Queries

Send all queries to the Contact email by email on or before Friday 21 June 2024, Midnight Tonga Time. Indicate the RFQ Title in the subject line.

Closing Date and Time: Friday 5 July 2024 / Midnight Tonga Time.

Click on “Apply” to download full Terms of Reference (TOR) & the Response forms.

Addendum 1
Please find responses to tender queries here: Addendum 1

Apply

Business Adviser, Market Development Facility (MDF) – Fiji & Regional

Market Development Facility is a multi-country initiative, funded by Australian Government and the New Zealand Government, which promotes sustainable economic development, through higher incomes for women and men, in our partner countries.

We connect individuals, businesses, governments and NGOs with each other, and with markets at home and abroad. This enhances investment and coordination and allows partnerships to flourish, strengthening inclusive economic growth. It is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Swisscontact.

MDF Fiji and Regional are recruiting several Business Advisers. We are looking for candidates with a diverse range of skills. Some of the qualities we are seeking include:

• Business acumen
• Creativity and an eye for innovation
• Robust analytical skills
• Persuasive communication and negotiation skills
• Excellent English communication skills – verbal and written.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of our dynamic and dedicated team working to build a stronger, more resilient and equitable Fiji/Pacific. The position is perfect for individuals that are looking to apply their investigative skills and gain hands-on experience in economic development in a thriving and supportive workplace.

Assignment objectives

The Business Adviser analyses economic opportunities and constraints to growth and develops innovative solutions with businesses and other organisations. The economic sectors in which you will work may change over time but are likely to include one or more of the following: agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and financial services.

Responsibilities

• Meeting with a wide variety of public and private stakeholders, especially businesses, government officials, workers, and farmers, to understand how the economy, sectors, markets and businesses in Fiji/Pacific function. This will include travel and fieldwork throughout the country/Region.
• With the support of colleagues and management, conducting socioeconomic analysis, including assessing the business environment, poverty, gender, industry competitiveness, as well as the roles of businesses, traders and farmers. This will include identifying constraints to, and opportunities to promote economic growth.
• 
Assisting with the creation of strategies that will allow MDF to address the constraints identified, and achieve MDF’s pro-poor economic development objectives.
• 
Designing innovative activities in line with MDF’s strategies. This will include working with a wide mix of organisations, devising new business models, negotiating with prospective partners, and drafting concept notes and contracts.
• 
Developing strong working relationships with program partners and other external stakeholders, from government, the private sector and non-government organisations.
• 
Monitoring the progress of activities, making adjustments based on lessons, and identifying opportunities to scale up the best ideas.
• 
Working with Research, Impact Measurement and Inclusion staff to create, monitor and update quality and inclusion documentation, including results chains, results measurement plans, field surveys, etc.
• 
Integrate climate change principles of adaptation, mitigation and resilience, intervention and results measurement documents.
• 
Applying inclusion frameworks and strategies (gender equality, disability inclusion) to all programme activities.
• 
Working with communications staff to develop communications products related to MDF’s activities.
• 
Supporting various aspects of program administration, including contracting, budgeting, financial management, recruitment, etc.

Key requirements

Essential

  1. 1. An entrepreneurial attitude, and a strong interest in working with the private sector on innovative business models.
  2. 2. Willingness to work hard and travel extensively within Fiji and Region, meeting a diverse range of stakeholders, conducting research and monitoring activities.
  3. 3. Demonstrated interpersonal skills with both colleagues and external stakeholders.
  4. 4. Familiarity with issues affecting the Fiji/Pacific economy, business environment and international business trends.
  5. 5. At least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as economics, business, agriculture, tourism, or international development, or equivalent professional experience.
  6. 6. Excellent English language skills (written and spoken).

Desirable

  1. 7. Work experience in economic development, business, or closely related fields.
  2. 8. The ability to undertake short-term travel to other MDF Pacific locations for capacity building (subject to travel and health restrictions).

Applications

The position is open to Fiji nationals and permanent residents with authority to live and work in Fiji.  Rates of pay are based on local labour standards.

MDF is committed to creating creative and diverse workforce. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we offer internal and external learning and professional development of staff.

Please send your CV and cover letter addressing outlining your skills and experience. Applications close midnight 15 March 2024 (Fiji Time).

Apply

Learning portal

As a multi-country program, learning from each other is at the core of what we do. MDF has a comprehensive learning strategy  and we are committed to sharing our knowledge, experience, success and failures with our partners, donors and other enthusiasts.

Access the Learning Portal