- • Based in Colombo, Sri Lanka with a 12-month fixed term contract.
- • Travel & training opportunities within Sri Lanka and beyond.
About the Market Development Facility
Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) helps countries in the Indo-Pacific region to grow through improved productivity, economic diversification, competitiveness and trade. MDF helps business partners and government to identify markets that have high potential to grow, be profitable, and deliver social and environmental value.
Our aim is to do good by supporting good business. MDF supports business investment and innovation that reduces poverty, economically empowers women and combats climate change. We currently operate in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga and Sri Lanka.
MDF is funded by the Australian Government. It is implemented by Palladium, in partnership with Swisscontact.
In Sri Lanka, MDF’s focus is on diversifying tourism with new products and services and supporting authentic Sri Lankan products which promote the country.
This Opportunity
In this unique role, you will interact with an array of representatives from business, civil society groups and the public sector; economists and change makers; Australian and New Zealand Government representatives; international experts; and colleagues from across the Asia Pacific. This position is ideal for mid-level professionals with a passion to build an extensive network, knowledge base and professional profile to propel their career forward.
Business Adviser will be responsible for:
- • Meeting with a wide variety of public and private stakeholders, especially businesses, government officials, and tourism value chain actors, to understand how Sri Lanka’s economy and tourism sector function. This will include travel and fieldwork across the country to co-create inclusive value chains and practical solutions for tourism businesses.
- • Conduct socioeconomic analysis, including assessing the business environment, poverty, gender, industry competitiveness, as well as the roles of businesses, traders, and farmers.
- • 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 through working with a wide mix of organisations, devising new business models, negotiating with prospective partners, and drafting concept notes and contracts.
- • Working with Quality 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.
For full Terms of Reference (TOR), click here.
We are seeking an individual who will bring:
- • An entrepreneurial attitude, and a strong interest in working with the private sector on innovative business models.
- • Willingness to work hard and travel extensively within Sri Lanka, meeting a diverse range of stakeholders, conducting research and monitoring activities.
- • Demonstrated interpersonal skills with both colleagues and external stakeholders.
- • Familiarity with issues affecting the Sri Lankan economy, business environment and international business trends.
- • At least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as economics, business, tourism, or international development, or equivalent professional experience.
- • Excellent English language skills (written and spoken). proficiency in either Sinhalese or Tamil language is also required.
Join us and be a part of a team that’s making a real difference in economic development across MDF’s diverse and dynamic portfolio!
How to Apply
Please click “Apply now” button below & submit your application online, including your CV and brief cover letter, outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.
Closing date: Midnight 3rd December 2025 (Colombo time)
This position is open to residents with authority to live and work in Sri Lanka. Rates of pay are based on local labour standards.