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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.