Business for Shared Prosperity (BSP) Private Sector Development Programme Adviser

Job Description

The DaNa Facility is a UK Department for International Development (DFID) funded £25m, 5-year programme, established in May 2016, focused on supporting inclusive economic growth and private sector development in Myanmar. Inclusive growth creates new economic opportunities for as many people as possible, especially for the poor, minority groups, women, and other disadvantaged groups. Much of Myanmar’s recent economic history has been dominated by ‘exclusive economic growth,’ whereby a relatively small proportion of society has benefited. The DaNa Facility’s role is to alter this trend and expand the benefits of economic growth.

The Facility is designed to be flexible to navigate in Myanmar’s fast-evolving environment, and respond promptly to the needs and priorities of the Myanmar Government. An emphasis on supporting innovative activities is also a priority, with the aim of generating systemic changes that benefit the poor and disadvantaged. The Facility is one of six components under the DFID-funded ‘Business for Shared Prosperity’ (BSP) programme designed to improve economic opportunities and act as a catalyst for reforms that make it easier for businesses and entrepreneurs to compete fairly in Myanmar. The BSP is committed to increasing participation of women and other excluded people in the economy.

Scope of Work

DFID established the BSP Secretariat within DaNa to provide support on programme management, administration and risk assessments for DFID and the six BSP components. As the BSP has evolved, additional technical support is required from the BSP Secretariat programme strategy, policy, research and evidence gathering, thematic coordination, programme design, as well as preparing briefings and speeches for DFID. The BSP Programme Adviser will provide technical guidance to DaNa and DFID, review technical documentation of all six components, identify themes for coordination and agree with DFID a way to convene relevant partners for improved coordination, coherence and impact across the BSP.

• Advise DFID and DaNa on BSP programme strategy, programme design and policy initiatives, including regular reporting of achievements and recommendations. Provide guidance on transformational inclusion strategies, business enabling environment reform, private sector development, green growth, financial services and support to small and growing businesses.
• Advise on integrating political economy analysis and conflict sensitivity into BSP programming
• Ensure BSP programming is evidence driven. In line with global evidence and best practice, ensure BSP reflects the latest private sector development research and evidence, innovation and approaches. Lead research and evidence collection to provide data for improving BSP programme implementation and prepare reports and case studies for DFID and DaNa.
• Oversee BSP thematic coordination, ensuring activities are harmonised and relevant information is shared with DFID and partners to maximise programme results. Convene thematic working groups across common agendas such as access to finance, trade and investment, business enabling environment.
• Support all six components in meeting general BSP and DFID requirements on reporting, monitoring and evaluation, work planning, and achieving the desired results. Collaborate with all six components to complete DFID’s annual review.
• Provide quality assurance to the Programme coordinator on BSP risk management strategy.
• Prepare guidance, briefings and speeches for DFID on BSP related activities.
• Review technical documentation, identify themes for collaboration and disseminate information to DFID SRO.
• Review all component quarterly reports, synthesise the key themes and provide summary information regarding successes, challenges, lessons learned, and areas of collaboration.
• Support BSP components and technical specialists with client reporting to DFID, communications activities and project support to validate success stories and case studies for greater BSP exposure.
• Prepare terms of reference for consultants as necessary.
• Other BSP management-related tasks as requested.

Supervision: The BSP Adviser will report to the Director of Programmes.

Main office location: Yangon, Myanmar. Occasional travel to other districts is required.

Start date: March 2020

Project End date: Currently, 31 December 2020 (likely extension through 2022, subject to DFID funding and approval)

Level of effort: Full time

Key Qualifications and skills:

• Minimum 7+ years of professional experience in private sector development, economic growth, trade and investment, policy, or other relevant areas on donor funded development programmes;
• Master’s Degree in business, international development, economics or other relevant field.
• Self-starter, with an ability to work independently and as a collegial member of a team;
• A flexible approach and ability to understand and respond to implementation challenges;

Outstanding communication skills, both written and spoken in English; specific experience of writing reports for donor agencies and other audiences.

About the Organization

DAI is an international development company. For more than 45 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 80 countries. Our development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.