Job Description
IESC is seeking qualified market linkages experts to support its ongoing work to empower private sector led economic growth in developing countries. Creating or facilitating market linkages within a developing sector requires a deep understanding of the sector, its dynamics, and the specific challenges it faces. IESC seeks to improve market linkages by integrating key stakeholders within a value chain, increasing market accessibility, and enabling producers and smallholders to attract and negotiate with larger buyers, access certifications, and grow their businesses. Qualified applicants must have demonstrated mastery of some of the technical areas below and must possess the required education and skills:
Technical Knowledge
- Sector Expertise: Knowledge and background of specific sectors frequently associated with developing countries: agriculture, textiles, tourism, handicrafts, light manufacturing, ICT, and others. This includes knowledge of industry trends, regulations, trade policies, sustainability practices, challenges, and opportunities. In-depth knowledge of the sector, including its products, services, supply chain, and value chain.
- Market Analysis: Proficiency in market research and analysis to identify market trends and performance, consumer preferences and targeting, competitive forces, and entry strategies. This includes conducting market surveys, analyzing data, and interpreting market research reports.
- Networking: Building and maintaining a strong network of industry contacts, including suppliers, distributors, retailers, and potential customers in order to identify market opportunities and establish supplier-buyer relationships.
- Business Development: Skills in identifying, pursuing, and negotiating mutually beneficial new business opportunities. This includes assessing the feasibility and potential risks of market linkages, negotiating deals, managing partnerships, analyzing the financial viability of opportunities, and contract management and implementation.
- Supply Chain Management: Understanding how to improve market access and reduce costs by optimizing supply chain logistics, including procurement, production, warehousing, and distribution. Knowledge of blockchain applications in supply chain management also relevant.
- Capacity Building: Directly building the capacity of small and medium enterprises to integrate into lead firm supply chains or begin/increase exports by receiving international certifications, meeting international standards, fulfilling sample orders, undergoing audits, attending international trade shows/events, and conducting sales pitches.
- Marketing and Promotion: Skills in developing marketing and promotional strategies to raise awareness of products or services within the target market. This includes digital marketing, branding, and advertising.
- Project Management: If market linkage initiatives involve complex projects, project management skills are essential for planning, execution, and monitoring progress.
- Government and Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to engage with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders who may play a role in market access or sector development.
Education and Skills
- A higher degree in business marketing, international business, business administration, economics, or related science or social science field.
- Superb communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Strong organizational and time management skills with proven ability to work efficiently under pressure.
- Fluency in English, excellent writing and verbal skills are required. Second language such as Spanish or French is sought.
Demonstrated sensitivity when working across different cultures and in international markets.
About the Organization
Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that catalyzes private sector growth and creates economic opportunity for people and communities across the economically developing world. Since our founding in 1964, we have delivered lasting solutions across 139 countries.
IESC is a valued partner to people and communities throughout the economically developing world. We share proven business skills and experience with entrepreneurs, jobseekers, businesses, farmers, cooperatives, and governments. We also offer resources—human, technological, financial—that sustainably build capacity and empower communities. Our long legacy of strengthening developing economies is matched by our vision for the next generation: a world with economic opportunity for all, where people and communities thrive. Our major funders today are the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others.
