Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Specialist (Internal Title: Sr. Communication and Knowledge management Specialist 1)

Job Description

Background:

RTI’s International Education Division supports education development around the world by strengthening education policy, management, and practice in order to achieve measurable improvement in teaching and learning. From our well-established reputation in education system strengthening, to innovative work in early grade assessment and learning, RTI is improving education quality, relevance, and efficiency through implementation of projects funded by USAID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, LEGO Foundation, Asian Development Bank, and other donors.

RTI International has project experience in Bangladesh for 25+ years, providing technical assistance, institutional strengthening, program support, and research. We design and implement programs across a wide range of sectors to help low- and middle- income countries and communities address complex problems and improve the lives of their citizens. Working with local partners and stakeholders, our solutions promote sustainability, self-reliance and success on a scale.

RTI International is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that respects and appreciates differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status and disability status.

Project summary:

The USAID Shobai Miley Shikhi (Everyone Learns Together) Activity (SMSA) is a five-year initiative dedicated to enhancing learning opportunities for children with disabilities in government primary schools across Bangladesh. By collaborating closely with the Government of Bangladesh, the project aims to strengthen inclusive school environments and instructional practices, increase the capacity of parents, caregivers, and communities to support inclusive education, and expand the government’s ability to plan, deliver, and manage high-quality inclusive education. A key component of this initiative is Private Sector Engagement (PSE), which is critical for fostering strategic partnerships, securing cost-sharing contributions, and leveraging private sector expertise to achieve sustainable impacts.

The PSE Specialist plays a key role in advancing SMSA’s mission by providing vision, strategy, and leadership for private sector engagement. This involves leveraging private sector resources and capabilities to support inclusive education and ensuring that PSE activities align seamlessly with the project’s objectives to generate meaningful and sustainable impacts. The Specialist is tasked with building and maintaining partnerships with private sector stakeholders, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, to secure financial and non-financial contributions. They will develop and implement tailored partner-donor engagement plans, analyze and prioritize potential partners, and lead negotiations to secure funding commitments, acting as the primary point of contact and coordinating alliances while managing the due diligence process. By closely collaborating with the technical and communications teams, the Specialist ensures the integration of PSE initiatives into the broader project framework, while also developing innovative solutions to address challenges and enhance project sustainability. This position is based in Dhaka and requires frequent collaboration with the SMSA main office and field stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of engagement activities.

The PSE Specialist will report to the DCOP and work closely with technical, communications and operations teams, maintaining compliance with USAID and RTI regulations.

Essential Duties:

• Private Sector Strategy and Partnership Development
  • Lead the implementation and refinement of the PSE strategy, ensuring alignment with SMSA’s goals and objectives.
  • Identify, evaluate, and establish strategic partnerships with private sector stakeholders, including businesses and not-for-profit organizations, to support inclusive education initiatives.
  • Develop tailored engagement and contribution plans for private sector partners to foster meaningful collaboration.
  • Ensure that all partnerships comply with USAID regulations and project objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building
  • Conduct outreach, briefing sessions, round table, and due diligence assessments for identified organizations.
  • Facilitate the development and signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the agencies, organizations, ensuring financial or in-kind contributions.
  • Convene regular check-in meetings with private sector partners to monitor progress and address challenges and reporting. Provide actionable recommendations for improving partnerships, addressing challenges, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of PSE activities.
  • Document all engagement activities, including due diligence reports, meeting minutes, and partnership progress reports, to support project learning.
• Collaboration with Technical and Communications Teams
  • Collaborate with technical teams to integrate PSE activities into broader project deliverables and ensure alignment with inclusive education strategies.
  • Collaborate with the Communications Manager to develop and execute high-quality pitch materials, success stories, and other communication tools tailored to engagement strategies tailored to potential partners.
  • Provide strategic input to the project’s cost-share plan to identify funding opportunities, and collaborate with operations team to get appropriate cost share documentation from partners.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Deputy Chief of Party

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Masters degree with 6 years of experience or Bachelors Degree with 8 years of experience in business administration preferably in Marketing, or Social Science, Communication, Education, or a related field.
• Experience working on USAID-funded projects (preferably in education and/or including a cost share component).
• Proven expertise in developing and managing strategic partnerships with private sector entities.
• Familiarity with cost-sharing mechanisms and private sector engagement strategies.
• Experience collaborating with government agencies, donor organizations, and media.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal/relationship-building skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Proven ability to solve problems with creative solutions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Bangla.
• Ability to adapt, multitask and work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated professional etiquette and strong negotiation skills when dealing with stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, and donor organizations.
• Able to understand and appreciate differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, national origin, and disability status
• Ability to travel on field visits up to 50% time per month

Note:

**Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and assessment, which may include written test as well as a PPT presentation.

About the Organization