Job Title Private Sector Engagement Technical Specialist
Project Name Field Support Service Project – Nigeria
Job type Consultancy
Location of Position Nigeria
Reporting to Project Manager
Remuneration Based on experience and market rates
Indicative LOE/Timeframe 90 Days
Citizenship Nigerian
Language Requirements English
Application Deadline 21 August 2025 at midnight – Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Application Instructions
Alinea is an international development consultancy providing technical and management expertise that helps people improve their lives. We work with governments, investors, companies, and communities to create lasting change. Over 38 years, Alinea has successfully delivered more than 1000 projects worldwide. alineainternational.com
Alinea International does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment and hiring process. All offers of employment or job opportunities with Alinea International that include any form of a request for payment of fees or collect information on bank accounts are fraudulent. Any requests for such payment or information should be refused and reported to your local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action and to Alinea International.
At Alinea International we value diversity, equity, inclusivity, accessibility and belonging in everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer opposed to all forms of discrimination. We actively seek and encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds recognizing that an inclusive workforce enriches our organization and achieves smarter, more innovative results.
Alinea is committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Due to the nature of our work, all candidates will be subject to due diligence checks and extensive background checks where appropriate.
Project Description
The Field Support Services Project (FSSP) in Nigeria is a Global Affairs Canada (GAC)-funded bilateral initiative that provides administrative, technical, logistical, and financial support to Canada’s development assistance efforts in the country. Its goal is to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of Canada’s programming.
GAC’s cooperation in Nigeria is guided by Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and Africa Strategy, focusing on gender equality, economic development, peace and security, and sustainability.
Through the Nigeria Bilateral Development Program, Canada supports poor and marginalized populations—especially women and girls—across three priority sectors:
• Health: Strengthening primary health systems and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• Inclusive Economic Growth: Empowering women and youth, particularly in agriculture and livelihoods.
• Gender Equality: Advancing women’s political participation, leadership, and rights and capacity building for women’s rights organizations.
Canada supports humanitarian aid, women, peace and security initiatives, and integrates climate change and environmental sustainability across all programming. The FSSP provides technical advisory services to support this cross-cutting priority.
As Canada reviews and updates its strategy in Nigeria, the FSSP will play a key role in ensuring its development efforts remain relevant, responsive, and impactful.
About the work
The Field Support Services Project (FSSP) in Nigeria is a Global Affairs Canada (GAC)-funded bilateral initiative that provides administrative, technical, logistical, and financial management support to Canada’s development assistance efforts in the country. Its goal is to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of Canada’s programming.
In Nigeria—Africa’s most populous country and largest economy—GAC supports inclusive and sustainable development, health, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth. Recognizing the critical role of the private sector, GAC promotes responsible investment and partnerships that empower women and youth, fostering inclusive economic opportunities.
Canada also supports humanitarian aid, that is principled, needs based and timely, and integrates gender equality, climate change and environmental sustainability across all programming. The FSSP provides technical advisory services in support of these cross-cutting priorities to advance development priorities of the Nigerian government. The Nigeria Bilateral Development Program aligns with Canada’s broader African Strategy, emphasizing:
• People-to-people ties and engagement
• Economic cooperation and poverty reduction
• Youth empowerment and climate adaptation
• Peace, human rights, and security partnerships
• Multilateral collaboration to advance shared global priorities and the SDGs.
The local Private Sector Engagement Technical Specialist will promote partnerships between Nigeria’s development partners and the private sector to enhance economic growth, create jobs, and promote sustainable development. The candidate will promote the integration of market-driven private sector approaches and strategies into program designs and delivery to address development challenges in the health, agriculture, and energy sectors.
The Role
The FSSP will engage a local Private Sector Engagement Technical Specialist on a part-time basis to provide technical support to GAC in advancing its private sector engagement programming in Nigeria.
Key Objective and Responsibilities
A. Program Support & Integration
• Promote the integration of private sector engagement strategies that are aligned with Nigeria’s national development goals into GAC’s programming.
• Provide technical input across GAC programs to integrate market systems and private sector approaches in project design, implementation, and M&E.
• Contribute to project design, partner vetting, and performance monitoring.
• Support official visits, briefings, and private sector events.
B. Capacity Building & Policy Analysis
• Analyze Nigeria’s private sector landscape, trends, and investment barriers.
• Contribute to policy dialogue on inclusive, responsible investment.
• Liaise with government agencies (e.g., SMEDAN, NIPC, NEPC, BOI,) to align private sector engagement with regulatory frameworks.
• Participate in PSE forums including technical working groups, economic forums, trade fairs, etc.
• Train GAC partners on market systems development, inclusive business practices, and PSE tools.
C. Inclusive and Responsible Business Promotion
• Support the design of business models and value chain interventions that benefit underserved populations, especially women and youth.
• Conduct market assessments and feasibility studies to inform GAC programming.
• Support SMEs and cooperatives (especially women owned) to improve competitiveness and access markets.
D. Stakeholder Engagements & Relationship Management
• Cultivate partnerships with local and multinational companies, business associations, financial institutions, and investors.
• Facilitate dialogue and collaboration between the private sector and development stakeholders.
• Organize business roundtables, and market linkages.
• Build and maintain partnerships with relevant actors, investors, and financial institutions.
E. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
• Track and report private sector engagement results and impact.
• Support strategic reviews, annual reporting, and performance management.
• Document success stories and lessons learned.
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited, recognized institution in relevant discipline such as international development, business administration, economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Development Finance, etc. is preferred.
Experience
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience working on private sector development, public-private partnerships, or finance in Nigeria.
• Proven record of engaging with business and private sector in Nigeria.
• Experience working with or in the private sector, development finance institutions (World Bank, CBN, AfDB, etc.), donor agencies, or NGOs.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Nigerian business environment and policy context.
• Good understanding of Nigeria’s economic landscape, value chains, and regulatory environment.
• Familiarity with sector-specific opportunities and constraints in Nigeria (agriculture, health, renewable energy, etc.).
Key Competencies
• Strong networking, negotiation, and facilitation skills
• Commitment to gender equity, inclusion, and sustainable business practices.
• Comfortable working across corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors.
• Results-based management and reporting.
• Adaptability and cross-cultural sensitivity.
