Investment and Capacity-Building Experts at Adam Smith International

Job Description

Vacancy type: Senior leadership and core team roles

Location: Zambia

About The role

ASI is seeking experienced investment and capacity-building experts with a background in improving productivity of small and growing businesses for programme core team and short-term advisory positions in Zambia. These are anticipated programmes, and the positions are contingent upon receiving funding from the donor. ASI will select preferred candidates based on how well their experience aligns with the criteria and the competitiveness of their expected fee rates.

Core Team Roles

Our core team will assist the donor Programme Management Team in the strategic planning and execution of the programmes, the assessment of the effectiveness, impact and relevance of programme activities, the preparation of the quality control of technical and financial progress reports, and in the overall management of the PMU. The professionals in our core team will maintain linkages with the donors, and other development actors, to align strategies and maximise synergies.

Qualification and skills

• A university degree in Finance, Economics or a relevant, directly related discipline;
• Excellent leadership, team management, interpersonal, facilitation and networking skills,
• Fully computer literate;
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English and proven ability to draft high-quality reports and communication notes.

General professional experience

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in working in private sector development (15 years for senior leadership roles);
• Experience working with the private sector in Zambia is essential;
• Deep situational awareness and stakeholder engagement in Zambia;
• Experience working on donor funded programmes at a senior level including direction and management of technical assistance. FCDO experience is an advantage, but not essential;
• Strong technical understanding of the following subject matters would be an advantage: MEL, growth oriented advisory services, business planning and modelling, market research, MSD, financial readiness, post-transaction support
• Experience in political strategy, driving change, and engaging in lobbying and advocacy efforts would be an advantage.

About ASI

ASI (Adam Smith International) is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies safer, and governments more effective. We work on behalf of governments, foundations and companies that share our ambition to take on the big challenges facing the world. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that, in turn, stimulate economic growth, stability and good governance.

For nearly three decades in almost 100 countries, we have been working in partnership with governments, the private sector and civil society in countries at all stages of development.

Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of specialist experts, who contribute their experience and know-how, where and when it is needed.

Company-wide, both our pipeline of business opportunities and portfolio of programmes are growing. We want to recruit high calibre candidates to support the continued growth and delivery of our global portfolio against the quality and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. This is an exciting time to join Adam Smith International and become part of a team of bright, dynamic and committed people, determined to transform lives for the better.

We are committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance. ASI is a registered B Corp, one of the highest-ranking B Corps in the UK on its measure of positive social and environmental impact.

What we Offer You

Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a dynamic and friendly team environment, the opportunity to support a highly successful portfolio of programmes, and support to develop your skills and progress in your career. The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work, more creative and resourceful, and underpins strong partnerships. We keep a sharp focus on diversity and inclusion, including through our Equality Action Plan and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and through leadership from our Executive Team and oversight by our Board.

We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements, and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible. We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do. This is an exciting role managing a number of interesting and innovative programmes and with considerable growth potential within ASI.

ASI is committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce through the attraction, retention and development of a diverse range of talented people. We want people to be comfortable bringing their whole self to work and recognise that inclusion brings further opportunities for innovation and creativity.

Heard Enough? Ready to Apply?

We are keen to hear from you. Please submit a CV with detailed past experience. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. A full Terms of Reference for the position will be provided to shortlisted candidates. ASI encourages applications from candidates of all social backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and orientations.