Private Sector Engagement Specialist

Position: Private Sector Engagement Specialist

Project: USAID Pakistan Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Activity

Organization: The Kaizen Company on behalf of Tetra Tech

Location: Islamabad, Pakistan

Reports To: Agriculture Technology Specialist / Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)

About USAID Pakistan Climate Smart Agriculture:

The recently awarded five-year USAID/Pakistan Climate Smart Agriculture Activity is part of the U.S.-Pakistan "Green Alliance" framework, aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation to address climate, environmental, and economic challenges. This initiative focuses on building resilience within farming communities by promoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies. By increasing agricultural productivity and incomes sustainably, the Climate Smart Agriculture activity aligns with USAID’s goals of inclusive economic growth, gender equity, and environmental stewardship. Activities will be implemented in a context-sensitive manner to promote increased agricultural productivity; higher resilience to climate change; and economic participation and greater incomes of socially marginalized groups, women, and girls at different stages of agricultural production and processing. In partnering with the private sector, civil society, farming communities and government stakeholders, Pakistan Climate Smart Agriculture Activity aims to maximize the effectiveness and impact of investments.

USAID Pakistan Climate Smart Agriculture Activity is implemented by The Kaizen Company on behalf of Tetra Tech.

About the Role:

The Private Sector Engagement Specialist will lead efforts to engage private sector stakeholders, including agribusinesses, technology firms, financial institutions, R&D, academia and supply chain actors, in scaling climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices. The specialist will develop partnerships, foster innovation, and create business opportunities that encourage the adoption of CSA technologies and practices and contribute to the climate resilience of agricultural systems. The role focuses on improving market dynamics, value chain integration, and building private sector capacities to invest in climate-smart agriculture. It is a mid-level position with direct reporting to CSA Commercialization Specialist.

The specialist will ensure these practices and technologies are inclusive and accessible to women, youth, and socially marginalized groups.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement a strategy to identify and engage the private sector in supporting and investing in CSA technologies and practices.

Identify and forge partnerships with key private sector players such as agribusiness firms, input suppliers, technology providers, farmer associations, financial institutions, services providers, research institutions, academia and investors to co-develop and implement climate-resilient agricultural technologies and practices

Collaborate with agribusinesses, startups, and technology firms to enhance their capacity to deliver CSA solutions to smallholder farmers and agri-preneurs.

Engage with financial institutions to develop innovative financing models that incentivize private sector investments in CSA.

Strengthen market linkages between producers, processors, and private sector firms to ensure better access to CSA products and services.

Support private sector actors in improving value chain integration and ensuring that CSA technologies and practices are effectively incorporated into their business models.

Identify and address barriers that prevent the private sector from enhancing CSA technologies and practices, such as market access, regulatory challenges, and financing gaps.

Provide technical assistance, organize workshops, training sessions, and learning exchanges to build the capacity of private sector stakeholders on CSA technologies, climate resilience, and sustainable practices.

Support agribusinesses and service providers in adapting and scaling climate-smart solutions for smallholder farmers.

Identify and promote innovative CSA technologies and business models that have the potential to scale within the private sector.

Foster a culture of innovation by supporting private sector-led research, pilots, and demonstration projects on CSA solutions.

Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices on CSA adoption across private sector stakeholders through platforms, networks, and partnerships.

Collaborate with the MEL team to monitor private sector engagement outcomes and track the impact of CSA adoption on business growth, productivity, and climate resilience.

Collect and analyze data on private sector investments, partnerships, and market dynamics to inform project decision-making.

Prepare reports and provide regular updates on private sector engagement activities, progress, and challenges.

Collaborate with Sr. Climate Smart Policy Specialist to engage with policymakers and industry associations to advocate for policies that support private sector investment in CSA technologies and climate-resilient agriculture.

Participate in multi-stakeholder platforms and industry forums to promote the importance of private sector involvement in CSA initiatives.

Work with government agencies to identify incentives, subsidies, or regulations that can facilitate and promote private sector participation in CSA.Qualifications and Experience:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, agriculture, International Relations, or any other relevant field.

Minimum 5 years of experience working with the private sector, preferably in agriculture, agribusiness, or sustainable development.

Experience in building partnerships, private sector development, and market engagement in climate-smart agriculture or similar fields.

Strong understanding of CSA practices, value chains, and agribusiness development.

Proven ability to work with private sector actors and government agencies.

Strong communication, negotiation, and partnership-building skills.

Ability to design and facilitate capacity-building programs for private sector stakeholders.

Proficiency in project management and reporting.

Excellent research, analytical, and communication skills.

Commitment to gender equity and social inclusion in technology adoption.

Fluency in English Preferred:

Master’s degree in relevant field.

Familiarity with local agricultural markets, climate change impacts, and development challenges.

Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including the private sector, government agencies, and farmers.

Strong leadership and project management skills.

Innovative thinking and the ability to identify new business opportunities in the context of climate-smart agriculture.

Willingness to travel and engage with rural communities and agribusinesses.Salary:

The annual salary will be determined in line with background and experience, per the local compensation plan.

A standard benefits package will be offered in addition to the base salary. The Kaizen Company - Tetra Tech are equal opportunity employers and are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.