Deputy Team Leader/ Private Sector Engagement Lead

Swisscontact is an independent Swiss foundation implementing international development programmes that promote inclusive economic growth, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilient systems. It works through market-based and private sector–led approaches, strengthening skills, enterprises, and institutions so that markets function more effectively and deliver lasting impact.

Operating across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, Swisscontact partners with governments, donors, the private sector, and civil society to design and deliver programmes in areas such as agriculture and food systems, climate and circular economy, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. As donor dynamics evolve, Swisscontact is increasingly focused on early engagement, co-creation, and partnership-led development to scale impact and remain a credible, competitive implementer.

About the role

Swisscontact is seeking a dynamic and experienced Deputy Team Leader/Private Sector Engagement Lead to become an integral part of our team.

The role focuses on driving innovative engagement with private sector partners, cultivating meaningful collaborations, and expanding professional networks. The successful candidate will support the delivery of project objectives through strategic partnership building and stakeholder management. As Deputy Team Leader, the role will support the Team Leader in overall program oversight, coordination, and quality assurance, while leading all Private Sector Engagement activities to ensure impactful and sustainable results.

This individual will primarily drive the implementation of the Private Sector Engagement strategy for PropelA by bringing on new companies, building networks at the executive and decision maker level, and strengthening existing relationships to secure strong buy in for the PropelA project and leverage private sector investment. The role line manages four employees and reports functionally to the Team Leader. The Deputy Team Leader will ensure interventions are aligned with private sector needs and development priorities, while maintaining key relationships with companies, associations, Don Bosco, NITA, and apprentices involved in the program.

Key dimensions of the role

Leadership & Programme Coordination

• Support overall programme planning, implementation, budgeting, and reporting.
• Deputize for the Team Leader in meetings, strategic engagements, and donor updates.
• Facilitate cross-team coordination across MRM, GESI, QA, Curriculum, and Communications.

Private Sector Engagement (PSE)

• Lead the PSE strategy, including mapping, onboarding, and partnership management.
• Coordinate industry co-creation of apprenticeship models and workplace learning pathways.
• Strengthen employer participation in assessments, coaching, and training.

Programme Implementation Support

• Ensure quality delivery of all PSE and apprenticeship activities.
• Provide operational problem-solving and technical support to project officers.

Monitoring, Reporting & Learning

• Contribute to data collection, reporting, and learning processes with MRM.
• Generate insights, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Team Management

• Supervise PSE Officers and selected project staff.
• Provide coaching, performance management, and team capacity development.

Skills and qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor degree in Development Studies, Education, Economics, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship or a related field. A Master’s degree (MBA etc.) is an asset.

Professional Experience:

• At least 7- 10 years in business development, private sector engagement, or similar roles, with proven leadership experience.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and influence teams both directly and indirectly.
• Results Orientation: Track record of driving initiatives that increase company participation and investment, with strong implementation and follow-through.
• Strategic Thinking: Experience developing and executing strategies for company onboarding and loyalty.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with associations, industry partners, and government officials.
• Analytical Skills: Proficient in data analysis and using insights to inform decision-making.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Hands-on, proactive, and able to identify and seize opportunities.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex information, make rational judgments, and understand systemic impacts.
• Decisiveness: Strong decision-making skills and ability to deliver results under pressure.

Technical Skills:

• A strong knowledge of Market Systems development is required.
• Results-driven and committed to sustainable impact.
• Comfortable with ambiguity.
• Critical thinking, entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to make sense of complexity. Ability to analyze data and other sources of information, probe for further information, make rational judgements from the available information and understand how one issue may be part of a larger system.

Sector Knowledge:

• Understanding of market systems development, inclusive economic growth, and adaptive learning approaches. Knowledge of evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management principles.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that individuals from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every listed qualification. At Millar Cameron, we are committed to supporting our clients in building diverse and inclusive teams. If you’re enthusiastic about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply - you could be exactly what our client is looking for, either for this position or another.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to respond to candidates who are shortlisted for the next stage of the process. We sincerely appreciate your interest and the time taken to apply.

Since 2007 Millar Cameron has specialised in sourcing leadership and keyperson talent across a number of industries, including agribusiness, international development, industrial, consumer, financial and professional services, private equity, and technology, media and telecommunications. Our mission and purpose is to positively contribute to the development of Africa, and other emerging markets, through the provision of people.