Palladium recruits a Quality and Inclusion Specialist – Colombo, Market Development Facility (MDF) – Sri Lanka

ABOUT PALLADIUM

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits. 

For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved – and is committed to continuing to improve – economies, societies and most importantly, people’s lives. 

Palladium is a child-safe organisation, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status. 

ABOUT MDF
Market Development Facility (MDF) is a business development program focusing on sustainable economic growth. MDF works with private businesses, government, industry associations and other organisations to improve market competitiveness.

 MDF is currently present in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Fiji, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea. In Sri Lanka, MDF works to strengthen the tourism industry, as well as improve specific value chains of Sri Lankan products such as coffee, seafood, and organic herbs and spices. MDF works to make these markets function better and create significant change through sustainable income and job creation.

MDF is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT). It is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Swisscontact.

ABOUT THE ROLE
MDF Sri Lanka requires the services of a Quality and Inclusion Specialist to use various analytical systems and frameworks, provide business intelligence to drive strategy on existing and future interventions and support the professional development of the country team on market systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  •  Contribute to sector growth strategies and support Country Director in developing country strategy and conducting portfolio reviews and ensure that all interventions have a clearly demonstrated link to these strategies.
  • Maintain, in collaboration with the Quality and Inclusion Director(s)/Specialists, a results measurement system in line with DCED standard and DFAT requirements, ensure WEE strategies are in place and implemented, Intervention Guides, research calendars and budgets are in place and monitored.
  • Collaborate with country team to develop high-quality results chains and measurement plans for each partnership and execute these plans in a timely and collaborative manner, ensuring inclusion indicators are appropriately integrated into results chains and research plans
  • Analyse assessment results and provide recommendations on improvements of the Facility’s sector strategies and intervention designs.
  • Participate in and prepare for strategy meetings, including but not limited to, the six-monthly management meeting, and day-to-day discussions on progress and planning.
  • Prepare for the Annual Aggregation of Results; provide insights into progress against key headline and intermediary indicators as and when needed; support reporting on specific indicators as requested by the client.
  • Analyse (sectors) of the economy in a quantitative and qualitative manner to identify their potential for pro-poor growth, constraints to growth and innovative solutions and opportunities to unlock this growth potential.
  • Perform other duties as required, which are deemed necessary as directed by the Country Director, Central QI team or Palladium representative.

For complete Terms of Reference for this position click here.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate should possess the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree in economics, international development, research, or any related field
  • Proven qualitative and quantitative research skills, including demonstrated complex field research in areas such as productivity, poverty and social norms, sustainability and resilience
  • Familiarity with the Market Systems Development approach and applying the DCED Standard for Results Measurement.
  • Excellent critical analysis, synthesis and English language skills (written and spoken), combined with the ability to translate complex findings and ideas into simple, clear and actionable content.
  • Working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is an advantage.
  • Willingness to work in a challenging environment and travel extensively within country.

The position is open to Sri Lankan nationals and permanent residents with authority to live and work in Sri Lanka. Rates of pay are based on local labour standards and a competitive remuneration package awaits a high-quality candidate. The chosen candidate will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.

Please include a current CV and cover letter, combined into one file.
Please submit your application at your earliest. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and recruitment will be closed once a suitable candidate is found.

Apply here