ACDI/VOCA is a global development design and delivery partner that has implemented effective economic and social development projects in nearly 150 countries since 1963. We empower people to make positive changes in their lives by applying our expertise in sustainable agriculture, resilience, economic opportunity, access to finance, and equity & inclusion to create meaningful, lasting impact. ACDI/VOCA and its affiliates design and implement donor-funded projects, facilitate impact investing, deliver financial services, and partner with businesses to promote inclusive practices and build sustainable supply chains. In 2024, ACDI/VOCA was named a Top Workplace by the Washington Post and received 2024 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence recognition for its innovation, work-life flexibility, compensation & benefits, leadership, and purpose & values.

Private Sector Development (PSD) and Business Development Services (BDS) Lead, Laos Trade Integration and Competitiveness

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a PSD & BDS Lead for an upcoming Trade Integration and Competitiveness Activity in Laos funded by USAID. The anticipated program will aim to diversify economic growth in Laos by stimulating trade and investment, strengthening private sector competitiveness, and facilitating regional integration.

The PSD & BDS Lead will enhance private sector capacity through targeted business development services and fostering a competitive business environment. The program is anticipated to start in 2025 and this position will be based in Vientiane, Laos.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of financial literacy and business skills training programs
• Provide BDS to associations and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce (LNCCI) to develop and improve their service offerings
• Facilitate access to finance networking by linking business groups and associations with financial institutions
• Match BDS services with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance workforce skills and competitiveness
• Identify and match market-ready companies with relevant BDS to support their export readiness
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of project activities
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of BDS initiatives, providing regular reports to project management
• Promote a culture of innovation and learning
• Support the overall knowledge management process, contributing to quarterly reports and the monitoring and evaluation of program activities
• Work collaboratively with the Activity’s senior leadership, grantees, and partners to mainstream gender and social inclusion in the design and implementation of interventions
• Support and manage multiple direct reports

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Development, or relevant field is required; master’s degree is desired.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience building the capacity of private sector businesses.
• Extensive knowledge and experience rolling out and evaluating financial literacy and business skills trainings for MSMEs.
• Experience linking businesses to relevant BDS providers and expanding market linkages.
• Knowledge of business registration processes and trade portals available.
• Experience working in Laos preferred.
• Fluency in English is required.

Lao nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.