Private Sector Partnership Mgr

More than 31% of the population of Pakistan consists of youth falling in the age bracket of 15-29[1]. This “youth bulge” provides a unique opportunity and resources for Pakistan’s economic and social development provided they are skilled and educated to meet the requirements of the labor market. A large portion (32%[2]) of youth are uneducated with no vocational and life skills, making this segment of society vulnerable to being drawn to violence and extremism. Violent conflict in Pakistan not only has a huge economic toll (the loss to national income is estimated at USD 7 billion per year[3]), it also negatively impacts the pace of growth and development in the country. Lack of youth focused planning and development in Pakistan can also potentially undermine the country’s progress. In the present environment of diminishing opportunities, young people are vulnerable to being involved in violence and conflict, both as victims and perpetrators.

In response to these developments, with the Governments of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Baluchistan and the great support in different components of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Norway and the UN Human Security Trust Fund, UNDP has initiated the Youth Empowerment Programme; a multi-pronged initiative that aims at contributing to stabilization and economic development of the most vulnerable youth . The initiative aims at creating a facilitating environment for the youth vulnerable to recruitment into radical or violent groups or activities in Sindh, Baluchistan, and KPK to emerge as agents of positive change and stability in their respective regions and the country at large.

Towards effective youth empowerment and sustainable development in Pakistan, development actors and government are increasingly recognizing the vital role that the private sector will play. The Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by Pakistan in 2016, highlight the role of private sector actors as transformative partners in many priority youth development issues, including poverty reduction, decent work and economic growth, gender equality and access to basic services.  UNDP’s Private Sector and Foundations Strategy for the Sustainable Development Goals 2016-2020 emphasizes the supporting role of the private sector in youth empowerment, through alignment of private sector strategies with key development needs, and advancement of inclusive business and value chains. Partnership with the private sector is now essential to finding sustainable solutions to the key development challenges of Pakistan’s youth bulge, in particular through promotion of the business and developmental benefits of inclusive hiring and business models.

The Youth Employment Project (YEP) is the UNDP’s key project of that larger Youth Empowerment Program. It is being implemented with the financial assistance of USAID and build on the successful public-private partnership model demonstrated through its predecessor project called the Promoting Employment and Productivity in Garment Industry” (PEPGI.  2013-2014) and Gender Promotion through Skills Development in Garment Factories (2006-12). The project is being implemented in partnership with public and private sector mainly garment /textile companies that support training and employment of youth in the garment sector of Karachi. Based on the successful implementation of the public-private partnership model, UNDP’s private sector engagement strategy and supported with intensive social mobilization interventions, training, and job placement services; the project has trained over 9,500 young men and women from 17 poverty-stricken neighborhoods of Karachi and facilitated in employment of 5,800 young men and women.

By investing in skills development and employment opportunities for youth, YEP project interventions have not only resulted in reduction in conflict and violence but also helped in establishing a foundation for long term economic growth and prosperity in Pakistan.

Realizing and recognizing the YEP project achievements, results and outcome, Government of Sindh and USAID have committed additional funds to up-scale the project.  New sectors and trades such as automotive, construction and services have also been included besides garment and textiles. Further, new geographical areas (interior Sindh – industrial zones and cities) have been added in addition to Karachi.

In the light of above organization and project background, UNDP seeks services of Private Sector Partnership Manager to support the project and team in fostering partnerships with private sector companies and associations. Private Sector Partnership Manager will work under the overall supervision and guidance of the Project Manager. 

Knowledge management

o  Develop and maintain partnership with research institutions and private sector associations to capture data on the private sector activities to support partnership initiatives

o  Review and analyze literature, research studies, reports and documents available on private sector engagement, partnerships and PPP to pursue key objectives pertinent to private sector partnership and resource mobilization

o  Synthesize and document lessons learnt and best practices particularly in context with private sector engagement

o  Coordinate and establish an informal forum comprising individuals from the relevant industries and sectors to ensure information/knowledge sharing and dissemination

o  Develop contributions to UNDP website, knowledge networks and communities of practice in the form of knowledge articles, and concept papers

o  Any other duties assigned by UNDP Project Manager for programme support

Corporate Competencies:

-       Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards

-       Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP

-       Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

-       Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Teamwork

-       Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;

-       Places team agenda before personal agenda;

-       Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision.

Professionalism 

-       Knowledge of the use of information management;

-       Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to use sound judgment to ensure the effective and timely completion of complex tasks;

-       Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters).

Communication and Computer Skills

-       Interpersonal and Communication (spoken and written) skills

-       Excellent computer, internet and MS Office skills

Planning and Organizing

-       Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;

-       Identifies priority activities and assignments;

-       Adjusts priorities as required;

-       Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;

-       Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;

-       Uses time efficiently.

Knowledge Management and Learning

-       Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office

-       Actively works towards continuing personal learning