Task Order 1 - Objective 1 Lead, USAID Modernizing the Agricultural Sector in Sri Lanka

Task Order 1 - Objective 1 Lead, USAID Modernizing the Agricultural Sector in Sri Lanka

About Palladium:

Palladium is a global company working to design, develop and deliver positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of people around the globe; broaden access to health, water, power, and infrastructure; build enduring, sustainable, and transformative institutions and market systems to address global challenges; and conserve the natural world. We operate in over 90 countries and have a workforce of 4,000 talented, motivated, and diverse staff of all religions, races, languages, and gender identities.

This Proposal Opportunity:

Palladium seeks a Director of Ag Systems Productivity and Resilience for the upcoming USAID Modernizing the Agriculture Sector in Sri Lanka activity. In partnership with the private sector, the government, and other stakeholders, this activity will provide technical assistance and other support to modernize Sri Lanka's agriculture sector and ultimately promote inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led economic growth. This role will oversee all activities under Outcome 1: Strengthened and inclusive food and agricultural systems that are modern, productive and profitable.

Reporting and Supervision:

• The Director of Ag Systems Productivity and Resilience will report to the Chief of Party and oversee specialists supporting Outcome 1. They will be expected to work closely with other Outcome Leads and cross-cutting staff to ensure coordinated and efficient program implementation.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• The Director of Ag Systems Productivity and Resilience is responsible for developing and leading implementation of market-driven, inclusive strategies to strengthen Sri Lanka's food systems and increase productivity. They will collaborate with communities, private sector, and other stakeholders to facilitate increased adoption of technology and agricultural practices, expand access to new technology and finance, support improved resiliency to extreme weather and changing weather patterns, and strengthen the enabling environment for agriculture.

Key Competencies Required:

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in leading private-sector led inclusive growth initiatives in the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka
• Experience developing climate-smart agricultural technical packages in diverse value chains and across agro-ecological zones
• Deep understanding of priorities for new and expanded market access (such as varieties, quality requirements, etc.), opportunities for productivity and quality-enhancement, and barriers to technology/practice adoptioneJYyrkY R6xE8
• Strong analytical skills and problem solving, including demonstrated ability to effectively communicate strategies or plans to stakeholders and co-workers
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, including ability to develop and communicate a common vision and foster collaboration across an interdisciplinary team
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and collaborating effectively with public and private sector stakeholders
• Experience in monitoring and documenting project activities and outcomes
• Strong interpersonal, writing, and oral presentation skills in English

Professional Expertise/Competencies Preferred:

• Experience in senior management positions for USAID programs
• Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
• Experience developing & and over-seeing grants to commercial entities.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success, and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.