Trade & Business Enabling Environment Director, Sri Lanka EMA

Trade & Business Enabling Environment Director, Sri Lanka EMA

Palladium Group

Sri Lanka

This Proposal Opportunity:

Palladium seeks qualified candidates interested in serving as the Trade & Business Enabling Environment (Trade & BEE) Director for the anticipated, five-year USAID/Sri Lanka Economic Modernization Activity. The Activity will aim to increase the economic competitiveness of Sri Lanka by providing technical assistance and support services to support Government of Sri Lanka, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other stakeholders to improve the business enabling environment, the performance of small and medium businesses, and SME integration in regional and global supply chains.

The Trade & BEE Director will design and direct implementation of activities that will support creation of favorable conditions for increased SME growth, exports, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Sri Lanka, focusing on regulatory and policy frameworks and economic governance.

Reporting and Supervision:

The Trade & Business Enabling Environment Director will report to the Chief of Party and supervises a team dedicated to improving the enabling environment for trade and investment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Spearhead initiatives to enhance regulatory frameworks and policies for business and investment;
• Engage with the Government of Sri Lanka and other stakeholders to facilitate economic governance reforms and implementation of reforms;
• Lead efforts to increase Foreign Direct Investment by improving business conditions;
• Engage with private sector stakeholders to understand and prioritize regulatory barriers and design approaches to address those barriers;
• Lead activities that bridge communications between public and private sectors;
• Coordinate with partners to ensure alignment of activities with broader program goals;
• Monitor progress and impact of interventions on Sri Lanka’s enabling environment.

Key Competencies Required:

• Advanced degree in Economics, Public Policy, or related field;
• Over 10 years of experience in economic policy reform, governance, and business environment improvement;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to convene actors and productively advance dialogue;
• Existing network among business- and trade-friendly champions within government and private sector, including industry associations;
• In-depth understanding of the Sri Lankan economic and trade ecosyste;
• Demonstrated success in leading complex projects in challenging environments;
• Strong leadership, analytical, and negotiation skills.

Professional Expertise/Competencies Preferred:

• Prior experience with USAID-funded projects and familiarity with their compliance requirements;
• In-depth understanding of Sri Lanka’s economic policy landscape and governance structures.

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