Overview
This role involves liaising with the private sector and business associations to support the SiCalidad Paraguay project, focusing on strengthening the Quality Infrastructure System for the agro-industrial sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct a rapid assessment of engagement with business associations and private-sector stakeholders.
- Update the project stakeholder map and engagement plan.
- Liaise with senior representatives of business associations, chambers, and national counterparts.
- Support the preparation and facilitation of strategic meetings and consultation processes.
- Follow up on agreements and commitments from meetings.
- Prepare a final activity report.
Required Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in private-sector leadership, institutional governance, business association coordination, public-private articulation, strategic management or related fields is required.
- Proven experience working with or within business intermediary organizations, industrial associations, chambers of commerce, sectoral gremios, boards, executive committees or similar governance bodies is required.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating with public institutions, ministries, business associations, SME support organizations, donors, and/or international cooperation partners is required.
- Experience in the design, supervision or strategic follow-up of programmes related to SME competitiveness, productivity, quality, sustainability, formalization, innovation, or industrial development is required.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate high-level meetings, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, manage institutional sensitivities, and translate strategic discussions into concrete follow-up actions is required.
- Experience in strategic planning, organizational strengthening, change management, due diligence, internal control, financial oversight, or institutional transition processes is desirable.
- Experience with projects financed by international development partners or donors, particularly the European Union, UNIDO or other United Nations entities, is desirable.
- Knowledge of Paraguay's industrial ecosystem, SME development agenda, quality/productivity institutions, and public-private coordination mechanisms is desirable.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet-based communication and collaboration tools is required.
- Strong analytical, writing, reporting, negotiation and interpersonal skills are required.
Qualifications
- Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the fields of Production Systems, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field is required.
- Specialized training in productivity, quality, continuous improvement, strategic management, business development or related areas is desirable.
- Alternatively, a first-level university degree or a diploma from a higher technical institution may be accepted, provided it is complemented by at least seven additional years of practical professional experience directly relevant to the experience required for the specific assignment.
