Position Location: Guatemala   

Background: 

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.   

Project Summary: 

The USAID-funded Business Enabling Environment Activity will aim to contribute to an inclusive and more prosperous Guatemala through high quality job creation, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction and improved Public Financial Management (PFM) in areas with high outmigration and secondary cities. 

Position Summary:  

Creative Associates seeks a Local Economic Development Strategy Advisor for an anticipated USAID-funded project in Guatemala who will be responsible for the planning and implementation of activities related to promoting inward and outward investment attraction strategies at the sub-national level. The LED strategy advisor will support local stakeholders to develop local competitiveness and regional economic development strategies to attract and retain businesses and workers, and reduce regional economic disparities.  

Expected Outcomes:  

• Engagement with private sector, educational, government, and civil society actors in Guatemala in order to contribute to a more inclusive socio-economic environment at the sub-national level; 
• Educational and training institutions engagement with employers to better align training and labor market needs;  
• Local innovators, private sector actors, and investors are better able to operate in Guatemalan municipalities beyond Guatemala City. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Provide a broad range of technical assistance to private sector, civil society, government, and other partners; 
• Facilitate participatory appraisals of competitive advantage at the local level together with private sector actors, civil society and local and national government counterparts; 
• Facilitate and support partnerships, collaboration, and collective action between a diverse group of local stakeholders; 
• Lead strategic engagement with private sector actors; 
• Support the Chief of Party in the development of the project strategic framework and work plans for program implementation to ensure the achievement of program goals; 
• Provide training, capacity building, and guidance to municipalities, local civil society, grantees, local partners, and beneficiaries; 
• Document implementation successes, challenges, and lessons learned, and share them through regular program reports; 
• Deliver technical presentations on program achievements to implementing partners, civil society organizations, government officials, donor, and other organizations; 
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. 

Required Skills & Qualifications: 

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in economics, development, public administration, or a relevant field; 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in economic development initiatives with international development programs, preferably with USAID;  
• In country knowledge of the economic sector; 
• Strong experience with coalition building and collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including private sector, civil society, and government; 
• Demonstrated leadership, management, strategic thinking, and training; 
• Able to work effectively and professionally with high-level government officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), donor, project staff, and other beneficiaries; 
• Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated track record of working effectively in a teamwork environment; 
• Experience with providing technical assistance, including organizing and conducting workshop and trainings; and 
• Fluency in English and Spanish required. 

Only finalists will be contacted.  No phone calls, please.  

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran.