Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world. GENERAL: Winrock is accepting applications for the Private Sector Engagement Specialist (Objective 3 Lead), for the USAID funded Solid Waste Reduction Program. The goal of this five-year (2024-2029), USAID funded project is to reduce waste in communities and municipalities, leading to clean oceans in the DR. It will achieve a significant reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by establishing composting of organic waste, reducing methane production; and by increasing plastic recycling rates, reducing emissions from the fossil fuels used to make virgin plastic. The program’s geographic scope of work includes municipalities within the following provinces: Dajabon, Puerto Plata, Monte Cristi and the North Coast of Espaillat.

POSITION SUMMARY: Objective Leads are responsible for managing field-based and main project office staff and activities related to their technical area. Specifically, this role will ensure the implementation of tasks within the Solid Waste Management Program’s workplan and contract, specifically under Objective 3: “Circular economy models are expanded and/or established with private sector partners”. In coordination with the COP, the Private Sector Engagement Specialist (Objective 3 Lead) will provide technical leadership in the project design, implementation, and especially private sector partnership strategy. This includes identifying and managing partnerships with the private sector, government, research institutions and complementary donor programs, as it relates to Objective 3. The Private Sector Engagement Specialist (Objective 3 Lead) will report to the Chief of Party.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide leadership for circular economy and private sector engagement activities, achieving program targets and results. Understand and closely manage expected project results, including evaluation of ongoing activities as part of collaboration, learning and adapting approach. Launch, manage and lead a small grant innovations challenge to identify new SWM technologies and business models opportunities. Track, collect and ensure the quality of data for technical activities under Objective 3, to contribute to targets within the MELP. Responsible for developing annual workplans aligned with annual and life of project targets, under Objective 3. Identify and manage partnerships that contribute both to sustainable growth of private sector partners and to anticipated project results. Analyze opportunities for circular economy and support companies to implement pilots to collect and recycle plastic to meet corporate EPR (extended producer responsibility) obligations.

Collaborate with Objective 1 to improve governance in EPR and support implementation of law 225-20. Contribute to knowledge management and sharing activities within the project, with USAID, the government, local partners and other implementing partners. Promote visibility of SWR’s results by supporting communications products, ensuring photographic evidence of activities and writing success stories with the Communications Manager, as needed. Write assigned sections of the annual work plan and quarterly reports. Develop scope of work and supervise the technical work of local or international consultants, partners and subcontractors under the program, as assigned. Collaborate with the Objective 2 Lead on identifying partnerships that contribute both to sustainable growth of private sector partners and to anticipated project results. Advance SWR’s crosscutting initiatives throughout programming, including Gender Equality and Female Empowerment; global climate change; local capacity development; policy and governance support; public private sector partnerships; and science technology and innovation impacts. Any other tasks assigned by the COP.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental or sustainability field or an adequate combination of education and experience. An additional degree in Business Administration or Business/Strategic Communication, or related, is a plus. Experience and Technical Skills: Minimum of six (6) years’ experience in private sector engagement and/or managing and implementing projects in solid waste management, corporate sustainability, or environmental areas. Experience managing teams involving multiple stakeholders to achieve complex technical goals. Experience collaborating with private sector, government and academic institutions on topics of solid waste management, preferred. Written and oral communication skills in English. Experience working with international NGO and/or international donors preferred, especially USAID. Experience working in the plastic waste and circular economy sectors preferred. Other Skills Required: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong sense of organization, confidentiality, responsibility, and initiative Ability to work in a diverse and multicultural team. Proactive thinking and ability to work independently.

Ability to handle multiple tasks. Attention to detail and consistency. Experience with community outreach. Required Travel: Regular travel to the project’s areas of interventions (up to 60%)

OTHER: This position is not eligible for expatriate benefits and follows a Dominican Republic salary scale. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply. Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law. At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation. Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization