Myanmar: External Relations Director, Smart Power Myanmar

Mar 7, 2021 | Pact
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At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Smart Power Myanmar - Smart Power Myanmar (SPM) is an integrated country platform that will accelerate rural electrification to spur economic growth and transform rural communities. With an initial investment from The Rockefeller Foundation, SPM aims to catalyze investment of hundreds of millions of dollars to support the rollout of thousands of mini-grids and other rural electrification solutions. SPM is received additional support from its Founding Members: The World Bank, USAID and Yoma Strategic Holdings. Smart Power Myanmar’s vision is a natural extension of achievements made by Pact over several years under the Ahlin Yaung program which has brought energy to rural communities in Myanmar on a household-by-household basis. Fortified by additional evidence and insights into current and potential energy use (see our recent study Bridging the Energy Gap), Smart Power Myanmar will identify and promote business models to stabilize and strengthen the rural market for renewable energy, addressing both demand- and supply-side challenges. SPM is seeking highly experienced energy professionals with significant experience from both the private and public sector who are committed to improving access to energy and economic growth.

Position Overview

Smart Power Myanmar is seeking a highly competent national expert for the position of “External Relations Director” with significant experience from both the private and public sectors. Our ideal candidate will be deeply familiar with working in Myanmar, will speak Myanmar and English fluently, and is motivated to improve electricity access and economic growth in rural Myanmar. S/he will have relevant experience in proactive and energetic stakeholder engagement, strategy development and policy support work; will have a proven background in successful fundraising from diverse institutions, and will also have experience in developing and implementing high quality communications strategies, products and tools. In coordination with the CEO and the Senior Energy Services Director, the External Relations Director will also be required to provide technical assistance to investors and financial institutions to increase access to finance for on-grid and off-grid companies and potential customers and testing innovative models for productive uses of energy and rural development.  

Key Responsibilities

  • Stakeholder Engagement Strategy & Monitoring — Build on and develop SPM key stakeholder engagement strategy, including development of new public-private partnerships (PPPs) models of engagement, to create a supportive environment for SPM’s integrated planning, financing and demand-side strategies and priorities.  Build and maintain strong networks within counterpart government agencies at Union, State and Regional Llvels, and with all priority stakeholders supporting national on-grid and off-grid electrification. Systematically analyse emerging legislation, policies and positions of relevance to SPM, and prepare briefings and quality communications tools. Maintain formal and informal communication with key Government staff, parliamentarians, and other key public and private sector stakeholders, such as The World Bank, JICA, ADB and others, to promote awareness of and support for Smart Power Myanmar’s operations and initiatives.
  • Strategic Communications — Support SPM’s in-house Communications function, working with SPM’s Communications Specialist and the work of our external Communications Agency. Ensure SPM’s institutional communications are highly targeted and appropriate, enabling us to inform local and international audiences of SPM operations and priorities, or to support public engagement efforts of SPM’s senior representatives. Network with local and national media to promote Smart Power Myanmar and build awareness of energy and development issues in We envisage that the successful candidate will in due course assume management oversight of the Communications function.
  • Fundraising – Actively support Smart Power Myanmar’s fundraising strategy by fostering deeper relationships with private sector investors, local development financing institutions, and through helping develop supporting communications and fundraising tools.
  • Policy and Political Economy Dialogue and Coalition-Building — Ensure that Smart Power Myanmar’s research and knowledge work effectively reaches key stakeholders from government, private sector associations (e.g. chambers of commerce), think-tanks, academia and media. Build a coalition of support across a wide range of interconnected sectors. Support relevant research and communications connected to the energy political economy.
  • Technical Support — Work as part of the broader Pact team, including SPM, Pact Myanmar and PGMF, to provide strategic advice that helps to further SPM’s mission. In addition, provide advisory services as required to private sector stakeholders, such as market intelligence, access to finance, policy and regulations and productive uses of energy.

Basic Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree required in politics, international relations, or other related fields. Advanced degree strongly preferred.
  • Languages: highly proficient / fluent in Myanmar and English (spoken, reading, writing).
  • At least eleven (11) years prior experience in leading high level governmental/policy analyses or advocacy solutions, performing in a politically sensitive or unstable environment. Direct/indirect experience working with the Government of Myanmar is essential.
  • At least five (5) years of experience building high-level, productive relationships with a diverse group of national and international stakeholders, state and non-state actors.
  • Strong analytical mind-set and political sensibility with the ability to deconstruct large, complex policies into clear actionable strategies and
  • Familiarity with political environment and history of Myanmar. Knowledge on energy laws and regulatory frameworks for rural energy access in Myanmar is considered an
  • Experience working in private sector, donor/INGO/multilateral initiatives in Myanmar is advantageous.