Technical Advisor – International Business and Economic Development

SAWSO is an international development branch of The Salvation Army. This sector/position empowers Salvation Army commands around the world to identify, evaluate, test, and develop their own means of local income generation so that they can do more mission work. We’re talking all your favorite buzzwords: social enterprise, venture capital, lean methodology, etc. We establish fundraising offices, we redevelop property, and we launch whatever social business might have a comparative advantage and mission impact for the area, from printing presses in Nigeria to tow trucks in Ecuador.

This is soup-to-nuts small business development for social purpose. We teach discovery methodology, we serve as an incubator, and then we make investments in the home-grown talent at successive levels ($5k-$500k) to secure sustainable social impact.

Looking for a self-motivated initiator who wants to learn and create. Must have experience/education in international development and background in program management, small business, start-ups, entrepreneurship, fundraising.

This position helps design and execute comprehensive and proactive international business and economic development strategies that are intended to assist in the creation of financial sustainability and independence within existing Salvation Army territories. This position supports the functions of the Salvation Army World Service Office’s (SAWSO) International Business and Economic Development Office as delegated by the department Director.

Helps create and implement comprehensive and cost-effective business and economic development strategies that include new or expanded income-generating initiatives that help move our partner territories toward financial independence. Works closely with SAWSO leadership to assist Implementing Territories in building new business plans, including research (market, risks, competitors), iterative prototyping, stakeholder engagement, program design, and clear goals/metrices. Collaborates with SAWSO’s other community development sectors to create sustainability plans and initiatives that can financially support local work in health, education, agriculture, and anti-human trafficking. Will require 20 – 30% domestic and international travel time.

Participates in securing, supervising, developing, evaluating and directing the work of a high performing business and economic development department. Builds, motivates, and trains a resourceful team that works in support of the efforts of the leadership team and other Salvation Army development offices to achieve the short term and long-range business and economic development goals.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Services or a field related to sector specialties (International Development/Relations, Economics, Business, Entrepreneurism, Enterprising) and Master’s degree in International Development/Relations, Economics, Business, Social Sciences or a related discipline and five years of professional work experience including experience in international development arena and five years of program management experience. Three years’ experience of living and working in a developing country and working with international development programs, preferably in management role.

Fluency in MS Office. Demonstrated abilities in leadership, management, and cultivating strong business relationships.

License/Certification

Valid driver’s license and passport required.

Benefits

Benefits after 90 days. Free underground parking and lunches offered.

Level of Language Proficiency

Highly proficient in the English language. Spanish in-addition preferred.

ON-SITE position

615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States

Hiring Range: $94,000-$100,000 annual salary