Private Sector Engagement and Higher Education Partnerships Specialist – New Higher Education Project in Lebanon

Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity. Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world.  

EDC promotes equity and access to high quality education and health services and products that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. We support an inclusive workplace culture that embraces many perspectives and broadens our understanding of the communities we serve, enhancing and enriching our work.   

Project Description 

The purpose of the new Higher Education project in Lebanon is to strengthen the capacity of Lebanese Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to ensure that their graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to Lebanon’s economic recovery and growth.

The activity will achieve this purpose through the following two results:

1. Improved institutional capacity of higher education institutions to ensure quality assurance of their academic programs
2. Increased capacity of HEIs to build and sustain productive partnerships with the industry

Position Description 

The Specialist for Private Sector Engagement and Higher Education Partnerships will be a dynamic and innovative professional who will be responsible for developing project strategies and programs to start or accelerate private sector engagement and direct partnerships with Lebanese HEIs. Working closely with the Chief of Party, the Specialist will be responsible for facilitating relationships between private sector entities and Lebanese HEIs to result in win-win outcomes for both entities. This might include private sector support for incubation hubs hosted at universities, joint research programs, to benefit private sector value chains or specific industries, internships for students, externships for professors, or visiting scholar opportunities for private sector actors among many other potential opportunities. This role requires a strong strategic thinker with a deep understanding of both higher education and industry needs, and the ability to drive meaningful partnerships that result in impactful outcomes. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

• Offer technical support to the Chief of Party, program staff, and consortium partners, addressing challenges related to the project's technical approach and deliverables.
• Develop and facilitate collaborative relationships between private sector entities and Lebanese universities, and ensure continuous involvement of industry stakeholders.
• Support Lebanese HEIs to effectively nurture private sector relationships and establish streamlined mechanisms for working together.
• Maintain an understanding of the priority growth sectors in Lebanon and an understanding of opportunities for collaboration between private sector and HEIs.
• Support relevant HEI units to ascertain private sector skills needs and growth opportunities, as well as outreach strategies to industry groups, foundations and private sector firms.
• Assist leadership at Lebanese HEIs with devising and updating processes for engaging private sector input into course offerings and pedagogical approaches to align with market demand
• Enhance the capacity of HEIs to align with the workforce needs of the private sector, contributing to job creation and economic development.
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities for applied research and technological innovation that address industry challenges.

The candidate for the position shall have at a minimum the following qualifications:

Education: 

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Development Economics, Business Administration/ Management/Entrepreneurship Development, or another relevant field is required. 

Skills and Experience:  

• At least 5 years demonstrated experience in Lebanon working with the private sector to enhance workforce development and job skills;
• Minimum of three years' experience working with higher education institutions in Lebanon or the region, preferably with a focus on increasing market relevance;
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in private sector engagement and workforce development, including cluster development, sector analysis, partnership building, and stakeholder engagement;
• Experience providing host governments and HEIs with strategic planning, policy implementation, and technical guidance;
• Knowledge of the private sector landscape, workforce development, higher education system and economic development in Lebanon;
• Ability to conduct market research and analyze industry trends;
• Demonstrated facilitation and presentation skills;
• Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Excellent people skills at all levels, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work in a multicultural work environment.

Language:   

Fluency in Arabic and English required. Proficiency in French desired. 

Due to the volume of applications submitted, only finalists will be notified.  No phone calls, please.

EDC is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.