Costa Rica: Market Development Manager

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is currently seeking a highly organized and collaborative individual for a Market Development Manager position. The Market Development manager position will advance the non-housing finance related market development activities for the region by seeking opportunities and actively working with local firms, including private, public and nonprofit sector; assisting them in making housing markets work better for poor people.This position will be based at HFHI's Latin America & Caribbean office located in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Key Responsibilities:

• Actively identify the challenges and opportunities that are present within the affordable housing sector to support low and very low income populations in the region of operations.
• Seek out and pursue new business opportunities to intervene in different components of the housing market system through direct contacts, and prepare project proposals, including establishing project teams and consortia.
• Lead the design of a portfolio of projects related to housing market development regionally and in support of Habitat for Humanity’s national organization in the region of operation.
• Analysis of housing market systems in the region of operations.
• Identify and facilitate contacts with key private sector firms in the region of operations and in particular countries.
• Identify any gap currently existing in low-income housing services provision.
• Examine the regulatory and policy framework that affects the affordable housing markets in the region.
• Analyze qualitative data and write up results for program design.
• Develop and maintain networks of local housing consultants and associates with skills in housing, private sector development, and monitoring and evaluation, and build partnerships with like-minded organizations with complementary skills and interests.
• Engage with other Habitat for Humanity’s market systems practitioners and mentors through webinars, peer to peer networking events and learning forums, e-discussions, delivery of case studies; and through online interaction, develop and maintain links for potential collaboration
• Research and identify opportunities for events, when requested, including topics, attendees and collaborations, and assist with the organization and follow-through.
• Coordinate regional work with entrepreneur accelerator programs as needed to bring innovation to the affordable housing market.
• Support in coordination with the AO market development director specific programs such as the Ron Terwilliger Fellows, the Market Development Showcase projects, and the Shelter Venture Lab Fund Advisory Services.
• Engage in coordination with AO MD Director in resource development activities such as elaboration concept note, project identification etc.

Key Requirements:

• Master Degree in economics, business administration, international development or a related field.
• At least 6 years of professional experience applying market systems development approaches for developing businesses, partnerships and relationships.
• A demonstrated private sector experience and knowledge of the role of private sector actors, the functioning of markets and the opportunities for inclusive economic growth for the region of operations.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, such as a proven ability to mentor staff, and collaborate with partners from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Outstanding written and oral English communication skills.
• Fluency in one or more of the languages spoken in the region of operations.
• Capacity to design, lead and facilitate participatory workshops and events (seminars, trainings) that engage market actors, in a meaningful way.

Preferred Requirements:

• Knowledge of the housing sector in the region of operations is a plus.
• Specialized in relevant sector (renewable energy, water and sanitation, urban development) is preferred.
• Fluency in one or more of the languages spoken in the region of operations.
• Excellent computer and Information and Communication Technology skills.
• An individual who is target oriented and has the ability and aspiration to learn fast, be effective in a team and working autonomously; and be challenged

Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. The purpose and goal of Habitat for Humanity International is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses in partnership with families in need. Habitat for Humanity has an Administrative Headquarters based in Atlanta, an Operational Headquarters based in Americus, Georgia, and Area Office bases of operations in Manila, Philippines for our Asia and Pacific work, San Jose, Costa Rica for our Latin American and Caribbean work and Bratislava, Slovakia for our Europe, the Middle East and Africa work.

HFHI is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified personnel for all our positions in a manner that does not unlawfully discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran/reserve national guard status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

To be considered for this opportunity, please apply at http://www.habitat.org/job/market-development-manager-0