Business Development Director

Montserrat is open for business, this British Overseas Territory, is on a development pathway. Support from the UK Government is driving the delivery of a new hospital and port.

Both of which will improve the investment attraction opportunities. Improved healthcare for businesses that set up and move staff here and of course the port to enable increased sea access, to support importing, transportation and general accessibility.

As a territory, there is a raft of opportunity, from Tourism development, to the financial sector from retail to Green Energy and business services.

The Director of Private Sector Development and Investment will be responsible for leading the efforts in facilitating economic and business development to secure growth and to increase local employment and development opportunities. 

The position holder, as part of the Office of the Premier, will be the primary point of contact in the Government of Montserrat for private sector and potential investors and will promote new business opportunities and provide support to existing businesses to help with retention and expansion efforts and long-term economic sustainability for Montserrat.

The individual will need to be commercially alert, working with other government ministries and departments to identify where there is a business or service need, creating packaged opportunities and going out to the market across the region and wider, to develop relationships and attract business investment.

The trade team will report to this role, providing information on current businesses in Montserrat, and continuing to support those investors that are already on Island. 

This includes the following:

1. Act as a single point of contact between the Government of Montserrat and  international organizations, businesses and individuals and representatives of government, business and industry concerning economic development and assist in capitalizing on economic development opportunities and projects that are identified.
2. Review and recommend options for a streamlined process of business start-up, and assist other ministries to effectively manage investor relations – drawing on technical assistance as needed.
3. Undertake research and prepare reports for senior government officials on potential economic development opportunities, including identifying opportunities for private public partnerships. 
4. Provide technical expertise to support a cohesive and comprehensive media campaign for international and local private sector and business development.
5. Evaluate investment and business proposals, provide recommendations and suggest appropriate support for the proposals
6. Propose potential incentive programs, investment promotion and policies for Montserrat to consider attracting new businesses to Montserrat and existing business to expand and achieve export capability where possible.
7. Identify and Secure Grant or concessional Funding for Government and Non-Government Organizational Projects.

DELIVERABLES

• Develop and Implement an approved Private Sector Investment Development Strategy within an agreed timeframe; 
• Lead and support the process to assess and implement reforms to the business environment to improve the investment climate and process for business start-up (with potential support from a FCDO programme of technical assistance);
• Oversee the development and maintenance of a database of potential investors in key areas of Montserrat’s economy; 
• Produce Prospectus/Investment Guide – application procedure and key requirements/guidelines for investors.
• Proactively network, using all professional bodies available such as UKTI, CARICOM and OECS counterparts, to ensure that opportunities identified are widely publicized.
• Prepare Quarterly progress reports; Including deliverables to account for two (2) areas below:
• Stakeholder Engagement Plan – to ensure adequate stakeholder engagement/involvement/consultation to feed into the development of the Strategy – by developing a full marketing plan for Montserrat investors  
• Support the establishment and operation of a potential business financing facility if funding for this is secured. 
• Be responsible for the delivery of  key aspects of the Montserrat roadmap for growth.

PERSONAL QUALITIES & SKILLS REQUIRED

This position requires a commercial mind; a well-networked experienced business investment operator who can demonstrate experience and success at attracting inward investment, a regional knowledge will be advantageous. As an individual you will require strong communication and strategic thinking skills, be a self-starter, results orientated and experienced in transformational developmental investment programs.

Knowledge of how Government systems operate and Experience in key sectors such as financial investment, tourism and business services investment would be an advantage.

Substantial knowledge and experience in developing the local private sector and attracting FDI and Grant funding and investment promotion. Experience of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and FDI transactions would be helpful. 

The successful applicant must exercise good judgment, discretion confidentiality and initiative while utilizing tact and courtesy in frequent contact with business and industrial representatives, government officials and the public. 

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Essential:

• A Degree level qualification in Economics, Business development, Financial Investment Economic Development, commercial management or related areas
• Strong leadership, management and communication skills 
• Innovative and results focused
• Good interpersonal, team working and networking skills
• A track record of values driven, ethical work practices and habits
• Experience in Private Sector Development, and/or investment promotion
• A proven record of accomplishment of delivering results in another country.

Desirable:

• A broad range of industry contacts in key markets such as the US, UK and the Caribbean 
• Experience in managing relationships with international investors and donors.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The post holder will at times be required to work outside normal office hours, including weekends; be prepared to undertake international travel as required; undertake product and development visits. The post holder should be able to work well under highly stressful situations with close deadlines and many competing time-demands.