SUMMARY

IGNITE (Inclusive Growth and Networks for Investment, Trade and Economic Linkages) is a six-year (2026–2031) technical assistance program funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Catalyste+. The program supports governments and key stakeholders across Latin America to strengthen institutional capacity, improve enabling conditions for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and foster trade, investment, and economic partnerships.

Reporting to the Program Manager (PM) in Canada, the Country Representative (CR) for IGNITE will lead implementation of the project strategy in El Salvador, aligned with program objectives, local priorities, and donor requirements. Depending on program needs and operational considerations, the CR may also provide support and coordination for a limited number of activities in Panama and Cuba as part of the program portfolio. The CR must be based in San Salvador, El Salvador.

The CR will serve as IGNITE's primary in-country representative and relationship focal point, and will support the identification and development of partnership opportunities, coordinate technical assistance assignments, and ensure effective delivery of program activities and results.

The CR will professionally steward the Catalyste+ brand and mission, maintain strong relationships with stakeholders throughout the partnership and assignment cycle, and contribute to the achievement of inclusive and sustainable economic development outcomes through institutional strengthening, capacity development, and knowledge transfer initiatives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management Lead in-country stakeholder consultations to support the identification of priorities, opportunities, and technical assistance needs in alignment with program objectives and donor priorities. Build and maintain productive working relationships with public institutions, regulatory bodies, private sector organizations, business associations, chambers of commerce, development partners, donors, Canadian missions, and other relevant stakeholders. Lead assignment design, as guided by the Program Manager and in line with program strategies, ensuring assignments respond to partner needs and contribute to program outcomes. Serve as the primary focal point for local partners throughout the assignment cycle, ensuring timely communication, coordination, problem resolution, and follow-up. Contribute to the recruitment and deployment of appropriately skilled Catalyste+ Advisors (CAs) and consultants by providing contextual information, logistical support, and stakeholder coordination. Support program implementation, stakeholder engagement, and coordination activities in designated secondary countries, as required. Provide guidance to Advisors and consultants in developing work plans and implementing assignments, ensuring alignment with program objectives, local context, and Catalyste+ policies and procedures. Oversee assignment logistics and provide support to Advisors during in-country assignments to ensure a productive and positive experience. Apply Results-Based Management (RBM) principles through constructive collaboration with partners, stakeholders, Advisors, consultants, and Catalyste+ departments. Ensure continuity and coherence across assignments by maintaining regular communication with partners, stakeholders, Advisors, consultants, and Catalyste+ staff. Monitor relevant economic, institutional, policy, and development trends and communicate developments, risks, and opportunities relevant to the program. Contribute to annual work plans, progress reports, donor reporting, and other program documentation as required. Respond to ad hoc requests from the PM, the Program Director (PD) and other Catalyste+ departments in a timely manner.

Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement Develop and maintain strong relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, institutional strengthening, technical assistance and future programming aligned with country priorities and program objectives. Support engagement with public sector institutions at national and sub-national levels, including ministries, regulatory agencies, local governments, and public service organizations. Maintain awareness of national development priorities, public sector reforms, economic trends, and sector-specific opportunities relevant to the program. Represent Catalyste+ at relevant meetings, conferences, workshops, and stakeholder engagement events. Support collaboration with Canadian missions and other Canadian stakeholders to identify areas of mutual interest and cooperation. Collaborate with the Sr. Director, International Services, and the PD, IGNITE, to identify and explore additional opportunities aligned with Catalyste+ priorities and interests, including opportunities that strengthen inclusive economic development, institutional effectiveness, sustainable trade, investment, and public-private collaboration.

Operations Management Collaborate across Catalyste+ departments to support delivery of program targets, assignments, and Advisor days. Administer assignments and program activities in accordance with Catalyste+ systems, policies, and procedures. Maintain accurate program records and ensure proper use of Catalyste+'s management information systems. Manage assigned budgets and ensure appropriate financial management, documentation, and reporting. Support local registration, compliance, and administrative requirements, as needed. Coordinate with other organizations and initiatives to identify synergies, avoid duplication, and maximize program impact.

Leadership Exemplify Catalyste+ values of transparency, integrity, accountability, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Foster collaborative and professional relationships with partners, Advisors, consultants, and Catalyste+ staff. Provide ongoing supervision, leadership, guidance, mentorship, and support to local staff, as applicable. Contribute to a positive, respectful, and inclusive working environment. Ensure compliance with Catalyste+ policies and procedures related to security, safeguarding, code of conduct, conflict of interest, harassment prevention, and other administrative requirements. Liaise with Canadian Embassies and local representatives of Canadian organizations regarding programming, security, and operational matters.

Organizational Learning Support implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems and processes. Ensure timely collection and submission of high-quality program data and supporting documentation. Contribute to organizational learning, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement efforts. Support preparation of donor reports and other reporting requirements.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Education University degree in International Development, Public Administration, Economics, Business Administration, Political Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience. Proven experience working with or engaging public sector institutions, including ministries, regulatory agencies, local governments, or other public entities. Experience in international development, economic development, governance, public administration, trade promotion, private sector development, or related fields. Experience working with donor-funded development programs. Experience managing stakeholder and partner relationships. Experience in project management and applying Results-Based Management principles. Sound knowledge of gender equality, women's economic empowerment, and the inclusion of vulnerable and underrepresented populations Experience working with Canadian-funded development programs is considered an asset.

Skills and Competencies Strong relationship-building, networking, and partnership development skills. Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and presentation skills. Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment. Strong organizational and coordination skills. Knowledge of the country's economic, institutional, and development context. Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Languages Fluency in Spanish and professional working proficiency in English. Salary range: USD 2,600-2,800, commensurate with experience. Contract type: Independent Contractor. The CR must be based in San Salvador, El Salvador. If you are interested in applying, we welcome your application.