Consultant - Strategic Framework for Private Sector Engagement and G.A.G

WaterAid•Ottawa, ON

12d

About The Position

WaterAid Canada is seeking a qualified consultant or consulting firm to develop a strategic and operational framework to strengthen its engagement with the Canadian private sector in support of Global Affairs Canada (GAC)-funded programming. As Canada’s international assistance approach increasingly emphasizes partnerships, co-investment, and trade-development integration, this consultancy will position private sector collaboration as a core driver of WaterAid Canada’s competitiveness and impact. The resulting framework will provide clear, actionable guidance to identify high-value partnership opportunities, align with GAC priorities, and establish repeatable models that integrate private sector actors as co-investors, implementers, and innovation partners. Ultimately, this work will enhance WaterAid Canada’s ability to deliver sustainable, large-scale water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) outcomes while advancing shared development and economic objectives.

Requirements

Minimum 10 years of experience in international development, strategy, or private sector engagement.
Demonstrated experience working with public-private partnerships and/or blended finance models.
Strong understanding of Global Affairs Canada programming and funding mechanisms.
Experience in WASH is a requirement.
Experience in climate resilience, infrastructure, ESG, or international trade-related sectors.
Proven strategic planning and facilitation experience.
Strong analytical, stakeholder engagement, and report-writing skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Canadian private sector stakeholders is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Develop a strategic framework for private sector engagement aligned with GAC priorities and WaterAid Canada’s strategic objectives.
Identify and prioritize Canadian private sector actors and companies with strong alignment to WASH, climate resilience, trade, infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth.
Develop practical partnership models that integrate private sector partners into GAC-funded programming.
Define a compelling “Investing in WASH” narrative demonstrating the economic, operational, and ESG value of WASH investments.
Recommend an operational model and staffing structure for managing private sector engagement within WaterAid Canada.
Develop a risk registry regarding governance, operational, and financial considerations.
Produce a practical implementation roadmap to support pipeline development, partnership cultivation, and proposal integration.
Review WaterAid Canada’s current strategic positioning, partnership approaches, and business development priorities related to private sector engagement.
Review existing approaches for private sector partnership across the WA federation, including with global Regional and Country Program Offices.
Assess current GAC priorities, trends, and funding mechanisms relevant to private sector engagement.
Analyze differences between private sector and GAC decision-making timelines and engagement expectations.
Identify and rank priority sectors for engagement (e.g., mining and extractives; agri-food and agriculture; infrastructure and engineering; clean technology and climate solutions; and financial services and fintech).
For each priority sector, identify the strategic rationale and motivation for private companies to be interested in partnership with WaterAid Canada and to become involved in WASH programming, relevant WASH intervention opportunities and approaches, potential partnership entry points, an illustrative list of Canadian companies and stakeholders, and identification of barriers or limitations to partnership.
Develop practical partnership models including consortium models with embedded private sector partners; private sector-led initiatives with WaterAid Canada as technical implementation partner; co-investment or blended finance approaches; supply-chain and climate resilience partnerships; and multi-company or pre-competitive WASH platforms.
Develop a positioning framework and narrative that articulates economic returns of WASH investments, productivity and operational benefits, ESG and reputational benefits for companies, and alignment with GAC priorities including climate resilience, inclusive growth, innovation, and trade.
Develop recommendations for internal staffing and organizational structure relevant to the size and projected growth of WaterAid Canada, roles and responsibilities across fundraising, business development, and partnership functions, partnership governance and approval mechanisms, risk management approaches, and required internal capabilities and competencies.
Develop a phased implementation plan outlining immediate and medium-term priorities, partnership pipeline development, engagement sequencing, resource requirements, and key performance indicators and success metrics.