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

WaterAid

11d

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. This consultancy will position private sector collaboration as a core driver of WaterAid Canada’s competitiveness and impact, aligning with Canada’s evolving international assistance approach that emphasizes partnerships, co-investment, and trade-development integration. 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.
Technical proposal outlining methodology and approach.
Financial proposal.
CV(s) of consultant(s).
Examples of relevant previous work.
Two references.

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.
Conduct a situational analysis and opportunity assessment, reviewing 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, including 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 partner with WaterAid Canada and engage in WASH programming, relevant WASH intervention opportunities and approaches, potential partnership entry points, and an illustrative list of Canadian companies and stakeholders.
Identify 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 the economic returns, productivity and operational benefits, and ESG and reputational benefits of WASH investments for companies, tailored for private sector audiences and GAC/institutional donors.
Develop recommendations for internal staffing and organizational structure, 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.