Director, Government Relations & Private Sector Partnerships

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for a Director, Government Relations and Private Sector Partnerships to join our dedicated and talented team in our mission to create business solutions to poverty!

MEDA’s work is built on a foundation of Mennonite business roots and faith-based values, within the global context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We believe business solutions are effective interventions to address poverty. Through a market-systems approach and strategic partnerships, MEDA enables access to finance and provides business and technical expertise to build transformative agri-food market systems that create decent jobs, allowing traditionally excluded groups to become active participants in a sustainable economy. MEDA welcomes all who share our values and want to join us in our mission. To find out more about MEDA, please visit our website at www.meda.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director, Government Relations & Private Sector Partnerships is responsible for advancing MEDA’s external engagement with government entities and private sector partners to accelerate organizational growth and impact globally.

This role will lead the design and execution of comprehensive government relations strategy, drive cultivation of high-value partnerships, and strategically position MEDA as a viable partner to for-profit corporations to secure new funding and collaboration opportunities. The role will require the incumbent to leverage their deep experience in policy engagement, cross-sector relationship management, and strategic partnership.

This position reports to the VP of Partnerships and Business Accelerator (PBA) and involves frequent collaboration.

The role requires domestic and international travel.

Job Status: Full-Time

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location(s): Remote

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of government relations strategies that align with MEDA’s strategic priorities.
• Monitor public policy, legislative developments, and government funding opportunities that impact MEDA’s programs and strategic goals.

• Represent and contribute to positioning MEDA across G7, G20 relevant working groups

• Serve as MEDA’s relationship manager for priority bilateral and multilateral government partners, in coordination with country and global program leadership.

• Identification and mapping of for-profit corporations who align with MEDA’s strategic priorities

• Lead private sector engagement strategies to secure partnerships that drive new business development and resource mobilization.

• Develop tailored engagement plans that integrate corporate social impact goals with MEDA’s mission and strategic goals.

• Identify new market trends, sector opportunities, and collaboration models with businesses, foundations, investors, and institutional donors.

• Contribute to the preparation of concept notes, proposals, and partnership briefs tailored to government and private sector audiences.

• Support and contribute to contract negotiations in collaboration with Legal, Finance, and Program teams
  

REQUIREMENTS

Education: Master’s degree in Public Policy, International Development, Business Administration, or related discipline.

Experience: 10+ years’ experience in government relations, strategic partnerships, or business development roles in international NGOs, multilateral organizations, or cross-sector settings.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Proven track record of securing partnerships, funding, or policy outcomes with public and private stakeholders.

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and coalition-building capabilities.
• Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith statement, values and goals

• Ability and willingness for frequent travel to developing countries

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 10, 2026 @ 8:00 pm EST.

MEDA welcomes and encourages applications from all genders, backgrounds, religions, cultures, nationalities and abilities.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in the selection process.

MEDA is not in a position to sponsor or assist candidates in obtaining work permits. Employees are required to establish that they will be able to work legally in the country the role is in, during the course of employment.

MEDA does not use AI for screening, assessing or selecting applicants