Technical Director, International Development Division

📝 FULL-TIME

Overview

Who We Are

At Cadmus, we recognize that solving the world’s challenges cannot be accomplished alone or with cookie-cutter solutions. That is why we look for team players and problem-solvers who are driven to use their unique perspectives and intellectual curiosity to help deliver transformative results. On the Cadmus team, you will collaborate with leading experts to help clients across the globe improve peoples’ lives, spur the economic wellbeing of communities, and strengthen public and private institutions. Our global impact spans across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

Cadmus’ mission is to leverage our industry know-how to advance clients' exceptional outcomes in service of society and the natural world. To achieve this, we are continually expanding our team, bringing onboard new talent to deliver cutting-edge solutions that surpass expectations. In February 2023, Cadmus acquired Nathan Associates, a trusted development partner with over 75 years of expertise supporting clients worldwide. With Nathan now operating as the International Development Division (IDD) at Cadmus, there have never been more exciting opportunities for our team members to grow professionally and accelerate impact in their fields. We seek to recruit and retain talent that helps advance the global priorities of IDD’s clients and the Cadmus mission.

We offer competitive compensation, outstanding health care and retirement benefits, a vibrant and collaborative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth. We are committed to advancing diversity and fostering a culture of equity in the workplace and across society, and we strive to maintain an inclusive environment where all employees feel connected, respected, and valued.

Join Cadmus. Let’s solve the world’s most challenging problems together.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Be Doing

The Cadmus Group is seeking a qualified Technical Director in support of its International Development Division, Trade and Logistics Line of Business.

Position Summary:

Technical directors serve as thought leaders who are recognized as subject-matter experts by clients and peers. Furthermore, they provide leadership that is critical to the successful delivery of projects and programs for major clients and are responsible for sustained work and growth through technical excellence in their areas of expertise.

The Technical Director will be responsible for identifying and pursuing business opportunities with donor organizations, governments, and the private sector, drawing on the firm’s reputation in trade facilitation, trade policy, the implementation of trade agreements, digital trade, and the use of advanced IT tools and emerging technologies. S/He will report to the Vice President, Trade and Logistics. S/He will be supported by and be responsible for leading trade experts, economists, program management, and administrative support staff and will oversee a portfolio of long-term projects that provide technical assistance in trade policy and facilitation internationally with an emphasis in developing countries. S/He will remain current on international best practice, develop innovative solutions, and apply his/her technical expertise on short-term assignments in the field.

Specifically, the Technical Director will be responsible for the following:

Management and Technical Leadership:

Manages a growing portfolio of trade projects while performing effective project supervision and management.
Participates in the development of the annual operation plan (AOP) and strategic plans.
Collaborates with other Cadmus business lines, subsidiaries, and units including with other IDD technical groups (Economic Policy and Governance, Structured Finance & Investment, and Economic Engagement & Private Sector Development).
Maintains positive client relationships with USG, donor, host country government, and private sector to ensure the delivery of high-quality services and contract execution focused on trade policy and trade facilitation.
Supervises and mentors assigned home office project management staff to ensure effective, efficient, and compliant implementation.
Supports and supervises COPs in managing and building the capacity of field office project staff.
Coaches Cadmus’ next generation of experts to take on larger responsibilities within projects.
Serves as a lead technical expert for T&L projects, particularly in the area of trade facilitation, as well as other related Nathan activities within each of the corporate Business Lines. Technical assignments may include the following examples:
- Advises and trains developing country governments to negotiate and implement trade agreements, including the WTO TFA as well as bilateral and regional free trade agreements;
- Provides trade policy and regulatory advice, including on customs clearance, risk management, e-commerce, digital trade, and Industry 4.0, grounded in qualitative and quantitative evidence;
- Partners with customs authorities, trade ministries and other agencies to make border clearance of goods more efficient, transparent, and inclusive;
- Uses advanced IT tools and emerging technologies to enable trade and elevate analysis;
- Helps clients and counterparts estimate economic impact of trade policies and interventions;
- Advances sustainability and ownership of reforms through consultations, public-private dialogue, strategic communications, and outreach.

Client Delivery:

Holds ultimate responsibility to Cadmus and the client for the quality of service and deliverables.
Identifies the appropriate approach to negotiate with clients for additional funds or time, as applicable.
Anticipates internal problems while they can still be solved, develops solutions, and understands when to seek counsel as needed; removes barriers and obstacles for team.
Follows established quality assurance and quality control protocols.
Contributes to a team receiving exceptional, documented customer feedback.
Meets or exceeds revenue target(s) associated with a contract or account, as applicable.
Responsibly manages project budget and demonstrates strong financial literacy with attention to profitability, risks and liabilities, invoicing, and accounts receivable.
Cultivates existing client and industry relationships.
Fosters strong client relationships through clear and consistent communication.

Business Development:

Contributes to the growth and development of Cadmus’s portfolio of trade and logistics projects in accordance with the Division’s strategic plan.
Identifies new programming trends in trade and logistics and develops concrete, time-bound action plans to strategically position Cadmus for new opportunities.
Proactively identifies new business opportunities including programs funded by USAID, other USG agencies, other donors, financial institutions, and private sector clients.
Plans and oversees BD capture efforts. Leads, mentors, and participates on specific BD activities, including proposal preparation and management (including serving as the Proposal Director, Lead Technical Writer, or Capture Lead).
Ensures excellent quality of proposals submitted.
Markets and conducts outreach to key clients, partners, and stakeholders. Enhances Cadmus’s reputation by participating in conferences, working groups, and other professional networks.
Conceptualizes, drafts, and reviews T&L marketing materials including website content, marketing collateral, press releases, and social media content/campaigns.

Qualifications

MBA, M.A., or M.S. degree in relevant field.
More than 12 years of relevant work experience with global expertise in trade policy and trade facilitation in emerging and developing countries.
Previous experience working with USAID or other international donors required. US domestic experience preferred.
Demonstrated leadership, decision-making, teambuilding, and management skills.
Experience in successful project, financial, and contract management.
Long-term overseas experience preferred.
Strong analytical and communication capabilities.
Excellent writing skills.
Foreign language skills preferred
Permanent U.S. work authorization is required
Prior experience in project management and previous work experience across a range of donors is desired. Previous experience as a Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, or as Team Lead a plus.

Additional Information:

Based on eligibility and job status, Cadmus offers an excellent benefits package to US-based employees which includes medical, dental, vision, company paid disability and life insurance, 401(k) program, paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, voluntary time off (VTO), tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance program, other optional benefits, and various bonus programs.

The minimum starting salary for this Technical Director position is $143,000. The actual salary may be higher and will be determined by several factors, including relevant work experience, education, skills, and market competitiveness.

We value the critical role safety and health protocols contribute to everyone’s success at Cadmus, and work together to align and comply with all federal, state, and local safety and health mandates related to COVID to ensure a safe and valuable work environment.

Candidates who will be required to travel to specific countries must be willing to meet all of the requirements of the destination country(ies) for unimpeded entry.

Cadmus is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination. Cadmus is committed to providing a respectful workplace where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation (including gender identity and/or expression), national origin, military and veteran status, physical and mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.