Mission Lead - World Bank Acceleration for Agribusiness and Digital Sectors, Madagascar (FRANCOPHONE)

About Palladium:

Operating in over 50 countries, Palladium is a global consulting and implementation company working in partnership with governments, businesses, investors, and communities to design and deliver solutions that create lasting positive impact. We address some of the world’s most complex challenges across infrastructure, economic growth and natural capital, health, energy, climate and environment, and digital transformation—strengthening systems, institutions, and markets to support inclusive and sustainable development. Our more than 2,100 staff worldwide work as trusted advisors across diverse contexts, combining deep technical expertise, implementation techniques, and innovative technology to deliver locally informed, client-focused solutions that help organizations achieve measurable, sustainable impact.

Palladium is part of GISI’s global family of companies, which aims to create solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With annual revenues of $14 billion, GISI’s approximately 15,000 employees are engaged in projects across 100 countries worldwide providing construction, program/project management, and engineering consulting services.

Project Background:

The PIC 3 Acceleration Program, part of Madagascar’s Economic Transformation for Inclusive Growth Project funded by the World Bank, is a multi-phase initiative designed to support high-potential SMEs and startups in the agribusiness and digital sectors. Delivered through a consortium of international and local accelerators, the program combines rigorous selection with tailored technical support, including diagnostics, individualized growth plans, mentoring, and specialized advisory services to strengthen business performance and market competitiveness. Selected companies undergo an intensive acceleration phase of up to 12 months, focused on scaling operations, improving investment readiness, and accessing new markets, including international opportunities. The program also facilitates grant management in coordination with the World Bank, mobilizes private financing, and tracks impact through measurable outcomes such as revenue growth and job creation, while promoting gender inclusion and strengthening the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem in Madagascar.

Please note this is a bid opportunity and there will not be a role unless the tender is awarded. Estimated award date is August 2026 with start-up activities following immediately after award in Q4 2026.

This Opportunity:

The Mission Lead will provide the overall strategic, technical, and operational oversight of the PIC 3 Acceleration Program. This role is responsible for ensuring the quality of deliverables, alignment with international acceleration standards, and effective coordination among consortium members and institutional stakeholders. In this capacity, this person will lead all phases of the program, from company selection to support for access to financing and markets. Fluency in French is required; additional fluency in English and/or Malagasy is a plus.

Location:

The position is based in Antananarivo, Madagascar. If necessary, visa sponsorship will be provided.

Reporting Lines:

• The Mission Lead will report to the HQ Project Director
  
• This role could directly supervise 3-4 employees, with oversight of a team of up to 12 staff plus responsibility for managing subcontractors

Primary Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide overall oversight of the assignment and ensure the quality, consistency, and compliance of deliverables throughout the program, in line with the requirements of PIC 3 and the World Bank
  
• Define, structure, and oversee implementation of the acceleration methodology covering all phases of the program, including company selection, pre-acceleration, development of Individualized Acceleration Plans (IAPs), and the intensive acceleration phase
  
• Coordinate interventions by consortium partners, particularly between the international accelerator and the national accelerator, and ensure effective collaboration with public institutions, technical partners, and actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem
  
• Oversee company selection processes, including application scoring, technical and financial assessments, and the organization of pitch sessions, while ensuring transparency, objectivity, and sound decision-making
  
• Support beneficiary companies in fundraising preparation, strengthen their investment readiness, and facilitate their access to national and international markets through the mobilization of investor and partner networks
  
• Oversee processes related to the awarding, management, and monitoring of grants, in coordination with PIC 3, and ensure compliance with applicable fiduciary, environmental, and social requirements
  
• Ensure the establishment and effective functioning of the program’s monitoring and evaluation system, including tracking performance indicators (revenue growth, job creation, capital mobilization, etc.) and producing regular reports
  
• Serve as the main focal point with PIC 3 and the World Bank, ensuring smooth communication, escalation of strategic information, and validation of key program milestones

Essential Criteria:

• At least a Master’s degree in management, finance, entrepreneurship, or a related field (Bac+5 equivalent)
  
• At least ten (10) years of experience in designing and managing acceleration or business support programs, ideally in international contexts or emerging markets
  
• Demonstrated experience in managing grants for SMEs or startups, particularly within programs financed by international donors
  
• Strong command of acceleration methodologies, including selection processes, business support, business plan structuring, and investment readiness preparation
  
• Proven experience supporting fundraising and facilitating market access, including international markets
  
• Strong ability to coordinate multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder teams and to lead complex programs involving multiple partners
  
• Experience working in Madagascar highly preferred
  
• Fluency in French; fluency in English and/or Malagasy preferred

Core Abilities Required:

• Strong leadership and experience managing multidisciplinary teams
  
• Excellent analytical and stakeholder engagement skills
  
• Outstanding verbal and written communication abilities
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and adept at negotiations
  
• Superior organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail
  
• Excellent time management and a strong record of meeting deadlines
  
• Advanced analytical thinking and effective problem-solving capabilities
  
• Adaptable and responsive to organizational and employee needs
  
• Ability to effectively prioritize and delegate tasks as needed

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early as the position may close once a suitable candidate is found.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual, or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.