Private Sector Engagement Expert

About the role

The Private Sector Engagement Expert will support the “Support to the Africa‑EU Space Partnership Programme – AESPP Boost” project, driving private sector participation and commercial opportunities across African and European space ecosystems. The role focuses on business development, innovation, investment facilitation and fostering partnerships between companies, entrepreneurs and investors.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and engage private‑sector actors in the space, geospatial and technology sectors in Africa and the EU.
• Conduct market and value‑chain analyses to uncover business opportunities and investment gaps.
• Provide business support, matchmaking and commercialization assistance to startups and established firms.
• Facilitate access to finance and promote investment pipelines for space‑related projects.
• Contribute to policy dialogue and knowledge exchange between public and private stakeholders.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in economics, business administration, engineering, innovation management or a related field (or four additional years of relevant experience).
• Excellent command of English; working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is an asset.
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in private‑sector development, industrial cooperation, innovation, business development or investment facilitation.
• At least 4 years of experience engaging companies, entrepreneurs or investors, including market analysis, business support, matchmaking, commercialization or finance access.
• Relevant experience in the space, geospatial or technology sector and in Africa is highly valued.

Required skills