Role & responsibilities

Director Global Collaboration, Advocacy & Business Development

International Centre for DPI Innovation and Advancement (ICDIA)

Department: Global Collaboration, Advocacy & Business Development

Location: India (with extensive global travel and international engagement)

Employment Type: Fulltime

No. of Positions: 1

Minimum Age: 40 +years

Role Overview

The Director – Global Collaboration, Advocacy & Business Development will provide strategic leadership in building international partnerships, advancing global advocacy efforts, and driving business development initiatives aligned with ICDIA’s mission and global Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) agenda.

This role requires a seasoned leader with deep experience in global collaboration, policy advocacy, and strategic business development, capable of engaging governments, multilateral institutions, donors, privatesector partners, and international stakeholders. The Director will operate at the intersection of diplomacy, strategy, policy influence, partnerships, and growth, strengthening ICDIA’s global presence, impact, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Global Collaboration & Partnerships

- Develop and implement strategies to build, deepen, and sustain global partnerships, alliances, and collaborative platforms.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for international collaboration aligned with ICDIA’s strategic priorities and global DPI objectives.
- Foster strong relationships with governments,multilateral agencies, NGOs, foundations, think tanks, and privatesector partners.
- Oversee crossborder initiatives and ensure effective coordination, communication, and collaboration across regions and global teams.

2. Advocacy & Global Engagement

- Design and execute global advocacy strategies to influence policy, standards, and narratives related to DPI and digital transformation.
- Represent ICDIA at highlevel meetings, international conferences, global forums, and policy dialogues.
- Build and maintain longterm relationships with policymakers, influencers, thought leaders, and global champions.
- Lead advocacy campaigns and initiatives to promote ICDIA’s mission, priorities, and global leadership in DPI.

3. Business Development & Strategic Growth

- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, funding avenues, and revenue streams at a global level.
- Develop and execute business development strategies to expand ICDIA’s footprint, market presence, and programmatic impact.




- Conduct market intelligence, ecosystem mapping, and strategic analysis to inform growth opportunities.
- Lead negotiations and finalize MOUs, contracts, partnership agreements, and strategic alliances.

4. Leadership & Management

- Lead, mentor, and manage teams focused on global collaboration, advocacy, and business development.
- Set clear goals, performance indicators, and accountability frameworks aligned with organizational objectives.
- Work closely with senior leadership and internal teams to ensure alignment across strategy, delivery, and external engagement.
- Build a highperformance, globally oriented culture emphasizing collaboration, influence, and impact.

5. Reporting, Monitoring & Strategic Analysis

- Monitor, track, and report on the progress and outcomes of global collaboration, advocacy, and business development efforts.
- Analyze performance metrics, partnerships, and campaign effectiveness to enable datadriven decisionmaking.
- Provide regular updates, strategic insights, and recommendations to ICDIA leadership and governance bodies.

Educational Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Public Policy, or a related field.
- A Master’s degree or MBA is strongly preferred.

Experience Requirements

- 20+ years of progressive experience in:
- Global collaboration, advocacy, diplomacy, or business development roles
- International partnerships, policy engagement, or strategic growth initiatives

- Proven experience leading global or multiregional teams across cultures and geographies.
- Demonstrated success in negotiating highstakes partnerships and influencing policy at regional or global levels.
- Prior experience with governments, multilateral institutions, donors, international development organizations, or large global programs is highly desirable.

Key Skills & Competencies

- Strategic leadership in global collaboration and partnerships
- Highlevel advocacy, diplomacy, and policy influence
- Business development, negotiation, and strategic dealmaking
- Stakeholder management at senior government and institutional levels




- Solid analytical, decisionmaking, and problemsolving skills
- Excellent communication, presentation, and executive engagement capabilities
- Ability to operate in complex, multistakeholder, international environments

Preferred Certifications

While certifications are not mandatory, the following are highly desirable and will strengthen suitability for the Director – Global Collaboration, Advocacy & Business Development role:

Leadership, Strategy & Global Management

- Certified Strategy Professional (CSP)
- Global Leadership & Management Certifications (INSEAD, Harvard, Wharton, IIMs, or equivalent executive programs)
- Chartered Management Professional (CMI)

Business Development, Partnerships & Negotiation

- Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP)
- Strategic Partnership & Alliance Management Certifications
- Professional Negotiation Certifications (Harvard Program on Negotiation or equivalent)

Public Policy, Advocacy & International Affairs

- Public Policy or International Relations Certifications
- Advocacy, Policy Influence, or Government Relations Certifications
- Diplomatic Practice or Global Governance Programs (UN, World Bank, OECD–affiliated programs preferred)

Program, Project & Portfolio Management

- PMP – Project Management Professional (PMI)
- PgMP – Program Management Professional (PMI)
- PRINCE2 Practitioner
- Agile / SAFe for Leadership (preferred)

International Development & Multilateral Systems

- Certifications in International Development, Aid Effectiveness, or DonorFunded Program Management
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Certifications
- ResultsBased Management (RBM) Certifications

Compliance, Ethics & Governance (Desirable)

- ESG, Sustainability, or Governance Certifications
- Risk Management or Institutional Governance Certifications

Who Should Apply (Ideal Fit)

This role is ideal for senior professionals who:

- Have extensive experience in global collaboration, advocacy, or business development
- Have successfully engaged with governments, multilaterals, donors, and global institutions
- Possess strong negotiation skills and a record of closing strategic partnerships
- Are comfortable representing organizations at global platforms and highlevel forums
- Can integrate advocacy, partnerships, and business growth into a cohesive global strategy
- Are motivated to advance ICDIA’s global impact and leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

📌 Director Global Collaboration, Advocacy & Business Development (Delhi)
🏢 National Institute for Smart Government (NISG)
📍 Delhi