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Mark Sevier
Private Sector Engagement Specialist- Using The Power of Partnerships To Make The World Better
Mark Sevier is a private sector engagement specialist with extensive experience in developing sustainable solutions for complex challenges in emerging markets.1 He currently serves as the Senior Director of Private Sector Engagement at ACDI/VOCA, a position he has held since January 2023.1
Professional Background
Mark has over 15 years of experience in analyzing root causes and co-designing solutions to achieve transformational impact in various sectors, including:
- Agriculture
- Entrepreneurship
- Blue economy
In his current role, he supports a $120 million portfolio of market systems projects across Africa, Asia, and Central America.1
Career Progression at ACDI/VOCA
Before becoming Senior Director, Mark held the following positions at ACDI/VOCA:
- Technical Director, Market Systems and Partnerships (March 2020 - January 2023)
- Project Assistant - Enterprise Development (October 2010 - December 2011)
Key Responsibilities and Achievements
As Technical Director, Mark:
- Provided private sector engagement and market systems support to a $150 million portfolio of projects in multiple countries
- Designed and spearheaded ACDI/VOCA's organization-wide private sector engagement strategy
- Developed tools for projects and new business teams to effectively co-design and manage partnerships with the private sector
- Co-developed and led a private sector engagement training series1
Previous Experience
Prior to his current role at ACDI/VOCA, Mark worked at:
- Fintrac Inc as Investment and Acceleration Manager and Partnership Manager
- Agribusiness Systems International as Senior Project Coordinator and Project Coordinator
- Peace Corps as Community Development Advisor in Uganda1
Areas of Expertise
Mark specializes in:
- Analyzing underperforming markets
- Identifying and building capacity of businesses in emerging markets
- Catalyzing capital in emerging markets
- Leading professionals to higher levels of success1
Mark Sevier's extensive experience and expertise in private sector engagement make him a valuable asset in developing sustainable solutions for complex challenges in emerging markets.
Highlights
I am pleased to share a case study on Thinking and Working Politically in Market Systems Development in Ghana. It highlights the Feed the Future Ghana Market Systems and Resilience (MSR) Activity, and their experience strengthening opportunities for private and public sector stakeholders to engage in Public Private Dialogue platforms. Of particular interest are partnerships with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to train micro, small- and medium-sized enterprises on food standards, certification processes, and business formalization processes.
Kathryn Merckel, MPS PhD Ydun Donahoe
I am thrilled to share this case study on Thinking and Working Politically in Market Systems Development. It highlights Adaptive Partnerships in Mozambique through ACDI/VOCA’s Feed the Future Mozambique Resiliência Integrada na Nutrição e Agricultura (FTF RESINA) Activity. The intentional focus on identifying and managing politically feasible, multi-sector interventions to advance its shared vision with the Government of Mozambique has led to a promising pathway for achieving real change.
Ydun Donahoe Nephas Munyeche Lazaro Nhangombe Kathryn Merckel, MPS PhD
