Consultancy for Senior Government Relations Specialist Full-Time

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 15 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Summary:

Creative Associates is implementing the five-year, USAID-funded early grade reading project “Vamos Ler” with the aim to improve early grade reading outcomes in 21 districts in Nampula and Zambézia. The project focuses on three main areas of intervention to improve students’ reading fluency and comprehension in their mother tongue: 1) improve the quality of reading instruction at the early primary level, 2) improve policy frameworks and delivery systems for early grade reading, and 3) increase parental and community engagement in early grade reading. The project has a main office in Maputo with field offices in Nampula and Zambézia.

Position Summary/General Objectives:

Vamos Ler! is seeking to hire a local consultant to lead managing the systems strengthening and government relations component of the project, specifically enhancing the collaborative relationship with key Ministry of Education and Human Development (MINEDH) directorates (Primary Education, Planning and Cooperation, and Teacher Training, as well as the Vice Minister’s office.

 Specific Deliverables:

• Lead in organizing regular quarterly meetings for Vamos Ler! with the MINEDH Directorate of Planning and Cooperation (DIPLAC), for presentation of program progress and plans for the next quarter activities;
• Lead in working with Vamos Ler! senior management and technical teams and with MINEDH directorates in finalizing and presenting the Vamos Ler! implementation strategy at MINEDH;
• Collaborate with Vamos Ler! senior operations director and relevant MINEDH directorates to draft a detailed plan for transferring responsibilities for planning, implementation and management of priority aspects of Vamos Ler! programming to MINEDH by July 2021. This will include providing input on cost-effective ways for MINEDH to absorb and scale up priority Vamos Ler! interventions to ensure continuation of high-quality bilingual education after program closeout, and integration of teaching and learning materials production and distribution into MINEDH systems;
• Supervise process of revision and approval of Vamos Ler! systems strengthening materials for transition to full MINEDH ownership;
• Lead in ensuring a prominent role for Vamos Ler! in supporting MINEDH in the dissemination of bilingual education strategy after final approval;
• Lead in ensuring visible Vamos Ler! participation in MINEDH strategic, coordination and sectoral planning meetings at the national level;
• Lead in strengthening the dialogue between Vamos Ler! and MINEDH on national-level policy reforms;
• Written action plans outlining sustainability plans of key Vamos Ler! activities.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MA or PhD) in education or related field;
• At least ten years of relevant work experience in the education sector in Mozambique, including experience working at a senior level inside or with MINEDH and experience working on government or institutional donor funded projects;
• In-depth knowledge of the Mozambique educational system and the roles, responsibilities, and key stakeholders within MINEDH departments and directorates;
• At least ten years of experience in project cycle and staff management;
• Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, persuasion and relational skills, including an ability to manage multiple stakeholders and to deal with complex bureaucracies and challenging individuals;
• Strong planning and communication skills;
• Fluency in spoken and written English is strongly preferred.

Location:

Maputo, Mozambique. Travel to Nampula and Zambezia may be required occasionally, for lodging and per diem will be provided.

Estimated LOE:  Total of 80 days from October 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020.

Milestone and Due Dates for Application: Please request a full copy of the request for proposal to the email procurement@vamoslermoz.com.