Strategic Learning Advisor Full-Time

Helen Keller International is hiring a Strategic Learning Advisor based in Zambezia.

Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA)

Helen Keller International is a global health organization dedicated to eliminating preventable vision loss, malnutrition and diseases of poverty. Co-founded by Helen Keller – and guided by her fierce optimism and belief in human potential – the organization delivers life-changing health and food security solutions to build resilience of vulnerable families where the need is great but access to care is limited. In the US, Africa, and Asia, Helen Keller’s proven, science-based programs empower people to create opportunities in their own lives and build lasting change.

Background

The purpose of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) funding for a Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) in Mozambique is to improve and sustain the food and nutrition security of children under two years of age in Zambezia, Livelihood Zone 5. The objectives of this project are to sustainably improve women’s nutrition even in the face of shocks and improve infant and young child feeding. Project activities will involve work at the individual, household, community and institutional levels to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition by focusing on improving access and consumption of nutritious foods, whilst changing behaviors for better nutritional outcomes.

Scope of the Position

The Strategic Learning Advisor (SLA) will ensure coordination, collaboration and learning across all activities for the Mozambique RFSA. The SLA will serve as the learning and knowledge sharing lead for the project and will work closely with the Chief of Party, Monitoring and Evaluation Lead and other technical leads of the program, as well as other colleagues at Helen Keller’s Africa regional office and headquarters. The position also requires close cooperation with the government of Mozambique, partner NGOs, private sector and other key stakeholders.

This position will be based in Maputo or Quelimane. This five-year position is contingent on Helen Keller being awarded funding and is anticipated to begin in January 2022.

Specific Responsibilities

The SLA will be responsible for the following:

• Working closely with all staff, the SLA will ensure coordination, collaboration and learning across all activities of the project. The SLA will also ensure that coordination and joint-planning occurs with other USAID/BHA investments and other donor activities within Zambezia and Mozambique so that learning and knowledge is shared across all Activities;
• The SLA will ensure robust stakeholder coordination by project staff with entities including local partners, USAID/BHA and host country government;
• Ensure active, intentional, and adaptive learning exercises within and across the project’s multi-sectoral activities;
• Improve peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing and application, activity-based capacity strengthening, evidence and data utilization; and ensure that collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) principles are followed throughout the RFSA;
• Build the project evidence base to support collaboration and organizational change across all stakeholders;
• Ensure that lessons learned are incorporated into project activities and shared with the larger internal and external stakeholder group;
• In collaboration with the RFSA’s executive team, refine the project’s theory of change, integrating the strategic approach across the work plan;
• Work with the monitoring and evaluation technical lead to ensure CLA principles are integrated into the project’s monitoring and evaluation framework;
• Participate in communities of practice to stay abreast of innovation and best practices within the field, identify opportunities for collaboration amongst stakeholders, and attend events or other mechanisms for dissemination and sharing of RFSA learnings.

Required Qualifications/Competencies

• An advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) plus a minimum of three years directly relevant experience is required, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Knowledge of and experience with USAID/BHA collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) principles. Previous Food for Peace experience is an advantage;
• Demonstrated experience in food security, nutrition and resilience programs, knowledge management, organizational learning, and capacity strengthening;
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with host governments, donors, other donor-funded projects and stakeholders, local organizations, and partners;
• Understanding and experience in developing and leading stakeholder engagement activities, knowledge management programs, communities of practice and social networking;
• Demonstrated abilities and track record in strategic, systems and holistic thinking, managing resistance to change, whether internal or external, and an understanding of organizational cultures, learning and change management;
• Computer literate in use of word-processing and spreadsheets required; experience in statistical software, data analysis and interpretation, a plus;
• Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with external contacts, as well as internal colleagues;
• An ability to work in challenging and changing environments, and to see through challenges to find solutions; an ability to maintain balance when under stress;
• Demonstrable respect for all persons regardless of religion, ethnicity, class or gender, with a high comfort level working in a diverse environment with a demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; Fluency in Portuguese is highly desirable.

How to apply