Coordinator, Government Engagement at Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)

Summary of the role

• The Government Engagement Coordinator will strengthen ownership and implementation of the TaRL approach in the Nigerian education system. Working closely with the Country Director, the Government Engagement Coordinator will be engaging with federal government government officials and policymakers as well as other stakeholders in the sector to advocate for the adoption and scaling of TaRL methods in education systems. The Government Engagement Coordinator will also work with the regional TaRL teams to advocate for the development and expansion of TaRL programmes in specific states. 
• The Government Engagement Coordinator plays a key role in driving change by shaping public policy, influencing decision-makers, and mobilizing support around specific issues.  The Government Engagement Coordinator will also facilitate relationships between TaRL Africa and these stakeholders, helping build collaborative partnerships. Additionally, the Government Engagement Coordinator will support efforts to forge alliances with development partners and other actors in the education sector, complementing and integrating with TaRL Africa’s partnerships with the government. S/He will support the development and management of integration and sustainability strategies and facilitate communication and engagement with government stakeholders at the federal level. The Government Engagement Coordinator plays a crucial role in TaRL Africa’s mission to promote principled interactions and enhance collaborations with government bodies and partners. 
• The Government Engagement Coordinator forms part of the Nigeria Country Management Team and reports directly to the Country Director with a dotted line to the Sustainability Lead for TaRL Africa. The position location is Abuja, Nigeria. The position may require adjusting work hours based on the time zone.

Major roles and responsibilities:

Government Engagement, Relationship Building & Advocacy (60%)

• Drive national adoption of the TaRL approach by co-developing and implementing a multi-year government relations strategy with clear annual targets and measurable indicators of progress.
• Increase government commitment to TaRL by cultivating high-trust relationships with priority stakeholders and ensuring alignment with government priorities and policies.
• Strengthen policy support for foundational learning by participating in national policy fora and advisory committees and influencing the design of policies that enable the effective implementation and scaling of TaRL.
• Improve TaRL Africa’s strategic positioning by continuously scanning the policy environment, analysing new opportunities for influence, and advising internal teams and leadership on emerging trends and opportunities.
• Expand TaRL Africa’s reach and impact by developing tailored engagement strategies for relevant ministries and agencies as well as development partners and other influential stakeholders, facilitating collaboration opportunities with key decision-makers.
• Amplify TaRL Africa’s voice and shift public and policy opinion by designing and leading evidence-based advocacy campaigns, including direct engagement with policymakers and effective use of media and public communications.
• Formalise strategic partnerships by negotiating and developing MoUs and other agreements that secure government commitment and enable joint implementation.

Policy Research (20%)

• Strengthen the evidence base for policy engagement by conducting policy analyses, identifying gaps and opportunities, and producing concise briefs and reports that inform national decision-makers.
• Ensure programme relevance and compliance by aligning TaRL implementation with national educational standards and priorities (e.g. literacy, numeracy, dropout reduction).

Documentation & Knowledge Sharing (20%)

• Improve future programming and policymaking by documenting and disseminating lessons learned, best practices, and challenges from TaRL implementation.
• Build credibility and transparency by producing and sharing clear reports on programme achievements and outcomes with governments, donors and other stakeholders.
• Influence systems change by articulating the wider impact of TaRL on student learning, teacher practice and education systems in public communications and stakeholder engagements.

Qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, International Relations, Social Sciences, Business, or a related field. Master’s degree would be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in government relations, public policy, or advocacy in Nigeria. 
• Proven track record of successful engagement with national government stakeholders, development partners, and other influential stakeholders, and of influencing policy decisions.
• Excellent negotiation and diplomatic skills/nature, problem-solving skills, with the ability to build consensus and manage conflict effectively.

Key Competencies

• Research and Analysis: Ability to interpret complex policy documents and data and identify gaps.

• Communication: Excellent writing, public speaking, and negotiation skills for engaging with various stakeholders, from government officials to community members.
• Strategic Thinking: Skilled in designing advocacy strategies and navigating political landscapes to influence policy change. 
• Critical Thinking: Ability to understand both the big picture and the intricate details and a solid understanding of when one vs. the other is needed.
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal and networking skills to form alliances and maintain partnerships.
• Negotiation and Persuasion: Expertise in influencing decision-makers using both logical arguments and emotional appeals.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple initiatives and ensure advocacy campaigns are on track.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust strategies in response to changing political climates and stay informed on emerging trends.
• Political Acumen: Knowledge of the political landscape and key players, ensuring the right timing for policy influence.
• Ethical and Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness of the ethical implications of policy decisions and a respectful approach to communication in diverse cultural contexts.