Political Economy & Stakeholder Engagement Advisor at Rhizome Consulting

Summary

• The Political Economy & Stakeholder Engagement Advisor will provide strategic analysis and stakeholder engagement support to ensure reform initiatives are politically informed, socially responsive, and operationally sustainable. The role will support inclusive dialogue, stakeholder management, and strategic communication across complex governance environments.

Key Responsibilities
Political Economy Analysis

• Conduct Political Economy Analysis (PEA) to identify reform barriers, incentives, and stakeholder dynamics
• Analyse governance, institutional, and socio-political trends impacting programme implementation
• Provide strategic recommendations to support reform feasibility and sustainability

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

• Map and analyse stakeholder ecosystems across government, private sector, civil society, and development partners
• Facilitate public-private dialogue sessions, technical working groups, and multi-stakeholder engagements
• Support consensus-building processes around sensitive policy reforms

Strategic Communication & Narrative Development

• Develop communication and stakeholder engagement strategies to manage reform expectations
• Draft policy narratives, briefing notes, and stakeholder communication materials
• Support senior leadership engagement with key institutional and political actors

Risk Monitoring & Advisory Support

• Monitor emerging political, institutional, and reputational risks affecting reform initiatives
• Provide strategic advisory support on conflict-sensitive and politically informed programme implementation
• Contribute to adaptive management approaches in response to changing operating contexts

Educational Qualifications

• Master s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Development Studies, or a related discipline

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 10 years experience in political economy analysis, governance advisory, stakeholder engagement, or public policy
• Demonstrated expertise in stakeholder mapping, facilitation, and strategic communication
• Strong understanding of governance systems, institutional reform, and socio-political dynamics
• Excellent negotiation, diplomacy, and relationship management skills
• Strong analytical writing and presentation capabilities
• Experience working with government institutions, development partners, or international organisations