Private Sector Engagement Consultant at Creative Associates International

BACKGROUND

Creative Associates International is a fast-growing, social impact company that specializes in the areas of education, economic growth, democratic transitions, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this global development organization has a field presence is more than 25 countries and a strong client portfolio of that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. Since its founding in 1977 by four enterprising women, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. Creative Associates International has been working in Nigeria for more than a decade to support education programs in Nigeria.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and in close partnership with federal partners and select Nigeria States (designated as legacy [Bauchi and Sokoto], launching and technical assistance), the five-year Leveraging Education Assistance Resources in Nigeria (LEARN) project will support sustainable improvements in reading outcomes for first and second grade pupils. The goal of LEARN is to strengthen and scale early grade reading (EGR) best practice by ensuring that standards-based, context-appropriate assessment, materials, training, and administrative supports needed to improve literacy skills for P1-2 pupils are embedded within the federal policy, funding, and monitoring frameworks, and state and local authorities have the implementation protocols, capacity, and resources to carry out and sustain standards-based, data-driven EGR reform. The project objective is to instill ownership in and build capacity of school-community, local, state, and federal systems to establish a base for adequate, consistent data-driven funding, monitoring and performance that increase the equity, inclusion, and wellbeing necessary to achieve sustained EGR gains. LEARN will therefore be building on lessons learned from prior Nigeria reading programs to introduce a flexible, cost- efficient EGR intervention model that can be tailored to state contexts.

POSITION SUMMARY

Work with PSE STTA to develop and implement the project’s Private Sector Engagement strategy. Conduct rapid PSE assessment and mapping. Organizes and leads PSE concept-vetting workshops to select partners. Develop partnership concept notes, strategy documents, agreements, and implementation plans. Support implementation, monitor, track and troubleshoot partnerships. Engage business networks to raise PSE participation. Establish post project sustainability plans for PSE engagement. Support establishment of state level PSE working groups, engagement strategy and implementation.

Creative Associates seeks to engage the services of a Private Sector Engagement consultant to provide technical support to the LEARN to Read project. The consultant will implement private sector engagement strategy and conduct rapid assessment.

REPORTING & SUPERVISION

The Private Sector Engament Consultant reports to the Chief of Party. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:                                                                                                          

• Work with PSE STTA to develop and implement the project’s Private Sector Engagement strategy.
• Conduct rapid PSE assessment and mapping.
• Organize and lead PSE concept-vetting workshops to select partners.
• Develop partnership concept notes, strategy documents, agreements, and implementation plans.
• Plan, implement, monitor/track PSE activities and troubleshoot partnerships
• Engage business networks to raise PSE participation.
• Establish post project sustainability plans for PSE engagement.
• Establish state level PSE working groups, engagement strategy and implementation.
• Other tasks as assigned.

RESULTS AND/OR DELIVERABLES ( Total LOE 110 days –(100%)

• Approved PSE strategy  15 days ( Due January 2023)
• Report on mapping and rapid assessment of PSE 15 days  ( Due March 2023)
• Report on PSE concept-vetting workshops          10 days ( Due April 2023)
• Quarterly planning, implementation and monitoring report of PSE strategy 60 days ( Due Quarterly )
• Post project PSE sustainability plan        10 days (Due August 2023)

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Masters’ degree in education policy & management, international development, or a related field (or, alternately, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 8 additional years of relevant experience).
• At least 3 years research experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Proven ability to work productively with a variety of stakeholders to run participatory processes and meet tight deadlines with an emphasis on producing quality products.
• Experience with USAID-funded programs preferred.
• Have a good grasp of issues related to marginalized groups’ participation in education.
• Excellent capacity building skills, with demonstrated experience in effective training, coaching and facilitation.
• Previous work experience with international donors/NGOs, preferably USAID.
• Previous work experience in research methodologies and project monitoring and evaluation desirable.
• Previous experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably Nigeria.
• Fluency in English Language.