Sierra Leone Stakeholder Engagement & Program Support - Junior Associate (Long-term Consultant)

The Organization You Want to Work For 

Development Gateway (DG): An IREX Venture is an international nonprofit organization that creates innovative information management and data visualization technology, implements data-focused programs, and conducts research and evaluation to further sustainable development. We are a creative and dynamic group of people based around the globe. We value hard work, innovative thinking, a commitment to teamwork, and a good sense of humor. 

DG is implementing a three-year program funded by the Gates Foundation. The program, which builds on the three-year, three-country Data on Youth and Tobacco in Africa (DaYTA), will be implemented in four additional African countries, including in Sierra Leone. The purpose of the program is to understand the respective countries’ needs for data related to youth and tobacco, confirm evidence gaps, conduct primary and secondary research to fill those gaps and build on the existing online resource established during the Tobacco Control Data Initiative (TCDI) that brings together essential data for use by policy makers and others working in tobacco control. Although this program is focused on tobacco, a background in tobacco control research is advantageous, but not required.

This position is based in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Ability to live and work legally in Sierra Leone is required.

The Elevator Pitch

The Sierra Leone Stakeholder Engagement Senior/Junior Associate (Consultant) is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with national partners and overseeing progress on the DaYTA project in Sierra Leone. In this role, you will work closely with tobacco control stakeholders in Sierra Leone and liaise with local research partners to support locally in the collection and analysis of data. You will also work closely with DG’s technical team to integrate research findings into the digital platform and to refine it so that it meets specific user needs. A wide degree of creativity, latitude, and responsibility is expected, along with proactive remote communication across geographically dispersed teams on this seven-country program.

Purpose of the role:

To support stakeholder engagement and implementation activities for the DaYTA program in Sierra Leone. Working closely with the DaYTA team and in-country stakeholders, the Junior Associate will support coordination, communication, logistics and reporting activities.

Key responsibilities

Stakeholder coordination and administrative support (60%)

• Support communication and coordination with government agencies, civil society organizations, and research partners.
• Assist with scheduling meetings, organizing workshops and stakeholder follow-up.
• Support stakeholder mapping and engagement tracking.
• Assist with note-taking and preparation of meeting summaries.

Program implementation support (40%)

• Support the implementation of country activities under the guidance of the DaYTA Program Manager.
• Assist with the logistics and coordination of research activities and stakeholder engagements.
• Communicate proactively with in-country stakeholders and internationally-based DG team members.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations and implementation updates.
• Support the tracking of implementation progress and documentation.
• Coordinate in-person and virtual meetings, workshops, and stakeholder events with support from DaYTA program team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, International Development or a related field is required.
• One to three years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Interest in public health, development, research or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience of supporting NGO or development projects is preferred.
• Fluency in English is required.

Core competencies

• Strong organization and coordination; 
• Proactive communication skills; 
• Team collaboration; 
• Attention to detail; 
• Openness to learning
• Administrative support capability; and
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments.

Gourmet chefs welcome, but more importantly:

• You have effective project implementation and presentation skills. You enjoy getting things done while keeping your clients happy and building relationships.
• You have strong problem solving skills and are known for your commitment to continuous product and process improvement.
• You have strong analytical skills, experience conducting desk research, evaluating data sources, articles and reports to identify which are and are not reliable.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication and customer interaction skills. 
• You have a solid ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, creative environment. Entrepreneurial attitude and skills are important.
• You have an interest in working for a non-profit organization that synthesizes policy, data and technology.
• You're comfortable working with data using spreadsheets, databases, and analysis tools.
• You can communicate easily with both technical and non-technical staff and maintain good communication with our geographically dispersed team.
• You use strong organizational skills to handle a broad and unpredictable workload, meet deadlines and work under your own initiative.
• You can work effectively both autonomously and as a great teammate by leading through example.
• You are willing to learn and use novel technology.

To apply for this role, please complete the questionnaire and upload your CV and cover letter.

The initial term of this consultancy will be one year and is a 50-70% part-time consultancy position. An option to extend for an additional one to two years is expected. The projected pay range for this position is $20-25 USD/hour, commensurate with skills and experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and lived experience. We strongly encourage applications from people whose identities are underrepresented in the sectors where DG works. DG does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.