Sierra Leone Stakeholder Engagement & Program Support - Senior 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. Senior Associate, Stakeholder Engagement and Country Coordination

Purpose of the role

Lead stakeholder engagement and country-level coordination for the DaYTA program in Sierra Leone in coordination with the DaYTA program manager and other DaYTA country teams. The Senior Associate will serve as the primary in-country liaison with government institutions, civil society organizations, research partners and other stakeholders, supporting the successful implementation of project activities.

Key responsibilities

Stakeholder engagement and strategic coordination (60%)

• Build and maintain relationships with government ministries, civil society organizations, academic institutions and technical partners.
• Lead high-level stakeholder engagement efforts and maintain strategic partnerships.
• Provide political economy insights and contextual intelligence to the broader DaYTA team.
• Facilitate stakeholder alignment and support project buy-in.
• Represent the project during meetings, workshops and stakeholder consultations.

Project management and program implementation (40%)

• Coordinate the implementation of country-level activities in collaboration with the DaYTA Program Manager.
• Support the planning and execution of research-related activities.
• Monitor implementation progress, identify risks and propose mitigation measures.
• Communicate proactively with in-country stakeholders and internationally-based DG team members.
• Lead the preparation of reports, stakeholder summaries, presentations and implementation updates in collaboration with the DaYTA Program Manager and DaYTA Stakeholder Engagement Lead.
• Coordinate workshops, meetings, and stakeholder events.
• Serve as the principal in-country focal point for project coordination.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Public Policy, International Development or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years' relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience of engaging with government and development stakeholders.
• Strong project coordination and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience of working in international development programs.
• Experience in tobacco control or public health is preferred.
• Fluency in English required.

Core competencies

• Strategic and proactive communication;
• Stakeholder diplomacy;
• Independent problem-solving;
• Political and cultural awareness;
• Strong analytical writing;
• Cross-functional collaboration; and
• Ability to work independently within remote, international teams

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 30-50% 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 $30-35 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.