Counterpart International is currently seeking a Sustainability Policy & Outreach Lead for its anticipated USDA funded McGovern-Dole Food for Education & Child Nutrition in Malawi. Under the supervision of the Chief of Party, the Sustainability Policy & Outreach Lead will support the Chief of Party in overall project learning, dissemination and policy initiatives, including management of the research and learning lead. S/he will elaborate the program policy agenda with the goal of increasing local ownership (sustainability) of the school feeding program, as well as promotion of policies that create an enabling environment for sustainable school feeding programs in Malawi. The Sustainability Policy & Outreach Lead will develop and implement a collaborative learning and communications strategy that builds on the evidence and knowledge acquired through project research, monitoring, and evaluation, including disseminating lessons learned and best practices through a variety of platforms. S/he will be expected to interact regularly with CSO partners, local government officials and all stakeholders in the program.

The position will be engaged though a host-country national (Malawian) contract with no assistance for relocation to Malawi and/or work permit.

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive policy advocacy strategy to bring evidence generated by the project and others to inform policy goals and mobilize stakeholders for change.
• Develop a comprehensive communications strategy to enable sharing of information and ideas with both internal and external audiences.
• Working with the project research and learning lead, identify the key policy objectives, and obtain evidence to inform the policy goals.
• Assist in identifying and engaging new audiences and stakeholders.
• Regularly convene stakeholders for policy and sustainability discussions, including other school feeding programs, government counterparts (e.g., School Health and Nutrition Directorate) and donors.
• Develop materials and tools to engage with internal and external audiences via remote and in-person training programs, conferences, online communities of practice, and professional coaching.
• Contribute to the design, development, and updating of communications materials, such as project success stories or case studies.
• Organize and manage details, logistics, coordination, and outreach for large and small events; support messaging and outreach around events, ensuring that discussions are engaging and relevant to participants.
• Work with technical experts and other staff to write, edit, and prepare content for publication in various media including printed reports, web pages, web articles, digital stories, webinars, etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field (policy, public administration, communications, international development, etc.); master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience, at least 3 of which were in international development. Master’s degree may substitute for 2 years of experience.
• Experience in leading policy advocacy, engaging with policymakers, and obtaining policy outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in developing content for print and online marketing collateral.
• Understanding of, and experience with, leading community engagement, both online and in-person.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; fluency in English required.
• Advanced familiarity with Microsoft Office.
• Experience editing and writing on international development issues.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and switch between tasks quickly.
• Experience working with US government-funded activities is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting training, organizational development, and/or adult learning programs preferred.