IRC is seeking a Project Coordinator in Ethiopia for a five-year project, “PlayMatters”, funded by the LEGO Foundation. This position will be a part of the larger PlayMatters initiative to increase play-based learning opportunities for nearly 1 million pre-primary and primary school-aged refugee and host community children impacted by the humanitarian crises in East Africa and living in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda. This project aims to build children’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and creative skills through play in their homes, schools, and communities and will be implemented in partnership with War Child, Plan International, Behavioral Insights Team, and Innovations for Poverty Action.

The Sr. Policy and Advocacy Manager will be seconded to the FDRE MoE, Teachers Professional Development (TPD) department at 50% Level of Effort (LoE). In support of the project strategy, the incumbent will provide technical support to the MoE Teachers Professional Development (TPD) department on areas identified by the department and mutually agreed on with IRC (50% LoE) and will lead the development and implementation of policy and advocacy activities of the PlayMatters (PM) Project (50% LoE).

In particular, this role will support the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Education under the Teacher Professional Development around the integration of LtP implementation strategy with active engagement of key education stakeholders at Federal and target regions of the PlayMatters project. The ideal candidate will possess excellent knowledge of Ethiopian Education policy framework, strategies, and priorities as well as demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the current policy reforms undertaken by the MOE. H/she must be a great team player and self-starter with excellent communications skills and analytical ability.

The post-holder will report to the PlayMatters Project Coordinator at the IRC and a supervisor assigned by the MoE, Teachers Professional Development (TPD) department with additional oversight and support from the Regional Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor based in Uganda. The incumbent will also coordinate with closely work with Plan International Ethiopia Policy and advocacy focal point and other staff of the PlayMatters consortium.   

Major key Responsibilities:

Technical Support to the MoE (50%)

• In coordination with relevant Ministry staff, undertake activities identified by the MoE and mutually agreed by the two parties (MoE & IRC) and indicated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the MoE and the IRC Ethiopia (representing the PlayMatters Consortium).

Lead implementation of policy and advocacy activities of the PM Project (50%)

• Jointly work with the Regional Policy & Advocacy Advisor to conduct a stakeholder analysis and to develop a country-specific engagement and policy influence strategy that is continuously updated as contexts evolve and change.

• Oversee advocacy outreach efforts including the development of evidence-based policy briefs, presentations, advocacy statements, talking points, training materials, and responding to relevant advocacy moments with messages and materials related to the PlayMatters project;

• In alignment with the PlayMatters initiative, identify policy priorities, plan, develop and implement an intentional and comprehensive framework for local advocacy and policy implementation and adjustment efforts for inclusion of LtP into education delivery systems;

• Undertake stakeholder mapping, preparing problem analysis framework, identifying paths to influence stakeholders & key messages, creating detailed annual, monthly & weekly plans for advocacy/engagement activities;

• Build and maintain excellent networks and working relations with partners and stakeholders so that they buy-in to and accept ownership of the PlayMatters project;

• Organize and coordinate advocacy/engagement activities within IRC and PlayMatters Consortium including meetings, steering groups, campaign days, social media campaigns, media/radio broadcasts, conferences, workshops, progress reports;

• Ensure that advocacy activities are properly budgeted, documented and information is entered and stored effectively to facilitate effective monitoring and evaluation of project outcomes

• Coordinate with the MEAL and Research teams to facilitate the use of evidence in policy decision-making.

• Prepare advocacy messages and communication materials, identify appropriate forums and venues to engage with relevant and key education actors in Ethiopia

• Research and review education and training policies and strategies of the MOE and present key messages on play-based learning to influence relevant MoE, RRS, Regional education Bureau (REB) and key education stakeholders

• Review teacher training curricula and advocate with relevant institutions to include LtP methodology into CTE training packages

• Act as project spokesperson on advocacy issues where appropriate and take part in relevant country advocacy, as guided by key stakeholders

Job Requirements

• MA/BA degree from an accredited university in education, international development, social sciences or related field;

• Minimum of 5 – 6 years of advocacy/stakeholder engagement experience and demonstrable results of influencing others

• Proven track record of and knowledge of engaging with government policies, strategies, priorities, systems, and structure.

• Demonstrated success in staff capacity-building and in participatory, flexible, and gender-sensitive programming and implementation

• Demonstrated success in developing advocacy and/or communications strategies.

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

• Fluency in English required, and fluency in Somali language is strongly desired.

Reports to: IRC Ethiopia PlayMatters Project Coordinator and a supervisor assigned by the MoE, Teachers Professional Development (TPD) department.

Working Environment:  The Sr. Policy and Advocacy Manager will sit in the IRC Ethiopia office and in the MoE, Teachers Professional Development (TPD) department and be provided regular administrative and logistics support to perform his/her responsibilities.

How to Apply

Register using the following LINK

Note: Please include at least 3 references from current and former employers. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.