Private Sector Engagement Officer – Kenya Primary Literacy Program (KPLP)

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity, with a focus on vulnerable and under-served populations. Since 1958, we have been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world.

EDC promotes equity and access to high quality education and health services and products that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. We support an inclusive workplace culture that embraces many perspectives and broadens our understanding of the communities we serve, enhancing and enriching our work.

EDC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Project Description:

The Kenya Primary Literacy Program (KPLP) is a five-year initiative funded by USAID that supports the Kenyan Ministry of Education to deliver interventions at scale as well as pilot and expand innovations that address the language and literacy needs of primary grade learners while building more inclusive, accountable, and resilient education institutions and systems.

KPLP has three broad objectives:

1. Improving education services and student learning outcomes, including for vulnerable populations;

2. Strengthening education institutions and systems to become more accountable, self-sustaining, and resilient; and

3. Empowering local youth organizations to strengthen and sustain community and family support for student learning and wellbeing.

Position Description:

The Private Sector Engagement Officer (PSE Officer) will play a critical role in advancing the project’s objectives of strengthening education systems to be more accountable, self-sustaining, and resilient through strategic engagement with the private sector. This role involves designing and executing the private sector engagement strategy, focusing particularly on strengthening partnerships with private entities to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom and online. In collaboration with these partners, the PSE Officer will be instrumental in orienting and training of private sector partners including publishers, printers and writers on emerging student learning outcomes and related issues and opportunities, mobilizing support for early grade reading initiatives, and ensuring the provision of high-quality teaching and learning materials (TLMs), with special attention to marginalized groups. The PSE Officer will report to the Grants and Partnerships Manager. This is a full-time position based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Qualifications:

The Private Sector Engagement Officer’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Partnership Development:

• Design and oversee the implementation of KPLP’s private sector engagement strategy, focusing on expanding high-quality teaching and learning opportunities for children and teachers.
• Forge and strengthen partnerships with private entities to integrate advanced technologies and methodologies that enhance student learning experiences.
• Initiate and manage partnerships that support the use and optimization of educational dashboards and resources for improved data management and analysis.
• Collaborate with the KPLP administration, finance team, and counterparts to establish and manage the Partnership Fund.
• Develop annual planning and reporting on the utilization of partnership funds, ensuring alignment with project objectives and USAID guidelines.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key private sector stakeholders, including corporations, industry associations, and business networks, to support KPLP’s objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for private sector partners, ensuring effective collaboration and communication.
• Organize and participate in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and events to promote partnership opportunities and share best practices.

Resource Mobilization:

• Work with private sector partners to mobilize financial, technical, and in-kind resources that contribute to the success of KPLP.
• Monitor and report on the progress of resource mobilization efforts, ensuring compliance with USAID requirements and alignment with project goals.
• Provide strategic guidance in the management of the Partnership Fund, overseeing the allocation of resources to support key initiatives, including the production, printing, and digitalization of high-quality teaching and learning materials (TLMs) for in-person and remote/virtual learning.

Technical Support and Capacity Building:

• Facilitate knowledge sharing among private sector partners to foster innovation and sustainability in educational practices.

The candidate for the position of Private Sector Engagement Officer shall have at a minimum the following qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in education, international development, business administration/management, or related field required.

Skills and Experience:

• 5 to 6 years of directly relevant experience.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing engagement strategies with private sector entities, particularly in education or development sectors.
• Strong understanding of the Kenyan business environment and the opportunities for private sector involvement in development and donor funded initiatives.
• Proven experience working collaboratively in multicultural and multidisciplinary team environment. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to forge, negotiate and maintain effective partnerships and relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, execution, and evaluation of projects.
• Familiarity with data analysis and the use of technology to enhance educational outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to advocate and mobilize support for educational initiatives.
• Familiarity with the Kenyan educational context, particularly challenges and opportunities in early grade learning and digital education platforms.

Language:

Fluency in oral and written English and Kiswahili is required.

Other:

Applicants must be Kenyan nationals or hold current work authorization.