Government Liaison Associate – Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)

Job Description

Position Title:     Government Liaison- Malawi

Reports to:           Director Programs & Partnerships

Duty Station:       Lilongwe, Malawi

Deadline:             24th February 2025

About TaRL Africa:

TaRL Africa initiative is hosted by Empower Learning Africa, a not-for-profit organisation registered and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with teams in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Zambia and locally registered offices in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. TaRL Africa began as a joint venture by Pratham and J-PAL in 2019, with the goal of supporting governments and organisations across Africa to accelerate children’s foundational skill learning using the evidence-based “Teaching at the Right Level” (TaRL) approach. TaRL Africa’s vision is for every child across Africa to have foundational skills so that they can have a better future. Our mission is to ensure education systems effectively equip children with these foundational skills.

We support governments and organisations in over 15 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to design, deliver and scale impactful TaRL programmes while learning and sharing how the approach can be improved for different contexts. Together with partners, TaRL Africa has reached over five million children with TaRL programming.

Role purpose

The Government Liaison will manage and cultivate relationships with government officials, agencies, and stakeholders to support the integration of Teaching at the Right Level principles into the Ministry’s foundational learning approach. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of Malawi Ministry of Education government structures, policy development processes, and the political landscape, as well as strong relationship-building and communication skills.

The position requires someone who is self-driven and works well with multiple organizations. The role will report remotely to the TaRL Africa central team based in Nairobi. In addition, they will form part of an extended team in Malawi made up of two organizations and will need to coordinate and align with ways of working within that team.

They will also be the point person for TaRL Africa in-country and help coordinate the team in-country.

Major roles and Responsibilities

• Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Develop and implement strategies to engage government stakeholders at the local, regional, and national levels. Advocate for policies that align with the goals of TaRL integration in the country.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key government officials, ministries, departments, and other relevant entities. Act as the primary point of contact between the organization and government partners.
• Government Affairs Strategy: Develop strategies that align with the organization’s overall advocacy goals. Monitor and analyze government policies and legislation that may impact the organization’s work.
• Government Communications: Prepare and deliver briefing materials, policy papers, and presentations to government officials. Provide regular updates on the organization’s activities to government stakeholders.
• Representation: Represent the organization in meetings with government agencies, policy forums, and relevant legislative committees. Participate in discussions on issues related to program implementation, funding, and partnerships.
• Strategic Guidance: Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on government relations and policy matters. Contribute to long-term planning and decision-making from a government engagement perspective.
• Monitor Political Landscape: Stay abreast of political developments and government activities that could affect the organization’s interests. Proactively assess and report on potential risks and opportunities.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure the organization’s engagement with governments complies with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards. Track and report on government relations activities and outcomes.
• Partnerships: Act as the bridge between TaRL Africa and VVOB in the country, serving as a member of the country management team.
• Crisis Management & Problem-Solving: Address challenges that arise in government engagement, such as policy shifts, bureaucratic hurdles, or political changes. Develop strategies to mitigate risks and ensure continuity of TaRL implementation.

Minimum requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 10  years in government relations, public affairs, or a related field, with experience working with government institutions and policymakers at local, regional, or national levels.
• Skills
  • Strong knowledge of government structures, policy-making processes, and political dynamics.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, and policy briefs, and deliver presentations.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with government stakeholders.
  • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Personal Attributes:
• • Interest in children’s learning and education
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge of the Malawi education sector
  • Proactive and results-driven.
  • Diplomatic with a high level of integrity.
  • Ability to influence and persuade in complex, sensitive situations.
  • Strong networking and interpersonal skills.
  • Knowledge of the organization’s sector or mission area is a plus

TaRL Africa Values

1. We put children’s learning first.
2. We are always learning, improving, and innovating.
3. We are locally rooted for high-quality delivery and sustainable impact.
4. We are kind, respectful, and collaborative.
5. We are proactive, committed to integrity, and doing our best each day.

TaRL Africa provides a nationally peer-benchmarked compensation package aligned with organisational salary scales, taking into account both qualifications and professional experience.

TaRL Africa is an equal-opportunity employer committed to having a diverse workforce.