Director, Policy & Partnerships

Role Overview

• Manage the full cycle of new partnership development:
• You will generate interest from new potential government partners at the highest levels of government (chief executives of state and national governments across Africa).
• You will use existing and new relationships and networks, conferences and events, along with data-driven approaches to identify key potential partners for whom this type of transformation will resonate and become a priority for their administration.
• You will become a compelling expert in presenting the potential white-labeled partnership to implement this system-wide transformation. This includes your ability to communicate both the big picture political / economic / education vision as well as dive into the details of how each aspect of the transformation is delivered and fits with the specific nuances of the local education system.
• In addition to presentations, demonstrations, and deep dives, you will need to learn the local context, priorities, politics and challenges, to articulate how this transformation will fulfill each government’s needs, goals and vision.
• While ultimately championed by the chief executive of a government, concluding a new partnership requires identifying and deeply engaging relevant decision makers, supporters, all the way up and down both the bureaucratic and political chains.
• Large, multi-year contracts that will transform an entire statewide education system need to be carefully negotiated, and you will be leading that effort.
• Once a new partnership is closed, you work carefully to transition relationships and oversight to operational implementation leaders and teams.

Requirements

• Deep experience across multiple countries in Africa in business development / sales for large-scale government contracts / partnerships.
• Experience working with national and regional governments in general as well as demonstrated ability to work across the full spectrum of bureaucracies.
• Experience in large, consultative sales for complex services or products.
• Experience in leading through the entire business development process, from "door opening" through to contract negotiations.
• Politically-savvy and ability to understand how partnerships intersect with existing political situations and dynamics.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Exposure to Development Agencies and Partners already working with governments across the Continent (e.g. World Bank, USAID, FCDO).
• Experience in primary/secondary education is a bonus.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Professional development
• Paid time off