Community Engagement Advisor

Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.  

Project Summary:

Creative Associates seeks a Community Engagement Advisor for the upcoming five-year, multi-million-dollar USAID-funded Accessible and Quality Basic Education Activity (AQBE) in Afghanistan. Enrolling more children in school is one of the Ministry of Education's (MoE) highest priorities given the 3.7 million out of school children. Over the next five years, the MoE aims to increase enrollment while strengthening education quality, especially for poor and disadvantaged children in rural areas through community-based education, formal schools, and affordable private schools.

Position Summary: 

The Community Engagement Advisor will be responsible for leading design and implementation of field activities to increase parental and community awareness and support for education. S/he will work alongside research partners to identify key behavior change challenges and opportunities that will inform program activities.

Reporting and Supervision:

The Community Engagement Advisor reports to the Deputy Chief of Party and has supervisory responsibility.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and implementation of community mobilization activities to promote access to education;
• Establish and/or strengthen school management shuras;
• Build the capacity of local partners;
• Design, develop, and lead the implementation of awareness campaigns in target provinces to strengthen the community’s demand for quality education;
• Promote public discourse about girls’ education in partnership with project partners, stakeholders, and other national and local entities;
• Lead the engagement of local organizations to develop activities aimed at piloting or scaling-up effective models, introduce additional materials at the community level;
• Support research related to social behavior change, situational analysis, and monitoring performance management;
• Lead and design engagement to encourage parents, teachers, schools, and other entities in supporting learning;
• Contribute relevant design and instrumentation of relevant monitoring of activities; and
• Lead capacity building for project staff related to community engagement, advocacy, and monitoring of activities.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Education, International Development, Public Advocacy, or other related field required;
• At least eight (8) years of work experience, with five (5) years of specific experience in community outreach or community mobilization;
• Demonstrated experience managing community engagement campaigns, preferably in the education sector;
• Experience with international organizations’ community grants mechanisms desired;
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing capacity building plans in culturally, politically, and security sensitive environments;
• In-depth understanding of the role of civil society in development;
• At least five (5) years demonstrated experience managing staff; and
• Strong communication skills;fluency in Dari and Pashto required and advanced knowledge of spoken and written English highly desired.

Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Position contingent upon donor funding.