Director of Global Policy Strategy & Advocacy at Village Enterprise

• As the Director of Global Policy Strategy & Advocacy, you will play a pivotal role in driving Village Enterprise's ambitious goal of scaling our impact through government adoption of poverty graduation programs (UPG). You will be the strategic architect behind our government engagement efforts, developing the frameworks, research, and materials that empower our representatives to effectively advocate for UPG at the highest levels. Additionally, you will contribute to our innovative financing strategy, ensuring that policy advocacy aligns with our efforts to mobilize resources through results-based financing and other innovative mechanisms. This is a high-impact role where you will shape the future of poverty alleviation in Africa by ensuring that our proven approach is embedded in government strategies and programs.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Government Policy Strategy:

• Develop and refine a comprehensive global policy strategy that outlines clear pathways for government adoption and integration of UPG programs in Village Enterprise's target countries.
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis of the political, economic, and social contexts in target countries to identify opportunities and barriers to UPG adoption.
• Develop a robust evidence base that demonstrates the impact and cost-effectiveness of UPG, drawing on Village Enterprise's extensive program data and external research.

Advocacy Enablement:

• Create persuasive policy briefs, position papers, talking points, and presentations that equip Village Enterprise representatives to effectively advocate for UPG with government officials.
• Develop comprehensive toolkits and training materials to build the capacity of our teams to engage in policy dialogues and negotiations with government stakeholders.
• Position Village Enterprise as a thought leader in UPG and innovative financing through publications, media coverage, conferences, and webinars.
• Stay abreast of the latest policy developments and research in poverty alleviation to inform our advocacy strategies and ensure our messaging is current and relevant.

Strategic Partnerships:

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with key government agencies, research institutions, and think tanks to amplify our policy influence and reach.
• Collaborate with partner organizations to develop joint advocacy initiatives and policy recommendations that advance the UPG agenda.
• Represent Village Enterprise in relevant policy working groups and coalitions to build consensus and drive collective action on poverty graduation.

Innovative Financing:

• Collaborate with the innovative financing team to ensure that policy advocacy efforts align with and support our results-based financing initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of policy recommendations that incentivize government adoption of results-based financing for poverty alleviation programs.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to leverage innovative financing mechanisms to scale up UPG programs in partnership with governments.

Policy Impact & Learning:

• Track and analyze government policies and programs related to poverty reduction and UPG to identify opportunities for engagement and advocacy.
• Develop and implement a robust framework to assess the impact of Village Enterprise's policy advocacy work on government adoption and implementation of UPG.
• Prepare regular reports for senior leadership and the board, highlighting progress towards government partnership goals and identifying areas for improvement.

Indicators of Success for this role:

• Policy Influence: Number of policy documents, strategies, or plans that incorporate UPG principles or recommendations as a result of Village Enterprise's advocacy efforts.
• Evidence Utilization: Number of instances where Village Enterprise's research and data are cited or referenced in government policy discussions or decisions.
• Partnership Strength: Number and quality of strategic partnerships established with government agencies, research institutions, and think tanks to advance UPG.
• Innovative Financing Integration: Number of government partnerships that incorporate innovative financing mechanisms, such as results-based financing, for UPG implementation.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in policy development, advocacy, and government relations, with demonstrated experience in international or multi-country contexts.

Skills:

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of influencing policy change and building strategic partnerships at the national and international levels.
• Deep understanding of political and policy landscapes in multiple African countries.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage complex, multi-country initiatives.
• Fluency in English and proficiency in at least one other relevant language (e.g., French, Swahili).

Bonus Qualifications:

• Established relationships with key policymakers in multiple African countries.
• Experience with UPG programs or other poverty alleviation initiatives in diverse cultural contexts.
• Familiarity with innovative financing mechanisms.