Associate Director, Policy, Partnerships and Engagement, GIRL Center

The Associate Director, Policy, Partnerships and Engagement, GIRL Center will be part of the Center’s Core Management and Operations Team, which consists of the Director, Manager, and Coordinator, and she/he/they will be responsible for global and regional policy, partnerships and engagement, using the work of the Center for grow our networks and impact.

The Population Council’s Girl Innovation, Research, and Learning (GIRL) Center is seeking a dynamic and strategic thinker who is passionate about adolescent focused evidence-based policy and programs to lead our research impact work. The GIRL Center is a cross-cutting research hub that brings together today’s leading scholars in adolescence to generate, synthesize, and translate evidence effectively for decision-making. The Center envisions a gender-equitable world where girls and boys make a healthy and safe transition into adulthood and reach their full potential.

The candidate for the Associate Director, Policy, Partnerships and Engagement will be a highly strategic and engaging leader who can represent the Center’s mission, activities, and products to an array of external and internal stakeholders across different professional domains. They should bring a passion for utilizing data and science to influence global, regional and national dialogues and investment in health, education and social policies for adolescents, especially girls. Successful candidates will bring previous experience in building and maintaining partnerships within a key development setting, proven external representations including on the policy implications of science, relations and communication skills, and a commitment to working with a diverse, global team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Engagement, Partnerships, and Policy Strategy – Develop and lead the execution of engagement, communications and partnerships strategies. This will include collaboration with the Center’s Core Management Team, Global Education Team, and Regional Hub Leads to determine goals, priorities, and indicators of success and identify key stakeholders/audiences at regional, national, and/or subnational levels across target regions and countries. Depending on the initial assessment, there may be multiple strategies (for example, a global Center strategy, a global education strategy, regional strategies). Guide project-specific communication and partnership plans. This role will also engage strategically with researcher collaborating with the Center to sure that research questions are policy-relevant, shaping our evidence generation to be responsive to expressed needs of key stakeholders.
Strategic Collaboration – Develop and maintain key external partnerships for the GIRL Center. This will involve leadership and participation in coalitions and networks, as well as one-on-one relationships. In addition, serve in an advisory capacity for policy and program development as appropriate and represent the GIRL Center and Population Council with other national, regional and international organizations.
Convenings – Lead, organize, and/or participate in strategic convening opportunities for the GIRL Center and Global Education Team. Prepare presentations and talking points. Lead and/or represent the Center at individual and small group private meetings with policy-makers, practitioners, advocates, and donors. Lead event management by setting the agenda, drafting the run of show, identifying and engaging with speakers, and speaking at events.
Capacity Strengthening – Advise or support Regional Hub leads and Council researchers and colleagues on effective ways to build partnerships and translate evidence to meet the various needs of specific stakeholders.
Research Communication and Evidence Promotion – Determine and execute effective methods of research translation and communication using existing or new communication channels, including social media. Produce briefs and blogs based on technical and research reports and publications to target policy-makers, practitioners, and donors.
Resource Mobilization – Provide input into proposal writing and fundraising, including by developing and maintaining key donor relationships.

Salary and Benefits: Salary offered will depend on knowledge, skills and experience. Excellent benefits package includes health insurance and life insurance, generous annual and sick leave; and paid parental leave among others. We strive to provide an environment of professional growth and development.