Education Stakeholder Engagement Lead (Part-Time Consultant)

Overview

Development Gateway: An IREX Venture (DG) is an international non-profit organization with team members based in more than 10 countries worldwide. For over 20 years, DG has researched data ecosystems, built digital tools to support those data ecosystems, and advised on data strategy and digital transformation to strengthen decision-making, transparency, and service delivery. DG has expertise in deploying digital tools in agriculture, health, aid management, data & data strategy, extractives, information management systems, open contracting & procurement, and beyond. We support a variety of partners in over seventy countries around the globe to better collect, analyze, visualize, and use data by building digital tools, creating strong incentive structures and processes, and providing training and support.

We are a creative and dynamic group of people based around the globe. We value hard work, innovative thinking, a commitment to teamwork, humility, and a good sense of humor.

Program Information

Development Gateway (DG), an IREX Venture, is leveraging its expertise in data use and digital solutions through a Hewlett Foundation-funded initiative to strengthen education data systems in Africa. This project builds on previous work in Kenya and Senegal, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and other digital public infrastructures. DG will conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing digital systems, support Nairobi County in defining their needs for a user-centered data dashboard, and provide thought leadership on best practices for education data management. By focusing on local needs and interoperability, DG aims to improve decision-making processes and educational outcomes across the region.

Scope of Work

The Stakeholder Engagement Lead (Consultant) will be responsible for frequent engagement with key stakeholders, especially Nairobi County officials from their education team as well as other relevant departments.

This part-time role will work closely with the DG team to represent DG in both internal and external meetings. In this role, the consultant will lead government engagement efforts, working with stakeholders across different levels of government. This includes identifying key decision-makers, data users, as well as existing data gaps, and ensuring their buy-in for the proposed dashboard and data systems improvements. The consultant will support the DG team by coordinating meetings with relevant stakeholders and providing contextual information as required.

The consultant will also play a key role in identifying relevant data standards, governance frameworks, and approaches to enhance the sustainable management and interoperability of data systems under the program.

The role requires a deep understanding of Nairobi County’s education sector, including its structure, information needs, and decision-making processes. Ability to navigate the local context effectively is essential for this position.

Responsibilities

• Stakeholder Relationship Management (75%)
• Builds upon existing relationships and forms new ones with Nairobi County’s education sector officials, including those from the County Education Office and other relevant departments.
  
• Coordinates with key stakeholders to ensure project buy-in, particularly through necessary logistics and in-person meetings.
• Provides input to the broader Development Gateway team by sharing insights on local political priorities and cultural context.
• Facilitates the development of a feedback mechanism with stakeholders to ensure continuous engagement and responsiveness.
• Meets with stakeholders as required to gather additional information and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Report Writing (25%)
  • Contributes to written reports, including on topics related to data standards, governance, and the political ecosystem within Nairobi County’s education sector.
  • Provides strategic advice and direction to the team to ensure alignment with program goals and support informed decision-making based on gathered data and stakeholder feedback.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years experience working within the education sector. At least 5 of those years must have been in Kenya
• 8+ years working in complex stakeholder environments, with a strong preference for experience working with national and county-level officials
• Experience supporting people and institutions to make better use of data, or developing effective processes to remove decision-making bottlenecks and promote impact
• Entrepreneurial attitude and skills. Able to work independently, manage multiple workstreams, build relationships, and proactively solve problems
• Strong problem-solving skills and are known for your commitment to continuous product and process improvement
• History of working with diverse, remote team members in a global environment
• Bachelor’s degree
• Fluent in English
• Strong writing skills, prioritizing clarity and accessibility
• Effective public speaking skills
• Eagerness to learn and collaborate with a diverse team

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in education and/or policy, ideally in Kenya
• Experience designing or implementing digital solutions
• Experience designing and/or conducting qualitative research, assessments and trainings
• Knowledge or basic understanding of OpenEMIS and/or Ministry of Education data systems
• Experience using project management tools for work planning, task management, and communication
• Experience in design thinking; systems thinking; research design; or monitoring, evaluation, and learning

Position Details

This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The initial term of this consultancy will be for 6 months with an average time commitment expectation of approximately 25 hours per month (part-time). This may be extended based on the needs of the project.

The expected daily rate range is $250-$275, depending on relevant experience.