ACSL LiT Policy Strategic Advisor (Consultant)

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Position Information

  • Position Title: ACSL LiT Policy Strategic Advisor (Consultant)
  • Project: African Centre for School Leadership Leaders in Teaching (ACSL LiT)
  • Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with travel across Africa
  • Duration: 1 year, renewal following a performance evaluation as per HR rules of the African Development Bank
  • Reports to: ADEA Executive Secretary / Senior Management

About the Project

The African Centre for School Leadership Leaders in Teaching (ACSL LiT) project aims to strengthen the capacity, effectiveness, and sustainability of school leadership across African educational systems. Recognizing that strong school leadership is a critical driver of improved learning outcomes, the project works with governments, development partners, and local institutions to develop policies, research frameworks, and professional development pathways that empower school leaders to transform education at scale.

Role Purpose

The ACSL LiT Policy Strategic Advisor will provide high-level expertise and thought leadership to guide the design, implementation, and scaling of school leadership policies and practices in Africa. He/She will support governments, regional organizations, and partners under the ACSL LiT initiative, including the LiT LEAD pillar in Tanzania, in shaping enabling school leadership policy environments, aligning national priorities with continental and global education agendas, and ensuring evidence-based strategies for systemic impact.

Key Responsibilities

  • Policy Analysis & Development:
    • Conduct in-depth analysis of national and regional education policies related to school leadership.
    • Provide technical support to Ministries of Education and regional bodies to design, strengthen, and implement school leadership frameworks, standards, and career pathways.
    • Ensure alignment with continental and global priorities (e.g., AU CESA 26-35 and SDG4) and national education sector plans.
  • Strategic Advisory & Partnerships:
    • Serve as a senior advisor to the project leadership and government counterparts on school leadership policy reform strategies.
    • Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue between policymakers and development partners as well as key stakeholders involved in school leadership.
    • Identify opportunities for scaling innovative approaches and embedding them into school leadership policy and practice.
  • Research, Evidence, and Knowledge Sharing:
    • Translate global and regional evidence on school leadership into actionable policy recommendations.
    • Lead the development of policy briefs, strategy papers, and advocacy materials on school leadership policies.
    • Support knowledge exchange platforms across countries to share best practices on school leadership policies.
  • Capacity Strengthening & Advocacy:
    • Build the capacity of policymakers and education officials in evidence-informed decision-making around school leadership policy development.
    • Advocate for sustained investment in school leadership policy development at national and regional levels.
    • Contribute to policy dialogue forums, conferences, and high-level meetings that include issues of school leadership policy development.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in education policy, public policy, international development, or a related field.
  • Between 5 and 7 years with practical experience in education policy, leadership development, or related fields, preferably in Africa.
  • Strong knowledge of African educational systems, school leadership policy frameworks, and regional and continental development priorities around education, particularly school leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence policy at senior government and international levels.
  • Proven track record in producing high-quality policy analysis, briefs, and strategy documents.
  • Excellent facilitation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills in either English or French and a working knowledge of the other.

Core Competencies

  • Strategic thinking and policy advisory skills.
  • Deep understanding of education leadership and governance.
  • Ability to work effectively with high-level stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical and communication skills.
  • Cross-cultural competence and commitment to equity and inclusion.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation adea-applications@afdb.org with the subject “ACSL LiT Policy Strategic Advisor (Consultant)”. 

Deadline for applications is Friday, 3rd October 2025 at midnight (12:00 am) GMT.

Due to the high volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted through a formal email correspondence. Do not contact ADEA or its staff members about the status of your application.