Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

Through this assignment, the consultant will support the Abt partnerships solution development team (SDT) to develop an “Abt approach” to localization. The approach will include a summarized definition of localization (informed by USAID’s localization literature), including key localization principles; and a general, tailorable framework (including a graphical representation of key framework components) for how localization may be applied to Abt new business and project delivery solutions. Using existing resources, the consultant will determine how Abt’s current engagement with local partners can be improved to achieve localization goals and outcomes for target individuals and communities.

A separate scope of work will be shared for the work on defining and aligning Abt’s partnership approaches.

Tasks/Activities:

Under the direction of the Localization/Partnerships Lead, the consultant will:

• Work as part of the Abt partnerships SDT in reviewing and assessing (1) USAID and USAID implementers’ relevant documents and activities in the localization space, and (2) relevant, leading approaches to localization from other key sources including donors, CSOs, and academia.

• In coordination with the Abt partnerships SDT, review and assess Abt project activities as well as USAID policies to ensure that they align with Abt’s localization approaches.

• Provide recommendations on Abt’s existing local capacity strengthening (LCS) approach and how to align our LCS efforts with USAID’s localization and LCS policies and strategies.

• In close collaboration with the Abt partnerships SDT, develop a summarized definition of localization (informed by USAID’s localization literature), including key localization principles; and a general framework (including a graphical representation of key framework components) for how localization may be applied to Abt new business and project delivery activities.

• Work with the Abt partnerships SDT to further develop and finalize the definition and framework based on team reviews and inputs.

Deliverables:

• Provide a detailed report of review of Abt’s localization and LCS tools, approaches, and strategies, and recommendations for improvement.

• Applicable research/notes in support of localization solution development.

• Abt Localization solution based on the Abt solution template.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs or any relevant field.

• At least 10 years of international development experience.

• Specific experience with USAID’s localization, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement definitions and expectations.

• Expertise in partner engagement strategies and a deep understanding of how the selection of engagement mechanisms influences localization efforts.

• Experience in conducting assessment and reviews, and developing strategies, frameworks, and guidelines.

• Experience working in multiple developing countries and with national implementing partners.