Manager, Partnerships and Government Relations

About this role

0 project, a donor-funded literacy portfolio initiative based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The role focuses on stewarding strategic partnerships with foundations, corporates, government bodies, and other stakeholders while ensuring effective project delivery through collaboration with program, technical, and Research, Monitoring and Evaluation teams. The Manager plays a critical part in strengthening government relationships to promote ownership, sustainability, and scalability of literacy outcomes, positioning Room to Read Tanzania as a thought leader and partner of choice in foundational learning. Core responsibilities include maintaining accurate tracking of project activities and spending, serving as the primary point of contact for overall project execution, and supporting departments to revise work plans as needed.

The role involves identifying implementation challenges and providing solutions, acting as liaison between the Country Office, Community Based Office, and government counterparts, and monitoring the project budget to ensure activities remain within approved parameters. The Manager supervises literacy field staff at Associate and Facilitator levels, with dotted-line supervision of RM&E staff, and facilitates annual planning and budgeting in partnership with technical leads. Regular field visits are required to monitor project progress, understand stakeholder needs, and verify impact. The role requires a Master’s degree in international development, Education Management, Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, or related fields, with a minimum of 10 years' progressive experience in partnership management, donor relations, or external engagement, and at least 7 years working in Tanzania's education and development sector, particularly literacy and girls' education.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and networking skills in both English and Kiswahili are essential, along with strong leadership and project management capabilities. Preferred qualifications include established networks within government institutions, experience with international NGOs, and familiarity with Room to Read's mission and global operations.