Summary
I am a senior education and programme management professional with over 15 years of experience in education, development, gender equality, child protection, social inclusion and community-based programming in Mozambique and internationally. My professional experience combines strategic and technical leadership in education programmes with practical expertise in project cycle management, programme design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, learning, reporting, budget development and financial management, stakeholder coordination, partnership management and institutional capacity strengthening. Throughout my career, I have worked with government institutions, international development partners, NGOs, schools, teachers, communities, parents, youth and other stakeholders to strengthen access to quality education, improve participation and retention, promote inclusive learning environments and address the social and structural barriers affecting vulnerable children and adolescents. I hold a Master’s Degree in Education Management and Evaluation from Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, completed in 2025, an Honours Degree in Education and Social Sciences from Universidade Pedagógica, and a Degree in Law from Universidade Eduardo Mondlane. I have also completed professional training in Project Planning and Management, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Child Protection, Gender Analysis, Inclusion and Social Development, Positive Youth Development and English Communication Skills. This academic and professional preparation has provided me with a strong foundation to manage education programmes from both technical and managerial perspectives, while understanding the importance of linking programme quality, institutional capacity, financial accountability and measurable results. From 2013 to 2025, I worked with USAID Education Programmes in Mozambique as a Senior Education Specialist and Gender & Child Protection Lead, providing strategic and technical leadership
Public Profile url: Celia Marina Cossa
Professional Data
Education
Education
UEM - Universidade Eduardo Mondlane
I hold a Master’s Degree in Education Management and Evaluation from Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, completed in 2025, which strengthened my expertise in education systems, programme management, monitoring, evaluation and evidence-based decision-making. I also hold an Honours Degree in Education and Social Sciences from Universidade Pedagógica (2007), providing a strong foundation in education, teaching and social development, as well as a Degree in Law from Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (2012), which further developed my analytical, legal and institutional understanding. In addition, I have completed professional training in Project Planning and Management and Project Monitoring and Evaluation at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, as well as specialised training in Child Protection, Gender Analysis, Inclusion and Social Development, Positive Youth Development and English Communication Skills. This combination of academic and professional training has supported my career in education and programme management, particularly in education systems strengthening, inclusive education, gender equality, child protection, programme planning, financial and budget management, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder coordination.
Experience
Senior Education Specialist / Youth & Child Protection Lead
USAID Mozambique
Senior Education and Project Management professional with over 15 years of experience managing and providing strategic and technical leadership to education programmes in Mozambique, including large-scale NGO and USAID-supported initiatives. Experienced across the full project cycle, including programme design, planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, stakeholder coordination, partner capacity strengthening, budget oversight and evidence-based decision-making. Strong understanding of Mozambique’s education sector, with extensive experience working with national, provincial and district education authorities, schools, teachers, communities and development partners. Proven expertise in literacy, girls’ education, inclusive education, school retention, teacher development, school leadership, gender equality and child protection. Demonstrated ability to analyse programme and financial information, identify implementation challenges and support practical solutions.
