Overview

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Program Summary:

The USAID/Somalia Bar Ama Baro, BAB “Teach or Learn” Program will improve access to, and quality of, comprehensive, conflict sensitive education for out-of-school children and youth (ages 9-17 years) whom are most marginalized and living in specific regions of Somalia. The program, in partnership with the Government of Somalia will engage in the design and development of policies that improve access and support to accelerated basic education, increase student enrollment in accelerated education program sites, roll-out comprehensive curriculum and monitor acquisition of literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional learning (SEL) skills among targeted learners. The program will aim to reach targets and enhance the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education’s (MoECHE’s) capacity to regulate them.

Position Summary:

The Program Director will be responsible for providing overall programs leadership across the project. S/he will provide leadership and support to program staff and stakeholders/implementing partners in the implementation of all programmatic activities to drive improvements in children’s educational opportunity and performance in all project supported schools. S/he will lead efforts to improve educational quality in target regions/districts and will be responsible to undertake analysis of technical and programs related data and derive results to inform program decisions. The Program Director position requires senior level leadership and mediation skills to mobilize actors at all levels in supporting a comprehensive program to better serve Somalia’s out-of-school children and youth (OOSCY).

Reporting & Supervision: The Program Director will report to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP). S/he will supervise the project programs team and will be working closely with Creative’s Home Office Education Advisor and the BAB Senior Education Advisor.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work with the programs team and local implementing partners on quarterly implementation/improvement planning, and tracking the timely implementation of activities, flagging any issues to the project management team.
• Supervise the implementation of program activities and assume responsibility to provide technical and program support and guidance to field staff and local partners in targeted regions / districts.
• Provide leadership and ensure complementarity of activity approaches in training, literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional learning across the geographic areas.
• Provide technical inputs and leadership for the implementation of all project programmatic activities.
• Responsible for the design and implementation of key project components such as provision of safe drinking water, school safety aspects, community and parental engagement, coaching and teachers’ professional development, students’ assessments, and capacity building efforts.
• Undertake the analysis of programs and technical collected data and derive results to inform program decisions.
• Work with the relevant program stakeholders and local officials to provide support to sustain policy initiatives and facilitate development and implementation of policies, particularly in the areas of systems, access, attendance, reading instruction, assessment, and accountability.
• Provide capacity-building support on data analysis and evidence-based decision-making to government counterpart.
• Assist in drafting the quarterly/annual reports and assist in the development of any other major contract deliverables.
• Liaise with government representatives and other stakeholders as required.
• Responsible for management, leadership, and mentorship of programs staff.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree required, and MA/MS degree in education, education administration, supervision, development studies, or a related field from an accredited university.
• Must have at least 8 years of general work experience and 5+ years of specific experience
• related to the required position. Must have at least 4+ years of direct supervisory experience
• Prior experience with the development and implementation of evidence-based education materials, and preferably materials’ development in local languages, training programs, classroom monitoring protocols, and tests and assessments.
• Prior experience of working in insecure and hard to reach areas.
• Experience of working with USAID funded programs.
• Deep understanding of principles and concepts of literacy, numeracy and socio-emotional learning, and tools to assess those skills.
• Able to translate complex, technical concepts to a range of stakeholders, with differing levels of knowledge.
• Proficient and fluent in written and spoken English; strong oral and written communication skills.
• Very good knowledge of report writing and writing technical papers/documents.
• Experience in programs in conflict affected regions preferred.
• Proficiency in spoken and written Somali is desired.
• Professional level of oral and written fluency in English is required.
• Proficiency in Somali is highly desired but not required.

Only finalists will be contacted. Please no phone calls.

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (gender/race/disability/veteran) and provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

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