Systems Advisor/ IR 4 Lead 267 views0 applications

Job Description

Systems Advisor / IR 4 Lead – Rwanda Schools and Systems Activity

FHI 360 is a global development organization, with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our team of professionals includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from over 60 offices with more than 4000 employees in the United States and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions.  We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Systems Advisor/ IR 4 Lead for the Schools and Systems (S&S) Activity, a USAID-funded project in Rwanda.

Project Description 

The Rwanda Schools and Systems Activity will strengthen the education system to enable all pre-primary and lower primary school and classroom environments to be of high quality, inclusive, and focused on learning of foundational reading skills. Specifically, the five-year activity will improve learning outcomes by focusing on increasing Kinyarwanda literacy skills of boys and girls through primary 3 (P3) through four intermediate results: (1) Pre-primary education system enhanced to develop, promote and improve emergent literacy, (2) Lower primary reading classroom instruction improved, (3) School environments improved for increased lower primary reading outcomes, and (4) Education systems management strengthened for improved literacy outcomes. The Schools and Systems Activity will include a focus on learning for children with disabilities to ensure project approaches reach all children.

Position Description 

The Systems Advisor/ IR 4 Lead will work under the leadership of the Technical Advisor and have primary responsibility for managing work related to Intermediate Result 4: Education systems management strengthened for improved literacy outcomes.

S/he will directly supervise the Literacy Data Use Specialist and the Decentralization Level Support Coordinator. S/he will consult and work closely with government entities including REB and NESA to plan, manage and facilitate support to improve data collection systems, to increase transparency in data-sharing/use and support increased use of data in decision-making at national and decentralized levels. S/he will also work with faculty from Florida State University to provide leadership for supporting REB/NESA, and possibly pre-service institutions, to create a national learning agenda for emergent/early literacy and carry out at least three demand-driven studies and managing Schools and Systems Activity support for Learning Lab events to synthesize/apply available literacy evidence and learning.

The Systems Advisor will also lead the planning and management of initiatives with district and sector level education actors to coach and mentor school-level staff to ensure that individualized student literacy assessment data is collected, reported and used to improve classroom instruction.

The Systems Advisor will support and Schools and Systems initiatives to mitigate COVID-19 impacts and improve education system resilience and capacity to ensure the continuity of literacy learning. This includes strengthening distance education and supporting the system to improve planning at district and school levels with communities for increasingly feasible and effective foundational learning methods during crisis/recovery.

The work of the Systems Advisor will require close collaboration with the Government of Rwanda, Save the Children, Florida State University and other implementing partners, and key stakeholders.

Job Summary/Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Technical Advisor and participates in discussions with government stakeholders to improve systems for literacy data collection and use.

• Responsible to assure planning, timelines, and scheduling workflow for Result areas 4, in coordination with Save the Children and Florida State University

• Supports Technical Advisor in design and content development for improving data systems and data use

• Provides direct support to government stakeholders to continuously improve the quality of literacy data collection and visualization, and management of data collection systems for literacy-related data (which may include a variety of data, such as student literacy outcomes, teacher training, dashboard generation and visualization)

• Liaises with FHI 360 Technical experts for input and review and incorporates feedback

• Writes and oversees quality and timeliness of professional development activities and facilitates professional development sessions at national and sub-national levels

• Plans and carries out stakeholder discussions, training and collaborative work with the government at central and decentralized levels to improve the quality of and use of literacy related data for decision-making, and decentralized resource management related to improving literacy results

• Coordinates with sub-awardees to assure alignment, quality and integration of activities within Result Areas 4, including for carrying out a research agenda and other initiatives to synthesize and apply literacy evidence.

• Assures initiatives at system support incorporate Schools and Systems efforts focused on improving literacy and the school environment (including school safety, SEL, UDL, gender and disability-inclusion)

• Review’s effectiveness of Result Area 4 and makes recommendations for improvement

• Supports performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of a master’s degree is required in one of the following fields, or closely related field: pre-primary or primary education, education policy, education leadership

• Familiarity with and experience applying Rwanda education strategy, policies and roles and responsibilities of central and decentralized entities involved in pre-primary and primary

• Experience with data-informed, decentralized resource management for education

• At least seven years of demonstrated technical experience in Rwanda working on lower primary education issues

• At least three years of demonstrated excellence in a management position, preferably including direct supervision of professional and support staff, and quality assurance of deliverables

• Demonstrated technical expertise with literacy teaching and learning, and literacy assessment

• Experience and expertise in design of professional development/training and capacity building for large-scale education programs required

• Ability to organize and conduct trainings and technical workshops related to literacy.

• Experience working in or consulting with key government entities, such as REB and NESA

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Kinyarwanda required

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work and are subject to modification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

We offer competitive compensation and a package of exceptional benefits. Please visit the FHI 360 Career Center at http://www.fhi360.org/careers  for a list of all open positions.

FHI 360 is an employer with equal opportunity and affirmative action. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status in policies, programs, or activities.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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