Description
Wanting to work in International Development, but need significant field experience? This position could be right for you. AGE Africa seeks a long term paid volunteer to act as a Program Coordinator to implement vital educational programs in rural Malawi. 1 year commitment required. AGE provides comprehensive scholarships to young women attending secondary school at three boarding schools, and 1 day school in Malawi. Additionally AGE implements extracurricular Career Guidance, Life Skills & Leadership programming for our students to ensure that they stay in school and are prepared to access opportunities upon graduation.
2011 will be a year of concentrated program development and growth for AGE Africa, and we seek a staff person to help us build capacity through this exciting process. In 2011 we will be differentiating and finalizing our curricula, expanding our scholarships to include Community Day Secondary School students, and implementing a comprehensive Monitoring & Evaluation Strategy. The Program Assistant will initially be based for 2 months in Zomba to undergo training with our Program Director.
The position’s permanent post, however, is Mulanje District on site at one of our partner schools—Providence Secondary—with weekly travel to Zomba (and occasionally Mangochi).
Principal Duties & Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):
Conduct outreach to new school partners in Mulanje District.
Oversee the expansion of our programs into new schools–including scholar selection and extra-curricular program implementation in Mulanje.
Research & facilitate a career guidance curriculum for senior form students at the assigned school site(s). Topics will include, small business skills, resume development, job search techniques, and the college application process in Malawi.
Research and coordinate a guest speaker series to expose students to women in different professions.
Oversee and co-facilitate our peer-led Life Skills curriculum with Mulanje-based students as required.
Assist the Program Director in administering the scholarship fund as needed.
Write regular reports and gather data on program outcomes.
Assist in coordinating AGE’s annual All Scholars Retreat.
Conduct village visits to the homes of new scholars from assigned school sites.
Maintain strong working relationships with students and administration at all assigned school sites.
Maintain accurate records on students and PA’s school site(s).
Help manage program volunteers as required.
Desired Skills & Qualifications:
Bachelors degree required, preferably in the Social Sciences or Humanities, Master’s Degree preferred. Equivalent professional/life experience will be considered in lieu of a formal degree in outstanding cases.
MUST be able to take initiative, work independently, as well as work effectively with a culturally and socio-economically diverse group of colleagues and program participants.
Prior experience in sub-saharan Africa strongly preferred, prior experience with Malawi and/or Chichewa language, a serious advantage.
1-3 years work experience in program implementation and/or coordination.
Experience working with teen-aged youth a plus. Background in Education preferred, specifically experience in teaching or working with adolescents.
Experience with curriculum development desired.
Must be proficient in Word, Excel, and preferably have experience with database creation and/or management.
Must be organized, able to multitask, and a creative problem solver.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate logistics and implement action plans.
This position reports to the Program Director and will require significant travel to and from Zomba (approx 3 hours) & Blantyre (1 hour) on local transport—especially during the first 3 months of on the job training. Please note: this position requires a willingness to live and work in often challenging situations for a wonderful cause. Applicant must understand that these basic infrastructural systems such as electricity and running water, often don’t function in Malawi for several hours in a day.
How to apply
AGE Africa will provide secure permanent accommodation for the Program Coordinator on site in Mulanje. Additionally AGE, will provide for the PC’s accommodation when required to be in Zomba (particularly in the first 6 months), all program related travel expenses, one round trip plane ticket from the US to Malawi, and a $450/month stipend to cover other living expenses (more than enough to cover your costs in Malawi).
Please send a cover letter & CV by May 31st to Aubryn at jobs@ageafrica.org. Position starts in June. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.