EDC is a global nonprofit organization that designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. Working with public sector and private partners, we harness the power of people and systems to improve education, health
promotion and care, workforce preparation, communications technologies, and civic engagement. Founded in 1958, EDC’s headquarters are located in Waltham MA, USA. We also have offices in New York City and Washington, DC, USA. EDC implements projects in over 35 countries.
Project Description
The USAID funded Advancing Youth Project is a five year project to provide basic education, social and leadership development, and improved livelihoods to out of school youth, ages 13 – 35 in five counties of Liberia. AYP will help Liberian young people develop the basic literacy, numeracy, workforce readiness and life skills necessary to progress academically, obtain skills training, find jobs, or create their own employment, as well maintain healthy lifestyles and participate in their communities.
Job Description:
Job Title: Education and Capacity Building Specialist
Under the supervision the Deputy Chief of Party for Programs, the Education and Capacity Building Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing a plan to build the capacity of the Ministry of Education and partner non-governmental and community-based organizations to support the effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of ABE.
Essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
• Work with the Deputy Program Manager and the MoE to develop and implement an Action
Research agenda and work plan focused on establishing best practices for ABE delivery in Liberia
and using learning to strengthen Liberia’s ABE system
• Oversee Action Research implementation
• Work with M&E staff to collect, analyze and share action research findings
• Work collaboratively with the MoE and its partners to develop processes and structures based on
Action Research results
• Develop and administer an Institutional Capacity Assessment Tool (ICAT) to measure current
capacity of MoE unit(s) responsible for ABE and collaboratively establish learning agenda(s) based on ICAT results
• Provide and/or supervise the delivery of capacity building training/support, as appropriate, at
national, county and district levels; including supervising short term international technical
assistance, as necessary
• Oversee/partner with M&E teams on data analysis and report drafting as part of building inhouse/internal staff capacity
• Work with M&E, to design and implement a PTA capacity assessment tool to measure current
capacity of PTAs supporting ABE activities and establish and implement a learning agenda based on PTA Assessment results
• Develop a system for collating information on existing ABE/Adult Education/NFE programs
• Develop and implement a process for selecting partner NGOs/CBOs tasked with the delivery of
ABE
• Participate with Teaching and Learning Team in curriculum design, as needed
• Develop and implement a process for selecting partner NGOs/CBOs tasked with the delivery of
livelihood training programs
• Develop and administer an Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool (OCAT) to measure current capacity of partner NGO/CBOs and collaboratively establish learning agendas based on OCAT results
• Provide and/or supervise the delivery of capacity building training/support, as appropriate, for
partner NGOs/CBOs
• Develop Scopes of Work for NGOs/CBOs and work with LRC staff to develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation plan for NGOs/CBOs
• Work collaboratively with Finance and M&E to develop and monitor a grant management system
• Conduct these and other tasks as required in support of Advancing Youth Project goals
Qualifications and Requirements:
• Masters degree in Education or other relevant subject
• Extensive experience in capacity development including working with government and NGO staff
• Minimum of 3 years experience in development context, preferably both in Liberia and in other
similar countries
• Experience supervising staff, both directly and in field offices
• Experience with USAID or other donor-funded projects
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English including ability to write reports for submission to head office, the MoE and USAID
• Experience in creating and using databases and spreadsheets
• Demonstrated managerial and communication skills
• Ability to build effective relationships with all clients, peers, and stakeholders
• Ability to effectively train in project topics
• Able to work within a cross cultural setting, negotiate diplomatically, and function well under
pressure
• Ability to liaise closely with senior technical advisors and provide leadership to on-the-ground staff and partner work teams
• Excellent computer skills required including MS Word, MS Excel and MS Access required. Skills in SPSS, Stata, and other statistical software are beneficial
• Teaching certificate and/or classroom experience preferred
• Experience in M&E, ideally on education programs preferred
• Experience in design and use of instruments for collecting, managing and reporting data preferred
• Proactive and creative, get the job done spirit
• Culturally astute, respectful and tolerant
• Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within team in difficult work environment
Reporting and Organizational Relationships:
This a local position is located in Monrovia, Liberia and reports Deputy Chief of Party for Programs. This position will maintain close communication relationships with the technical team as well as operations and finance staff as relevant.
Application Details:
• Applications for this position should be sent via electronic mail to Tetee Smith at
liberiajobs@edc.org
• Applicants should include 1 document as an attachment in MS Word, pdf or similar of no more
than 5 pages. The title of the attached document should be the format of “Applicant’s Name –
Position Title” – for instance “Joe Gaie – M&E Officer Nimba” or “Josephine Smith – ABE
Coordinator Montserrado”.
• This single document must include a cover letter of no more than 1 page stating why they wish to
apply for the job and why they possess the necessary skills, experience and qualifications. The
document should also contain a CV of no more than 4 pages detailing relevant experience and
qualifications and including the contact information of three references as well as contact
information for the current supervisor.
• Applicants may be tested on their communication and writing skills and other skills as required for
the position.
EDC is committed to diversity in the workplace. EDC offers a supportive work environment,
competitive salary, and an excellent benefits package.
Application Deadline: 8 June 2012