Background
IBIS works for a just world, in which all people have equal access to education, influence and resources and are able to influence the decisions that affect their lives. IBIS has implemented education projects in the marginalised South-East of Liberia since 2005, with focus on complementary education activities including access to quality education, upgrading of teachers’ professional capacity, support to young people’s literacy and skills training needs as well as civil society’s participation in the education sector. IBIS’ work is based on a rights-based approach and takes its departure from constructive, capacity building partnerships with local Government, NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and has the aim to develop and increase these partnerships in the near future, in order to minimise IBIS’ direct activity implementation.
This Education Advisor position is responsible for leading the implementation of the Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP). IBIS considers the position to be an exciting career opportunity for a qualified professional to manage and provide technical assistance to IBIS’ education activities and to be part of a vibrant and growing country programme in Liberia.
Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) IBIS started implementing ALP in 2005 as part of its Education in Emergency and Reconstruction work. The ALP curriculum was developed by the government to reach over-aged and out-of-school children and youth in a 3-year accelerated programme comprising the first six years of primary education. Through providing capacity training to ALP teachers and working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and communities, IBIS is able to provide 2,400 over-aged and out-of school children and youths the opportunity to complete their primary education. In 2009, the Government of Liberia announced the decision to begin phasing out ALP, as it is viewed as part of emergency education. The existing IBIS ALP activities run from 2009-2013, and will phase-out of the EFC programme by 2013.
Key responsibilities of the ALP–Education Advisor The Education Advisor will have the responsibility for managing the daily planning, management, implementation and monitoring of the ALP. This position will have responsibility for human and financial resources and report to the Education Programme Director. Key responsibilities include:
• Provide leadership, direction, technical guidance and motivation to the Harper office team and monitor the ALP’s progress to ensure that goals and objectives are met in an approach that gives focus to quality and addresses the needs of the target group.
• Lead the process of overseeing the effective roll-out of IBIS’ ALP exit strategy in 2013, which includes ensuring that the closure of IBIS’ ALP implementation and Harper Field office does not affect current activity quality and focus.
• Manage the M&E activities to ensure that ALP statistics are effectively collected, analysed and reported on and made accessible to the EFC in general and the Country Office.
• In collaboration with the Education Programme Director and Head of Finance & Administration, identify the needs and develop a structure of support to the Harper office team.
• Provide field support for the implementation of and adherence to operational and management procedures outlined in IBIS’ policies.
• Manage the project budget and related financial procedures and responsible for submitting quarterly narrative and financial donor and internal reports & transfer requests to the Education Programme Director in accordance with the required formats of IBIS and donors.
• Prepare and submit the ALP end of project narrative report.
• Ensure an effective coordination of the logistical aspects of the programme management and implementation of activities.
• In collaboration with the Education Programme Director, ensure that strategic education learning is documented, that lessons learned are taken into account in the development of future project strategies and that key education advocacy messages are identified and advocated for at local and national level.
• Lead IBIS’ role in maintaining good working relationships with local partners and Government authorities and participate in relevant joint programme assessments, task-force teams & workshops.
• Play an active role in the Country Management Team, contributing to learning, strategic thinking and practical recommendations for the continued development of IBIS’ education work in Liberia. The position will be based in Harper, Maryland County, with regular travel to other Counties in the South-East as well as to the Country Office in Monrovia.
The successful candidate should have:
• A relevant degree in education, preferably with technical experience in both formal and non-formal education.
• Five years professional work experience in education, teacher training , project management , of which at least 2 years should be with an international NGO.
• Have practical experience with and a good understanding of teaching, training and pedagogical methodologies. High level skills as a trainer with experience of developing and delivering training to a varied audience, such as teachers, community educators, PTA’s, and IBIS staff.
• Have practical experience in management of personnel, strategic planning, financial planning and control systems as well as the ability to contribute to a team building environment.
• Demonstrated high level of conceptual and analytical thinking skills and excellent strategic programme development skills in areas of Activity Based Learning.
• An understanding of child protection issues, conflict resolution and of the traumatic impact of violence and displacement upon children and communities.
• Good interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively and build relationships at all levels, taking into account cultural and language differences.
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English and the capacity to communicate often complex and sensitive issues to a wide and varied audience.
• Ability to maintain performance expectations in diverse cultural contexts, psychologically stressful environments and physical hardship conditions with limited resources.
• Working knowledge of political, economic, social and cultural development of West Africa is an advantage.
How to apply:
Terms of employment Initial contract period April 2012 – December 2013. Salary according to IBIS’ salary package for expatriates. Non-family posting.
Application guidelines We look forward to receiving a motivated application letter and a detailed Curriculum Vita completed in English. Please state application no. LIB-EA/ALP-0112 and forward applications by email to job@ibis.dk Interviews are planned to take place in February 2012. For further information specific to the position, please contact: Rosalind Hanson-Alp (Country Director, IBIS Liberia) rosalind@ibiswestafrica.com
IBIS considers diversity to be an advantage and we encourage everybody – irrespective of age, gender and of racial, religious, sexual or ethnic affiliation – to apply for this position.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 01 February 2012
