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.
FHI 360’s Global Education team addresses systemic challenges in the quality and access to education from early childhood in the primary education cycle and into secondary and tertiary education. The department maintains expertise in all aspects of education systems and contexts, including teacher professional development, policy, curriculum and materials development, school management, classroom instruction, gender equity, information management, education in emergencies, and systems development.
The 5-year Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity, will work in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to address system-wide constraints and increase the MOE’s capacity to provide decentralized and inclusive education, monitor progress, and sustain improved learning outcomes for all children and youth. The activity will support the central MOE to improve education data, resource management, and accountability, and work to improve county-, district-, and school-level governance processes and systems in Montserrado, Margibi, Lofa, Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties. The activity will target education officials and professionals at the central, county, district, and school level with its capacity development interventions with the end goal of improving education outcomes for children and youth.
We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Senior Government Systems Advisor to provide 1) targeted support to the USAID Education System Strengthening Activity (ESSA) and 2) strategic support for FHI 360’s Global Education Department.
Position Description
The Senior Government Systems Advisor will contribute to the development of FHI 360’s Global Education portfolio and provide high-level technical support to relevant education projects, specifically the Liberia Education System Strengthening Activity (ESSA). As part of this role, the Senior Government Systems Advisor will work in partnership with ESSA project leadership to shape the strategic direction of the project. S/he will consult and work closely with government entities at central, county, and district levels 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 facilitate relationship building at all levels of the education system and support the planning and management of activities designed to improve capacity-building in resource management and accountability. The work of the Senior Government Systems Advisor will require close collaboration with the Government of Liberia, implementing partners, and key stakeholders.
The Senior Government Systems Advisor will work closely with other global education experts and colleagues across FHI 360 to contribute to FHI 360’s thought leadership and business development initiatives and to elevate the organization’s visibility in the global education space.
Job Summary/Responsibilities
Provide technical leadership in the design and implementation of the Liberia Education System Strengthening Activity (ESSA), working closely with project leadership and host-country education stakeholders to improve education systems and delivery. Specific responsibilities within ESSA:
In close collaboration with the Chief of Party, liaise with government officials from MOE and other relevant Ministries and Agencies to facilitate local leadership/ownership and productive partnership.
Ensure that project activities are aligned with local policies, programs/systems and priorities.
Provide technical assistance across all intermediate results and workstreams to ensure the project is optimized to the Liberian context, leverages current and past MOE- and partner-led initiatives/successes, and maximizes MOE’s ability and willingness to sustain activities beyond the life of the project.
Lead and support the development of project strategies, approaches and frameworks; provide guidance to technical and operational aspects of the project to maximize impact.
Take a leadership role in embedding the project with existing MOE systems, processes and initiatives such as the education sector analysis and planning cycle.
Lead and support communicating project initiatives and successes to local, national, and international audiences.
Facilitate meetings and workshops between the project and local stakeholders, including MOE and other government Ministries/Agencies, universities, civil society, and private sector partners, among others.
Other responsibilities as necessary.
Collaborate with, and provide high-level technical input to, FHI 360’s Global Education Department. Specific responsibilities can include:
Network with global donor and MOE officials to understand education needs and priorities, forge new partnerships, and convey FHI 360 areas of technical expertise.
Lead and support thought leadership initiatives to elevate FHI 360’s profile in target markets and with priority clients.
Lead and support new business development initiatives including gathering intelligence to build a robust pipeline; leading/participating in positioning events and initiatives; strengthening and building relationships with USAID Missions and new clients; and supporting proposal design and development.
Contribute to the direction of FHI 360’s Global Education department’s strategic priorities identifying potential areas for growth and expansion.
Represent FHI 360 in external working groups, task teams, conferences and other forms of professional dialogue focusing on global education.
Identify and recommend strategic partners, including local partners, to complement and strengthen programmatic impact and sustainability.
Other responsibilities as necessary.
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.
12+ years of relevant experience designing, managing, and/or evaluating educational programs or services.
Documented participation on education bodies or committees that define and/or administer education policies and programs.
Experience leading business development or similar efforts to fund educational programming.
Experience in education system strengthening in developing contexts, with specific experience in Liberia preferred.
Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization.
International education program development or program management preferred.
Experience working in or consulting with key government or international entities.
Demonstrated experience working with host government counterparts, donors and other partners in meeting shared goals and targets.
Experience in Liberia and/or sub-Saharan Africa strongly preferred.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English required.
Must be eligible to work in the United States.
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.
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.
Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.
FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
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