Job: Literacy Advisor at FHI 360 - Rwanda Country Office. Deadline 22nd August 2021

Job Description

Literacy Advisor – 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 a Literacy Advisor for the Schools and Systems (S&S) 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 Literacy Advisor will work closely with the Technical Advisor to provide technical leadership in designing and implementing programs to improve lower primary literacy instruction, including teacher professional development systems, and improvement of school environments (Result Areas 2 and 3). S/he will directly supervise the Teacher Professional Development Specialist. S/he will plan, manage and facilitate professional development activities for teachers, school leaders and coaches/mentors in research-based literacy instruction. S/he will contribute to authoring literacy professional development content for a blended learning model including face-to-face and distance education e-courses.  The Literacy Advisor will also lead work on assuring education leaders and teachers are building a culture of literacy assessment implementation and use. S/he will work through GoR systems and with support of Schools and Systems experts and partners to improve school culture that supports gender and disability inclusion, social and emotional learning practice, and application of universal design for learning.  The work of the Literacy 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 teacher professional development systems;
• Responsible to assure planning, timelines, and scheduling work flow for Result areas 2 and 3, in coordination with Save the Children and Florida State University
• Supports Technical Advisor in design and content development for teacher/school leader professional development through blended and distance learning (face to face training, e-courses, coaching, etc.)
• Liaises with FHI 360 Technical experts for input and review and incorporates feedback
• Oversees quality and timeliness of professional development activities and facilitates professional development sessions
• Helps frame the work of specialists related to Result Areas 2 and 3 in terms of literacy, and works with them to integrate GESI, SBC and well-being initiatives into professional development
• Carries out stakeholder discussions, training and collaborative work with the GoR at central and decentralized levels to improve the quality of professional development for school staff, in support of inclusive literacy instruction and assessment that promotes well-being
• Coordinates with sub-awardees to assure alignment, quality and integration of activities within and across Result Areas 2 and 3, such as parent and community engagement for literacy and pre-service teacher training, tracking achievement of milestones
• Plans and oversees activities to improve the school environment, including school safety, SEL, UDL, gender and disability-inclusion, to ensure effective integration with literacy programming;
• Reviews effectiveness of Result Area 2 and 3 activities 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’sdegree is required in one of the following fields, or closely related field: reading education, curriculum and instruction, or elementary teacher education
• Working knowledge of instructional design
• At least six years of demonstrated technical experience in Rwanda
• 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 assessment
• Experience and expertise in overseeing the design of teacher professional development for large-scale education programs required
• Ability to organize and conduct trainings and technical workshops related to literacy;
• Experience teaching in primary schools strongly preferred;
• 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. 

The deadline: 22nd August 2021