Kyrgyzstan: Lead Education Specialist- Improved Basic Education in the Kyrgyz Republic

Lead Education Specialist

Improved Basic Education in the Kyrgyz Republic

World Learning is a leading international non-profit organization advancing education, systems strengthening, and inclusive development through programming around the world. We are seeking an experienced Lead Education Specialist for the anticipated USAID-funded Improved Basic Education in the Kyrgyz Republic program, focused on improving early grade learning outcomes in the Kyrgyz Republic for 300,000 students in grades one through four, giving children a better foundation for educational achievement.

The Lead Education Specialist will oversee design of reading, numeracy, math, teacher professional development, and materials development approaches. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic individual with demonstrated knowledge of primary education sector work, early grade learning approaches for reading, numeracy, and math, experience working with government specialists in the development of training modules, assessment, and supplementary materials, and will possess the ability to respectfully collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall management, oversight, and direction to the program’s reading and numeracy interventions, including development of standards, benchmarks, and assessment systems;
• Coordinate with and provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MOES) in the analysis and appraisal of quality of instruction, curriculum reform efforts, materials development, and production for the dissemination of early grade educational materials;
• Provide technical direction related to policies, training, and teaching methodologies;
• Supervise the production of activity-supported materials, trainings, teacher and classroom supervision and monitoring, and student testing efforts;
• Lead technical assistance and dialogue related to reading and numeracy instruction best practices with the MOES, local schools, partners, and civil society organizations/community-based organizations;
• Ensure complementarity of program approaches across the country, liaise with government representatives and technicians on technical matters, and bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring that targeted students achieve improved outcomes in reading, numeracy and math;
• Build community and host country government awareness regarding the importance of early grade learning outcomes;
• Work with senior project staff to help analyze and reflect on monitoring and evaluation data to continually inform and refine overall project design;
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree in education, literacy, early grade reading, or related field; a focus on reading and/or numeracy competencies and outcome desired
• A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated relevant experience; experience managing early grade reading activities for projects of similar size and scope, preferably in the Kyrgyz Republic or the region
• Expertise in teacher training, curriculum design and improvement, teaching and learning materials, inclusive education, and gender-sensitive pedagogy and curriculum
• Familiarity with common education tools and approaches to improving education outcomes, including those of USAID and other international organizations
• Understanding of the development and education systems in the Kyrgyz Republic;
• Professional level of verbal and written fluency in English required and Kyrgyz and/or Russian preferred; Kyrgyz Republic Nationals preferred;
• Commitment to inclusive programming that encourages full participation of individuals regardless of gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or other marginalized status.

World Learning is anequal employment opportunity/affirmative action/veterans/ADA employer, committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project. Interested candidates should submit their CV or resume and cover letter (in English) to: recruitment@worldlearning.org. Please include the post title on the subject line as well as a note explaining your qualifications for the position in the email body. Only finalist candidates will be contacted. No telephone enquiries please. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and qualified candidates should apply as soon as possible.