Chief of Party/Country Coordinator, AED Information Technology Applications

Closing Date: Friday, 29 July 2011

Project Summary: The Rwanda Education Commons (REC) is a four-year program funded by USAID that aims to improve the quality of education through the use of ICTs in Rwanda. REC works within the Rwanda Ministry of Education to: (1) support ICT4E policy and coordination; (2) acquire, adapt, and develop multimedia educational materials; (3) distribute multimedia education materials and develop communities of practice around their use; and (4) build capacity to produce and teach with ICT-infused education materials. The primary target population of REC activities are teacher instructors, pre-service teachers, and in-service teachers.

Position Summary: The Chief of Party I/Country Coordinator will lead a team of professional and support staff in Kigali who comprise the program management and implementation team. The Coordinator is directly accountable to his or her supervisor at AED and to USAID. The Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the program attains its goals and meets its obligations in a timely fashion. He/she provides day-to-day leadership and management of field-implemented activities.

Essential Job Functions:

Lead and foster, a dynamic, collaborative and productive team of professional and support staff who share a vision and culture that leads to attaining results and professional fulfillment a. Conduct performance monitoring of staff in a collaborative manner b. Cultivate a work environment of shared vision, openness, team work, and empowerment within the whole team d. See that regular team meetings are held and that follow-up is given to action items

Serve as lead program representative for all interested stakeholders in Rwanda a. Liaise with representatives of MINEDUC to ensure the alignment of REC activities with Ministry priorities b. Liaise with key REC partners, including the Teacher Service Commission, the Kigali Institute of Education, Artel, and USAID c. Keep AED regularly informed of program activities, and respond to AED requests in a timely and professional manner d. Represent, or designate the representative, of the REC team in all settings

Oversee program implementation and logistics a. Monitor the pace of work daily and program finances on a weekly basis; with particular attention to implementation of planned program activities b. Adhere to AED and USAID guidelines and regulations for local subcontracting, procurement, and staff management and adhere to Rwandan legal codes and labor laws in all transactions including the employment of local staff c. Work closely with the REC Financial Manager and home office to ensure wise use of program funds and accurate accounting d. Manage the local payroll, local income tax contributions, and staff reimbursements for program expenses e. Forge professional and trustworthy relationships with local vendors, subcontractors, and collaborators, monitor local subcontractor performance, and technical and financial reporting

Technical Leadership a. Ensure that program activities reflect the agreed upon vision and strategies for implementation and are working toward the achievement of program results b. Encourage and be an example of cooperation and open communication with partners and stakeholders c. Monitor technical implementation of all activities through close engagement and regular reporting mechanisms d. Assist with program close-out activities.

Ensure the promotion and quality of an online community of practice at TTCs a. Ensure, with the assistance of the REC Technologist, the adequacy and sustainability of Internet connectivity at Rwanda's TTCs b. Promote, with the assistance of the REC Technologist, a strong incentive program for participation in the REC online community c. Ensure, with the assistance of the REC Content Specialist and Digital Librarian, the quality and relevance of materials in the REC digital library

Ensure the promotion and quality of the REC video broadcasting program a. Ensure, with the assistance of the REC Video Producer, the quality of the broadcast television broadcasts

Monitoring and Reporting a. Oversee, in collaboration with the REC Program Manager, and with the assistance of the REC M&E Specialists in Kigali and in Washington, the M&E component of the program b. Ensure that indicators are being tracked and reported upon in a timely manner, particularly in the close-out phase c. Discuss ongoing program results with AED/Washington, USAID, and the Rwanda Ministry of Education, informing stakeholders of areas of the program in which results may not be achieved d. Ensure that required reports are submitted in a timely manner and are of high quality

Maintain excellent client communications a. Liaise regularly with USAID/Rwanda b. Respond to USAID requests in a timely and professional manner c. Advise USAID of any obstacles to program success in a timely and constructive manner

Maintain close communication with AED/Washington team a. Advise AED/Washington and the REC team of any obstacles to program success in a timely and constructive manner b. Ensure that approvals are requested in a timely (not last minute) manner c. Ensure that all actions requiring approval from AED/Washington are undertaken only after approvals are received d. Submit monthly Progress Reports, trip reports, and close-out documents on time, allowing adequate time for review and consultation

Ensure accurate and proactive dissemination of information about program a. Ensure, with the assistance of the REC Communications Specialist, creative design and compelling content for information products b. Encourage local staff capacity to contribute to and develop dissemination strategies and tools c. Solicit audience feedback through multiple channels and report on this feedback in annual, quarterly, and close-out documents d. Respond to feedback to improve dissemination efforts

Promote and ensure the sustainability of REC activities a. Liaise with MINEDUC and MINICT to identify activities that will be transferred to the Ministries upon the completion of REC b. Ensure, in collaboration with the GLP Managing Director and sustainability consultant, the completion and implementation of a sustainability strategy and business plan for continued REC activities.

Security-Related Duties: A. Final decisions in all crisis situations. B.Disciplinary or dismissive action when lapses occur in security management. C. Decisions based on his/her assessment of the operational context. D. Ensure the fundamental elements of safety and security management are fulfilled, including a basic level of training for all staff. E. Keeps Headquarters aware of the current security situation, possible scenarios and any anticipated concerns for safety and security. F. Updating regularly and circulating of Safety and Security Contingency Plan (SSCP) and the Security Management Plan (SMP).

Education: Masters in one of the following or related fields: Curriculum & Teaching or Dev, Learning & Instruction or Developmental Education or Education Agency Administration required or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Specific Knowledge Requirements: Minimum of 11 years of experience working in and managing international education/development programs. In addition, technical experience in teacher and curriculum development will be important to provide strong technical leadership in these areas. Prior work and experience with pre-service and in-service teachers will be an asset.

Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills and understanding of working in different cultural settings and with international aid agencies. Demonstrated management and technical leadership of related program. Excellent written and oral skills. Demonstrated ability to manage a team of specialists in highly professional manner. Fluent English language; the ability to work (read, speak, and write) entirely in English is required. Working knowledge of French language preferred

Interested applicants should apply online to position #BB11111. For additional information, visit our website at http://www.aed.org.