Education Program Management Specialist- Readvertised

Introduction

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:The United States Agency for International Development Mission to Kenya (USAID/Kenya) seeks a qualified Kenyan for the position of Education Program Management Specialist in the Office of Education and Youth (EDY). 
 

Minimum Requirements

Open to Qualified Kenyan Citizens.Employees currently on probation are ineligible to apply.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Any application that does not meet the minimum requirements stated below will not be evaluated. Only short listed applicants will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within one month from the closing date of this advertisement, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Selection will be based on the following criteria (maximum points available: 100).  Applicants are required to address each of the evaluation criteria on a separate sheet, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor.
  1. Education (20 points): A Master’s degree in education or international development is required. 
  2. Experience (30 points): Minimum requirement of at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in education, international development, program management, or a related field. Experience working with the GOK and donor institutional structures in education or a related sector is highly desirable. Prior certification to work as an Assistance/Contracts Officer’s Technical Representative (COR/AOR), and qualification to administer obligated funds under USAID contracting instruments, such as grants and contracts is strongly preferred. 
  3. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (30 points): A comprehensive knowledge of the theories and practices around access and quality of education is required.  Knowledge of best practices for early grade reading, challenges related to educating in-school and out-of-school children and youth, formal and non-formal/alternative approaches to education, education as a tool of development assistance, and human and institutional capacity building is preferred. Proven ability to adapt in the face of change, synthesize new information, and then provide sound advice to Mission management and others.  Ability to assess problems and develop sound solutions such as planning for and administering funds, personnel and equipment to best serve education program oversight objectives; ability to work with minimal supervision and work in a fast paced environment; and strong organizational skills. 
  4. Language and Communication Skills (20 points): The position requires strong communications, mentoring, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs sometimes with short deadlines.   Advanced competency in MS Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.  Excellent English writing and editing skills, as well as an excellent ability to process information from a wide variety of sources into cohesive, polished documents is highly desirable.  Fluent (Level IV) English language proficiency in speaking and writing is the minimum requirement. Demonstrated ability in developing and maintaining counterpart contacts and relationships at senior levels is strongly preferred.  


 

Job Specification

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION
The United States Agency for International Development Mission to Kenya (USAID/Kenya) seeks a qualified Kenyan for the position of Education Program Management Specialist in the Office of Education and Youth (EDY).  This position requires senior-level technical expertise in the field of basic education and practical knowledge of program and project design, management, and monitoring and evaluation.  The incumbent provides leadership and management to the USAID/Kenya basic education portfolio, and the candidate chosen for this position will be expected to participate actively and fully in organizational management of the Office. S/he is required to possess a high degree of competence and maturity, and will manage productive relationships with the Embassy, other donors, the private sector, non-governmental and civil society organizations, and private voluntary organizations (PVOs) from the local, regional, and international arenas.  The position entails effective and continuous communication with Government of Kenya (GOK) officials on all levels, ensuring that USAID/Kenya is fully engaged in the education sector reform agenda.  The position functions under the supervision of the Basic Education Team Leader, unless otherwise directed by the Office Director of EDY.

BACKGROUND
Kenya boasts the largest, most diversified economy in East Africa, and the country’s role as a transport hub amplifies its importance for much of sub-Saharan Africa. Decades of inequitable and often corrupt governance have dampened economic progress and exacerbated ethnic divisions. Kenya’s new constitution and devolved government provide an opportunity to change this scenario.

Education is a centerpiece of the GOK’s Vision 2030—its ambitious plan to transform Kenya into a middle-income country by 2030. Free Primary Education and Free Day Secondary Education are part of this vision, and have produced a dramatic response.  Since 2003, primary school enrollment has increased by nearly 3 million pupils (a 46% increase), while the number of schools grew by 7,000 (a 38% increase).  Unfortunately, educational quality has not kept pace with quantity. One third of children in second grade cannot read a single word, and just three percent can read with proficiency. 

In line with USAID’s global education strategy, USAID/Kenya’s basic education portfolio focuses on improving the early grade reading skills of Kenya’s nine million primary school children.  In target schools, USAID’s early grade reading pilot program has increased the percent reading with proficiency to 20 percent in just one year, a 535 percent increase.  A primary responsibility for the Education Program Management Specialist position through 2018 will be managing the national scale-up of methodologies and materials that are proven to improve reading outcomes, in addition to other basic education projects. Beyond 2018, new programs will be designed and managed by the Education Program Management Specialist based on USAID strategies and GOK priorities.  

USAID/Kenya also works to empower Kenyan youth to promote their own development and prosperity, become responsible citizens, and advocate for peace and better governance. Over 2.5 million youth (aged 18-35) are unemployed and, over the last six years, the Kenyan economy has generated only 150,000 formal-sector jobs in total -- leaving millions of youth without opportunities for formal employment.  USAID’s largest youth program, the $57 million Yes Youth Can activity, is working with nearly one million youth in 20,000 villages nationwide to improve youth voice and increase livelihood opportunities.

With PEPFAR funds, USAID supports public-private partnerships that provide scholarships, mentoring and career guidance to orphans and vulnerable young people, and implements programs that use peer education and community engagement to promote healthy behavior and HIV prevention.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position operates under the direction of the Basic Education Team Leader, but with wide latitude for planning, organizing, and executing assigned responsibilities.  The incumbent supervises the accomplishment of or personally performs the most difficult and complex work involved in the education program.  S/he must understand and apply a highly technical body of knowledge, as well as applicable laws and agency regulations and instructions.  Guidance received from the Basic Education Team Leader is almost wholly related to policy, program objectives, and priorities.  Within such guidelines, this holder of this position plans and undertakes important projects and carries them to completion without significant supervision.  Demands are heavy on initiative, resourcefulness, and sound judgment.  S/he will work independently, while informing and consulting within EDY, USAID/Kenya, and the US Embassy, as necessary.  

The Education Program Management Specialist will provide support to EDY in the following ways:

Program Management and Related Duties (60%)

The incumbent plans, designs, develops, and manages new and existing education programs and activities as a team member in EDY.  These duties include making decisions on activity implementation matters, identifying and resolving program issues, assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, and in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements.  S/he will serve as the Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative or activity manager for programs and activities that include policy reform, local capacity development, and other areas relevant to the education and youth objectives of USAID/Kenya and the Agency writ large. Specifically, it is anticipated that the Education Program Management Specialist will manage the existing research activity in early grade reading and the planned national scale up of that methodology, in addition to supporting management of other activities as needed.  Adaptability and flexibility will be required as the Education Program Management Specialist’s primary responsibilities may change over time as new USAID strategies and GOK priorities emerge. S/he will be responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of implementing partners and other education sector activities, for obtaining and reporting on results and possible setbacks, and for initiating programmatic adjustments, when necessary.  In addition to other activities, the Education Program Management Specialist will provide inputs into annual plans, budgets, schedules for allocation, obligation, and expenditure, portfolio reviews, evaluation planning and implementation, audits, development and outreach communications, and other EDY, Mission, and USG efforts to ensure effective, cost-effective, and responsible programming and reporting in compliance with USG and USAID regulations and ethics standards, and, ultimately, help USAID achieve its education objectives in Kenya.

Technical Specialist and Representational Duties (25%)

The incumbent will serve as a senior technical advisor to EDY, USAID/Kenya, and the US Mission to Kenya on basic education and other sector reforms, particularly as related to basic education.  The Education Program Management Specialist will keep abreast of and analyze economic, political, and other trends affecting education development, and will keep the Mission informed of these trends.  S/he will be considered an expert resource on education quality and improving learning outcomes (particularly with regards to early grade reading) and other areas related to basic education, and will be expected to participate actively in internal and external strategy discussions, including active engagement across sectors at the Mission.  The Education Program Management Specialist will identify ways to further meet both USG foreign policy and GOK education sector policy objectives in Kenya.  S/he will be required to maintain relationships with a wide range of contacts in government and semi-autonomous government agencies, private sector and civil society organizations, donor agencies, implementing partners, and other stakeholders as related to the education sector, and to represent USAID and the USG with internal and external audiences as required. S/he will work to best facilitate the exchange of technical information and ideas, to collaborate on cross-cutting issues, to provide effective collaboration among actors in the education sector, and to promote program/project synergies.  

Office of Education and Youth Duties (15%)

The Education Program Management Specialist will be required to assist in creating a supportive work environment that values diversity, and elicits the highest possible level of performance from all team members, including accomplishment of all other duties as assigned.

POSITION ELEMENT

a. Supervision Received: The incumbent will receive minimal supervision from the Basic Education Team Leader, unless otherwise directed by the Office Director of EDY, in the day-to-day performance of assigned duties.   S/he will handle work assignments independently according to established policies, previous training, and accepted practices.  S/he will be expected to develop her/his own work schedule and procedures for accomplishing tasks, and to independently resolve problems that may arise during execution of objectives.  

b. Available Guidelines: USAID and State department regulations (ADS, AIDAR, FAM, Standardized Regulations), and where appropriate, USAID/Kenya Mission Orders, and relevant USAID directives, policies, and strategies.

c. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent will exercise professional judgment to make decisions and recommendations on the USAID education portfolio. S/he will apply appropriate Agency and Federal regulations and policies to a broad spectrum of technical and program support matters and in communications with Embassy and Mission employees, GOK counterparts, Kenya private sector individuals, and counterparts at other donor organizations. The Mission may make policy based on her/his recommendations.  

d. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will speak with authority on USAID project implementation requirements and regulations acting as both a specialist and an information resource to contacts in both public and private sectors. S/he is expected to represent USAID/Kenya with high level government and other counterparts; however, s/he cannot commit USG funds.

e. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will interact regularly with senior government officials (e.g., the Permanent Secretary, Departmental Directors, and other staff in the Ministry of Education), high level officials in donor agencies (including other USG agencies), and senior staff of local and international private sector and civil society organizations.  S/he may be the principal liaison with on issues related to program implementation and USG policy.  Most contacts will be in the education sector, related to policy, planning and budgeting, program implementation, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation.

f. Supervision Exercised: None.

g. Time required to perform the full range of duties after entry into position: The employee will be expected to work a full 40-hour week and be available as needed to deal with emergency situations and during times of heavy workload. It is expected that twelve months will be required for the incumbent to become familiar with the tasks outlined in this position.


NOTE
Current USG employees must meet the "time-in-grade" requirement of 52 weeks in the previous lower grade to qualify for the position at the level in this vacancy announcement or be at the same grade for which the position is being recruited. 

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Complete the job application questionnaire at www.myjobsinkenya.com/usaid. Complete the questionnaire to the end. Once this is done, go to Step 2. 

Step 2: Internal Applicants/Current USG Employees: Send a memo explaining your qualifications for the position, up-to-date resume, and a copy of your most recent Performance Evaluation Report to nairobihr@usaid.gov.

OR
External Applicants: Send a letter explaining your qualifications for the position and up-to-date resume/curriculum vitae to nairobihr@usaid.gov. 

Scan and send all your attachments as one document. The Notice No. (on the top left-hand side of the vacancy announcement), and your name, as it appears on your online application, MUST be included in your e-mail subject line. 

All applications must be done electronically. Hard copy applications will not be accepted. 
Incomplete application packages will not be considered. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is COB July 11, 2013.
Education Program Management Specialist- Readvertised Education Program Management Specialist- Readvertised Reviewed by Unknown on 9:26:00 AM Rating: 5

JOBS CATEGORY

Tanzania Kenya NGO JOBS Uganda Best Jobs Consultancy Rwanda ICT JOBS Administrative United Nations Sudan Best Jobs Finance Health - Medical Engineering Ethiopia Education Agricultural Lecturer Human Resources Somalia Media Congo - Kinshasa Legal Jobs Bank Jobs Monitoring and Evaluation Mining World Vision Burundi Procurement African Barrick Gold Accountant Zambia Sales and Marketing US EMBASSY East African Community Mozambique Telecoms Research CARE International Save The Children Plan International Arusha Malawi South Sudan Oxfam Scholarships African Development Bank Finance and Administration SafariCom Aviation The Commonwealth American Embassy Sales Zanzibar Environmental Catholic Relief Services Dar es salaam USAID Operations FHI 360 UNDP Security World Bank Economist TradeMark East Africa Unicef Hospitality Managers International Rescue Committee (IRC) Restless Development Accounting Civil Engineers AMREF Morogoro Utumishi AfDB African Development Bank COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale Driver - Logistics Path International Mwanza African Union Tigo Jobs Marketing Mbeya Teaching Au African Union PSI Population Services International Pwc PricewaterhouseCoopers East African Breweries North Mara Gold Mine ACTED Djibouti Malaria Consortium Bulyanhulu Gold Mine DFID Driver Buzwagi Gold Mine Jhpiego COMESA FINCA JOBS International Jobs Adeso Danish Refugee Council Kilimanjaro Nairobi Coca-Cola Handicap International Pact International Rio Tinto Solidarités International Tender EGPAF Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Logistics Serengeti Breweries Ltd Nation Media Group Africare Norwegian Refugee Council Samaritan's Purse Chemonics International COUNTRY DIRECTOR ICAP of Columbia University InterShips Precision Air RwandAir Marie Stopes International (MSI) Serengeti Breweries Volunteer Climate Change IGAD Tetra Tech ARD Agriculture Jobs Dodoma Iringa One Acre Fund Project Management Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI Technoserve Twaweza East Africa ActionAid Lutheran World Federation SADC Secretariat Tanga Vso International ACDI/VOCA Halmashauri Agha Khan Kenya Commercial Bank World Agroforestry Centre Deloitte East Africa International Organization for Migration (IOM) COMESA Secretariat: Software Engineering Safety and Security Shinyanga Jobs Tanzania Breweries Pathfinder International World Health Organization KPMG TANROADS Tanzania Electric Supply Company British Council Futures Group KCB BANK UN-Habitat WFP World Food Programme Barclays GEITA GOLD MINING TANESCO Electrical Engineer Food and Agriculture Organization GOAL Mombasa Tabora WWF World Wide Fund for Nature Microsoft Tanzania Ports Authority East African Development Bank Family Health International (FHI) IBM EAST AFRICA IntraHealth International Mercy Corps SERIKALINI - GOVERNMENT OF TANZANIA AccessBank Community Development Jobs Data Base Management Google Africa ICAP - TZ KEMRI/CDC Program WaterAid Tanzania Auditor SNV International Stanbic Bank Amnesty Horn Relief Kampala Management Systems International (MSI) Standard Chartered Bank VETA Christian Aid DIAMOND TRUST BANK Helen Keller International Help Age Mtwara Uganda Telecom Airtel Africa Equity Bank Internships Marie Stopes TCRA Web Development B B C WORLD SERVICE Human Rights Kigali Makerere University Nile Basin Initiative Kenyatta University Kigoma Mzumbe University NSSF National Social Security Fund Nile Breweries Limited Tulawaka Gold Mine University of Nairobi kenya Airways Bank of Tanzania Graduates MTN Muhimbili National Hospital Nepad Partners in Health Room to Read SUMATRA UNWOMEN African Wildlife foundation (AWF) KEMRI Kagera Librarian MENTOR Initiative Trainee USAILI - INTERVIEW Uiversity of Nairobi WaterAid International icipe Project CAFOD - Catholic Agency for Overseas Development Egerton University EngenderHealth Goal Ireland Kenyan Banks Lake Victoria Basin Commission Peace Corps TANAPA TASAF Tanzania Social Action Fund Zanzibar University ACB AKIBA COMMERCIAL BANK AGRA Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa Advans Bank Ethiopian Airlines Freedom House IITA International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Legal Moshi NMB BANK Resolute Tanzania Singida Uganda Uganda National Roads Authority University of Dar es salaam University of Dodoma British High Commission ChildFund EWURA FilmAid International NECTA TPDC Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) United States International University World Concern Aga Khan Foundation CBA Commercial Bank of Africa Ecomist Ernst and Young IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature International Medical Corps Islamic Relief Kakira Sugar Musoma National Institute for Medical Research OPEN UNIVERSITY OF TANZANIA Relief International TAA Tanzania Airports Authority Trócaire Uganda Revenue Authority VODACOM TANZANIA VSF Belgium Architects Hivos IFC International Finance Corporation Ifakara Health Institute Inoorero University International Commercial Bank Kenya Red Cross Society MADEREVA Medical Oil and Gas Pwani University College SOKOINE UNIVERSITY Tumaini University Water Engineering AWF African Wildlife Foundation Acacia Mining Accounts African Virtual University Altima Africa Ardhi University Bank of Uganda Business Development Concultancy Del Monte Kenya Embassies Kenya Airports Authority Lake Victoria South Water Services Board Mara National Bank of Commerce RECORDS MANAGEMENT JOBS RUKWA Ruvuma Search for Common Ground Songea TTCL Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited Unilever War Child International Zinduka Afrika ACORD AKU ​Aga Khan University Africa Nazarene University Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) Aga Khan Health Services CRDB BANK Commercial Bank of Africa Daraja Tanzania Engineers Registration Board (ERB) Fina Bank International Potato Center International Potato Center (CIP) Intrahealth Jomo Kenyatta University Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Kyambogo University Lindi Jobs MCL Mwananchi Communications MUHAS-harvad Moi University NBC BANK National University of Rwanda Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority Njombe Nuru International Nzoia sugar Company RTI International SUA SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE THE LAW SCHOOL OF TANZANIA TRA Tanzania Revenue Authority Tanzania Postal Bank The Foundation For Civil Society Udhamini wa Masomo Western Union AIR TANZANIA Action Against Hunger (ACF) Agricultural Society of Kenya BRALIRWA Bondo University College Caritas Comoros Concern Worldwide Conservation Jobs Consolidated Bank of Kenya DHL Express Ewaso Ngiro South River Basin Development Authority Geologist Gulf African Bank INSTITUTE OF ADULT EDUCATION Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kabale University Kabale University (KAB) Kenya Ports Authority KickStart International MORUWASA Morogoro Urban Water and Sanitation Authority MSH Management Sciences for Health Mumias Sugar Company Nairobi Hospital Nkumba University Rural Electrification Agency SOKINE UNIVERSITY SONGWE STAMIGOLD Stores TACAIDS TARURA TCU Tanzania Commission for Universities Tullow Oil World Lung Foundation (WLF) ALAF Limited Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Aga Khan Hospital Air Malawi American Refuge Committee BENKI YA POSTA - TPB BANK BTC Belgian Technical Cooperation Bhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifank of Tanzania Bioversity International CHF International Customer Service Jobs DANGOTE DIT DAR ES SALAAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Danida Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology Daystar University ECOBANK ETDCO Electrical Transmission and Distribution Construction and Maintenance Company European Union IFM INSTITUTE OF FINANCE MANAGEMENT INSURANCE JOBS - BIMA ITECH Internews® Network KUITWA KAZINI Kenya Accreditation Service Kenya Polytechnic University College Kilombero Sugar Company Kisii University College Kisumu Laboratory Jobs MSD MEDICAL STORES DEPARTMENT MSF Switzerland Management Sciences for Health Manyara Maseno University Ministry of State for Planning Muteesa 1 Royal University Médecins Sans Frontières NIDA National Identification Authority Narok University College OSHA Occupational safety and Health Authority Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa (OSIEA) PA PAC PEPSI POLICE - POLISI Petroleum EngineerS RWANDA HOUSING AUTHORITY Seychelles Songas TBC TANZANIA BROADCASTING CORPORATION TBS TANZANIA BUREAU OF STANDARDS TFDA TANZANIA FOOD AND DRUGS AUTHORITY TIB - Tanzania Investment Bank Tanzania Mortagage Refinance Company Tanzania Teachers’ Union Transmara Sugar Company Tropical Pesticides Research Institute Tumba College of Technology Twiga Cement UNESCO UNOCHA Umma University University WRP Walter Reed Project ZANTEL ao uga
Powered by Blogger.