Literacy Specialist Malawi Early Grade Reading Activity

Creative Associates International (Creative) is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, D.C., the firm has field presence in 20 countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other clients including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a solid reputation among its clients and missions worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Project Description:

Creative seeks a qualified Literacy Specialist for an anticipated USAID-funded education project. The U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) aims to assist the Government of Malawi (GoM) to improve the reading abilities of Malawian learners in Standards 1-3. The overall objective of the program is to support the Government of Malawi to improve quality and relevance of education and thus reduce dropout and repetition and promote effective learning. Activities are designed to: (i) provide quality reading instruction for early grades students; (ii) institutionalize provision of teaching and learning materials on reading; (iii) increase parental and community engagement to support student reading; and (iv) improve policy environment to support early grade reading.

Duration:

3 years

Position Summary:

Based in Zomba, Malawi, the Literacy Specialist’s responsibilities include working with Creative staff and the Ministry of Education to identify, develop, implement training programs for teachers. He/she should provide professional and technical recommendation for further development of decodable readers , modules for teacher training, and assessment tools. S/he will work with government agencies to develop standards on reading based on best practices.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Literacy Specialist reports to the Chief of Party.

Primary Responsibilities:

Assist in the development of a guiding policy framework for teacher education and continuous professional development;

Inform both pre-service and in-service delivery and TTC coordination strategies;

Work with ministry on using data for decision-making, and strengthening governmental systems for development of materials and institutionalization of teacher training innovations;

Provide technical leadership around the design, implementation and evaluation of the continuous professional development in support of literacy intervention;

Develop instructional approaches, training modules, learning materials, and monitoring and evaluation protocols for all activities; and

Develop, plan and coordinate the training of master trainers, divisional and zonal coordinators, PEAs, and TTCs in support of the literacy intervention.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Minimum of a Master’s degree in education, with a specialization in curriculum and instruction, international development, psychometrics or related field, Ph.D. or Ed.D. strongly preferred;

Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in in curriculum development, teacher training, mentoring and classroom instruction, experience in Africa preferred;

Minimum of 5 years of experience in developing reads through team approaches;

Minimum of 5 years of experience developing modules for continuous teacher professional development in reading;

At least 5 years of experience in developing assessment instruments in learner reading at national level;

Experience working with Ministry officials;

Demonstrated exemplary teambuilding, and interpersonal skills;

Organizational acumen and cultural sensitivity; and

Fluent English (spoken and written, ability to present and communicate fluently); Fluency in Chichewa and/or Yao an added bonus.

Creative Associates International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. AA/V/D.

How to apply: 

To apply, please visit the Careers section of our website.