Education Technical Advisor

People in Need
People in Need is a Czech NGO that provides relief and development assistance in over 20 countries around the world, while at the same time working to defend human rights and democratic freedom. In the Czech Republic PIN also works on social integration and provides educational activities. Formed by the leaders of the Czechoslovak velvet revolution and conflict journalists in 1992, PIN works as an independent humanitarian organisation at home and abroad providing relief where it is needed, and empowering civil society at home and abroad.
 
DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION / REQUIREMENTS:
Location: Kathmandu with regular visits to areas of presence
Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to funding and performance
Reports to: Head of Programme

Introduction
People in Need (PIN) is a non-governmental, non-profit, international organization founded in the Czech Republic in 1992. PIN arrived in Nepal as part of a humanitarian response to the April 25, 2015 earthquake. Since its inception in Nepal, PIN has had a strong role advocating and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations affected by disaster including person categories who live in geographically remote areas of the country, historically marginalized ethnic groups, and those marginalized because of their age and/or gender identity. PIN has also supported Nepal's post-earthquake reconstruction efforts ensuring that the most vulnerable people are not left behind with resilience (focused on shelter and resettlement) and inclusive education programming. PIN-Nepal is strongly committed for safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, including persons with disabilities, in line with its safeguarding framework and child protection policy.

Scope of Work
The purpose of this position is to develop strong strategic education portfolio for PIN Nepal including building strategic partnerships with Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and departments, and key stakeholders including major donors (such as USAID, FCDO, World Bank) in Education sector, strengthen the technical quality of PIN-Nepal’s Education programming portfolio and lead on business development, fundraising for PIN’s education projects in Nepal . The position involves travel within Nepal, and is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy.

Key Summary of Functions
1. Develop strategic partnerships with the Government of Nepal (MoEST, CEHRD, SWC, federal & provincial authorities), key stakeholders in Education sector (donors, UN agencies, education clusters etc.) and INGOs;
  • Identify opportunities for coordination and partnership on identified needs and programme strategy (including national and regional partnerships with content providers);
  • Represent PIN-Nepal in relevant fora/coordination mechanisms, including national authorities, technical partners and donors;
2. Strengthen the technical quality of PIN-Nepal’s Education programming portfolio
  • Contribute to the development and technical direction of PIN-Nepal’s Education strategy, technical guidance for implementation and macro log-frames;
  • Responsible for: 1) technical development and quality assurance of Education programming portfolio; 2) promoting integrated programming, and; 3) ensuring harmonization across projects in line with national, international and organisational minimum standards;
  • Provide technical support for assessments, baselines and evaluation tools in collaboration with the MEAL Team and ensure quality controls are in place through supporting the development of output/outcome-levels monitoring focusing on regular analysis and learning communication/documentation;
  • Conduct regular reflection sessions with field staff based on data and learning aimed at informing programme development and ensuring best practice;
  • Build capacity of PIN-Nepal’s Education Team and transfer key technical skills through training, mentoring, and on-the-job training;
3. Lead on business development and fundraising work for PIN education portfolio
  • Provide technical inputs in education program design especially in the areas of early grade learning, improving outcome in primary education, retention in early childhood education, increasing relevance of education; improving equitable and participatory teaching practices, teacher trainings, curriculum development and other areas
  • Lead in information gathering from donors and positioning with international and national organizations for making consortia or forum for possible education projects
  • Lead in the identification and use of innovative, contextually appropriate, technology enabled solutions (to enhance safe access) that increase the enrollment, retention and learning outcomes in early childhood education, early grade and primary education
  • Cooperate with other PIN-Nepal’s programme staff (DRR/Climate Change Advisor, GEDSI and Protection Coordinator, SG and Accountability Coordinator) to ensure mainstreaming education interventions into the development of new projects;
  • Promote systematic and inclusive approaches to education;
  • Lead on the development/revision of content, including: NFE curricula, guidance on operational procedures, and technical specifications of resources and teaching aids;
4. Ensure adherence to PIN-Nepal policies and donor requirements;

5. Ensure that PIN-Nepal activities are implemented within global, national, and organisations safe programming and PSEA mainstreaming guidelines, and report any breaches/concerns for appropriate action;;

6. Contribute to education sectorial needs assessments including protection risks and needs, in order to ensure evidence-based and community-driven programming;

7. Conduct regular field support and monitoring and technical backstopping require for PIN’s education program.

Critical Competencies
Our Education Advisor should possess a comprehensive understanding of USAID,FCDO and the World Bank’s education priorities and governmental education plans, policies and strategies at all levels (Federal, Provincial and Municipal level). S/he should possess set of competencies enabling the successful candidate to immediately contribute to the Education agenda and efforts of the Country Programme, primarily – strategic, integrity, results-orientation, team-work, good interpersonal skills, well-developed communication skills, sound judgement, analytical skills, flexibility, proactive approach & engagement, innovation, gender & culturally sensitive, ability to work under pressure, and embraces both change, and complexity.

Requirements
  • Excellent skills and proven experience in partnership building and networking skills in Education sector;
  • Excellent understanding of local context and strong networks within relevant Nepali institutions;
  • A minimum of 7-years relevant programmatic experience in the field of Education and have sound understanding of Early Childhood Development, Early Grade Reading, Primary Education, TEVT & other priority education sector;
  • A minimum of 3-years’ experience in direct line management of implementation and technical assistance teams, and in project management including adaptive programming in dynamic and evolving contexts;
  • Proven experience in business development and project proposal writing in education sector for major donors;
  • Good knowledge of monitoring and evaluation approaches and practices both for accountability and learning processes;
  • Strong communication and influencing skills using evidence-based methods;
  • Team player approach;
  • Educated to Master degree level or above preferably in a related field;
  • Solid knowledge of humanitarian principles, education in emergencies and international legal frameworks;
  • Proven strong communication, interpersonal, representation, negotiation, promotion, analytical and diplomacy skills;
  • Fluent in both English and Nepali

How to Apply
Submit an updated CV and Cover Letter to the following link by December 24, 2021. Please note, applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis and should a suitable candidate be found before the official closing date, the advertisement might be withdrawn prior to the deadline thus early submissions are strongly encouraged.  No phone calls will be entertained.

PIN promotes equal opportunities. Women, Janajati and Dalit candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Note: Candidates who have applied for this position previously need not apply. 

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