Technical Director, Pre-Primary and Primary Education (P3E)

Job Description

The Technical Director, Pre-Primary and Primary Education (P3E) is a senior member of the Global Education Department, providing technical expertise on improving access and quality of education, with specific emphasis on improving the quality of pre-primary and primary education. FHI 360’s primary education portfolio focuses on improving primary education at the classroom, school, community and system levels, ensuring that children receive comprehensive support across the learning continuum. Our evidence-based approaches produce measurable improvements in learning outcomes through early grade reading and math initiatives, accelerated learning programs, teacher professional development, curricula and teaching and learning materials development, safe and inclusive learning environments, and committed partners from the public and private sectors.

The Technical Director will support work in three areas: technical leadership, program/project support and oversight, and business development. The Technical Director will provide thought leadership and technical expertise around the issues, challenges, and strategies for systems strengthening, teacher professional development, and partnership development, amongst others. Working closely with project and HQ teams with expertise in all areas of education and other development disciplines, they will support development of cross-cutting solutions.

The Technical Director will support and supervise a team of highly experienced technical staff and coordinate partnerships with other teams in Global Education and across FHI 360, including the Education in Emergencies, Post-Primary and Higher Education, and Research and Evaluation teams. Interaction between these teams is highly collaborative and matrixed, with staff supporting projects based on technical skills needed, not team affiliation. The Technical Director will provide direct oversight to and/or serve as a technical partner for field-based projects as assigned to ensure effective project implementation that meets or exceeds client expectations. They will play a significant role in business development, including opportunity identification, capture, proposal development technical leadership, strategic partnering, and budgeting with a primary focus on P3E opportunities. The Technical Director may be based in FHI 360’s Washington, D.C. office or remote and will report to the Global Education Director.

Accountabilities:

• Provides technical leadership on FHI 360’s work in addressing education challenges related to pre-primary and primary education, including systems strengthening; teacher professional development (pre- and in-service); materials development for math, reading, and SEL; remediation; and gender and inclusion and will continuously consult with other members of FHI 360’s Global Education team, as well as the Regional Offices, and other teams, including Research and Evaluation.
• Serves as the lead specialist for designing and implementing strategies, tools, and approaches for the P3E portfolio.
• For projects falling under the P3E portfolio, serves as headquarters-based partner for the Chief of Party along with regional office leadership.
• On select P3E projects, provides technical direction for the technical local teams on strategy, technical approach, budgeting and planning.
• As a technical representative of Global Education, communicates broadly in the education community with clients, partners, and other experts about projects and business development opportunities, particularly those focused on pre-primary and primary education.
• Actively participates in global fora on pre-primary and primary education and understands global trends among donors, implementers, and researchers. Identifies and creates opportunities to leverage FHI 360 expertise.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with donor/client organizations, relevant government agencies, global networks, bilateral and other NGOs and consistently maintained and viewed as a knowledgeable resource in the sector.
• Collaborates with the Global Education Director to identify, track, and develop opportunities for pre-primary and primary education projects.
• Leads the development of major proposals, including project design and contributing substantially to writing as needed.
• Works with the Global Education leadership team to develop a robust portfolio in innovative pre-primary and primary education programs.
• Provides leadership to the P3E team to share best practices, challenges and lessons learned; strategically elevates the work of P3E team members for thought leadership.
• Oversees the technical input of department staff, consultants and subcontractors on assigned projects.
• Provides mentorship and growth opportunities to direct reports.
• Reviews and prepares budgeting reviews with staff, including planning and providing coverage for projects, and reporting back to the Global Education Director.
• Collaborates with the Global Education Director and the Director of Research and Evaluation to identify and implement critical research to develop a solid evidence base for targeted pre-primary and primary education interventions.

Education:

• Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent • Education, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences, International Development, Human Development or Related Field.

Experience:

• Typically requires 10+ years of project management experience within a relevant area.
• Demonstrated technical depth in education systems strengthening, teacher professional development, pre-primary education, and/or primary education.
• Experience supervising a team, including cultivating the team’s professional development.
• Experience or familiarity with USAID funded programs and USAID’s basic education policy. Familiarity with others funder priorities is an advantage.
• Experience in strategic planning, execution, and tracking.
• Demonstrated in-classroom teaching experience preferred.
• Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
• Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English. Proficiency in a second language, particularly French or Spanish, preferred.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift 5-50 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer, Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), e-mail, telephone, printer, calculator, copier, cell phones, PDAs and other hand held devices.

Travel Requirements:

• 10%-25%

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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About the Organization

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication and social marketing — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

As we evolve to meet the challenges of the future, we stand committed to the principles that have guided our organization for the last 40+ years. Our work continues to be grounded in research and science, strengthened by partnerships and focused on building the capacity of individuals, communities and countries to succeed.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

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