Regional Early Learning and Education Specialist Plan International
Plan’s Asia Regional Office (ARO) has identified Early Learning and Education (ELE – children 0 - 8) as one of the key areas of strategic focus with organisational spending on this thematic area within the region totaling approximately USD 25 million a year. All Country Offices in Asia where Plan is operational are presently implementing some form of early learning and education program reaching approximately 7,000 communities and 400,000 families.
Based from one of Plan Asia's Country Offices, the purpose of this position is to provide regional leadership and coherence in ELE programmes in the Asia region. The post holder will provide technical guidance to the 13 ELE specialists at the country level, in the design, development, monitoring and evaluation of Plan’s ELE programmes whilst advocating for appropriate ELE policies in the region and raising Plan’s profile as a key player in this area.
Dimensions of Role:
As an expert in the area, the Regional ELE Specialist influences Plan’s decision makers e.g. the regional management team, country management teams, and country programme teams on quality ELE programming. Key programme interventions include early childhood education, parenting education, psychosocial simulation, as well as health and nutrition education.
Development and delivery of a region-wide strategy for investment in ELE programme impacting on children in 14 countries through projects and advocacy.
Providing technical advice to and running a network of 14 ELE counterparts in the countries.
The total regional budget for ELE in the region is approx. USD 25 million per year. Each country is accountable for its own budget. The Regional ELE Specialist is expected to raise new grants for regional, multi-country and country initiatives to expand ELE programming in Asia. The target for this is at least one regional and / or multi-country project to be initiated by the postholder and a total of approximately 5 million USD to be raised in grants over the next 5 years.
The postholder will have no direct line management responsibilities.
The postholder will be expected to report regularly to the DRD Programs, formally during the quarterly Program Team meetings, and informally as and when required.
Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position:
1. A quality ELE programme is strategically developed across Plan’s 14 Country Offices in the region to ensure achievement of the regional and global strategic goals.
A Regional ELE Strategy, with focus on early stimulation and learning (0 – 8 years), is designed to ensure coherent and quality programme implementation in the region and integration with other strategies, e.g. maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition. One of the priorities is to support the transition from pre-school to primary school for marginalised and excluded children in the region.
Country Offices are supported with technical input and programme management best practices in the area through country strategic planning processes to ensure quality design and accountability from the beginning.
Country Offices receive regular technical support to ensure the country strategic plan is adhered to.
Capacity is mapped and strategic action plans are developed to address gaps in order to ensure quality programme delivery throughout the region.
2. Knowledge management mechanisms are established to enable Plan to build on the wealth of programme experiences and improve the overall quality of ELE programmes.
Monitoring and evaluation systems and programme quality / performance standards are agreed and in place in every office.
Lessons learned, best practices and models are shared within the organisation and among other regional stakeholders in the region.
Thematic evaluations and research projects are carried out as required.
Documentation of the above is accessible and disseminated internally and externally through user-friendly and user-oriented channels.
3. Plan is known as a key player in ELE .
Key actors are identified.
Partnerships with the key actors are established and/or strengthened.
Plan’s representation is ensured in important national and international forums; the knowledge management mechanisms are utilised to enhance representation and networking.
Key interventions are identified, packaged and represented to different audiences.
Dealing with Problems:
The Regional ELE Specialist is responsible for providing technical support across a range of country operating environments throughout the Asia region, some of which have very well developed ELE programmes already in place;
He/she will also advise on ELE responses in emergencies and/or post-conflict situations as well as other unique operating contexts with both State and Non State Actors;
He/she will establish common standards that are appropriate to the operating contexts in Asia while still meeting donor requirements; and,
He/she will ensure that Plan’s CCCD and Child Protection principles are built into programmes and projects even with the very young whose means of self expression may be limited.
Communications and Working Relationships:
Internal
The postholder will need to work closely with Regional Specialists to provide a joined-up and coherent development approach, and particularly with the Maternal Neonatal and Child Health Specialist and Regional DRM.
Country Programme Teams on the formulation and implementation of ELE programmes and resource mobilisation to support them.
Country Office Management Teamsto ensure that ELE issues are considered during the development of CSPs and are followed up.
Regional Management Teams to support the development of a regional response and presence in relation to ELE issues.
External
Network with regional level key players in the field of ELE to increase Plan’s visibility in the area. This includes representing Plan in the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC – www.arnec.net) of which Plan Asia Region is one of the founding members and supporters.
Foster exchange platforms for the network of ELE Specialists in the region.
Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours, Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:
Knowledge
Proven knowledge of latest debates, issues, research and practice in ELE programming and programme implementation in a range of contexts.
Senior professional qualification on ELE and/or related area.
Up-to-date and various project design and evaluation models.
Knowledge of the Asian context would be desirable with relevant field experience.
Skills
Significant managerial or senior level technical advisory expertise (ideally, at least ten years) in the design, implementation and evaluation in ELE .
Experience in the development of workable guidelines and standards
Demonstrated facilitation and training experience
Influencing, representational and advocacy skills
Excellent communication skills operating at a distance and across a wide variation in cultures
Excellent command of English, both speaking and writing
Behaviours
Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour
Involves others in setting and achieving goals
Makes a strong contribution to wider strategy
Sees contribution of own part of the organisation in wider Plan and external context
Balances future vision with practical delivery
Sound judgement and decision-making in complex situations
Effective communicator: supporting learning in diverse teams
Cross culturally adept
Can reach out and influence large groups of people at different levels of the organisation
Sets a strong learning culture in their part of the organisation
Aware of impact on others and adjusting own behaviour accordingly
Has a positive impact on those around them
Physical Environment and Demands:
Frequent travel within and outside the region, sometimes to remote areas. (50%)
Location: This position will be based from one of Plan Asia's Country Offices (to be negotiated)
Reports To: Deputy Regional Director - Programme
Closing Date: 5th June 2012
Salary: USD$50,000 to $65,000 per annum plus full expat benefits
References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.
Your online application form can be saved, reviewed and amended before submission.
To Apply:
https://jobs.plan-international.org/templates/PlanIntl/jobdetail/80.aspx/Jobs/Regional%20Early%20Learning%20and%20Education%20Specialist
Based from one of Plan Asia's Country Offices, the purpose of this position is to provide regional leadership and coherence in ELE programmes in the Asia region. The post holder will provide technical guidance to the 13 ELE specialists at the country level, in the design, development, monitoring and evaluation of Plan’s ELE programmes whilst advocating for appropriate ELE policies in the region and raising Plan’s profile as a key player in this area.
Dimensions of Role:
As an expert in the area, the Regional ELE Specialist influences Plan’s decision makers e.g. the regional management team, country management teams, and country programme teams on quality ELE programming. Key programme interventions include early childhood education, parenting education, psychosocial simulation, as well as health and nutrition education.
Development and delivery of a region-wide strategy for investment in ELE programme impacting on children in 14 countries through projects and advocacy.
Providing technical advice to and running a network of 14 ELE counterparts in the countries.
The total regional budget for ELE in the region is approx. USD 25 million per year. Each country is accountable for its own budget. The Regional ELE Specialist is expected to raise new grants for regional, multi-country and country initiatives to expand ELE programming in Asia. The target for this is at least one regional and / or multi-country project to be initiated by the postholder and a total of approximately 5 million USD to be raised in grants over the next 5 years.
The postholder will have no direct line management responsibilities.
The postholder will be expected to report regularly to the DRD Programs, formally during the quarterly Program Team meetings, and informally as and when required.
Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position:
1. A quality ELE programme is strategically developed across Plan’s 14 Country Offices in the region to ensure achievement of the regional and global strategic goals.
A Regional ELE Strategy, with focus on early stimulation and learning (0 – 8 years), is designed to ensure coherent and quality programme implementation in the region and integration with other strategies, e.g. maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition. One of the priorities is to support the transition from pre-school to primary school for marginalised and excluded children in the region.
Country Offices are supported with technical input and programme management best practices in the area through country strategic planning processes to ensure quality design and accountability from the beginning.
Country Offices receive regular technical support to ensure the country strategic plan is adhered to.
Capacity is mapped and strategic action plans are developed to address gaps in order to ensure quality programme delivery throughout the region.
2. Knowledge management mechanisms are established to enable Plan to build on the wealth of programme experiences and improve the overall quality of ELE programmes.
Monitoring and evaluation systems and programme quality / performance standards are agreed and in place in every office.
Lessons learned, best practices and models are shared within the organisation and among other regional stakeholders in the region.
Thematic evaluations and research projects are carried out as required.
Documentation of the above is accessible and disseminated internally and externally through user-friendly and user-oriented channels.
3. Plan is known as a key player in ELE .
Key actors are identified.
Partnerships with the key actors are established and/or strengthened.
Plan’s representation is ensured in important national and international forums; the knowledge management mechanisms are utilised to enhance representation and networking.
Key interventions are identified, packaged and represented to different audiences.
Dealing with Problems:
The Regional ELE Specialist is responsible for providing technical support across a range of country operating environments throughout the Asia region, some of which have very well developed ELE programmes already in place;
He/she will also advise on ELE responses in emergencies and/or post-conflict situations as well as other unique operating contexts with both State and Non State Actors;
He/she will establish common standards that are appropriate to the operating contexts in Asia while still meeting donor requirements; and,
He/she will ensure that Plan’s CCCD and Child Protection principles are built into programmes and projects even with the very young whose means of self expression may be limited.
Communications and Working Relationships:
Internal
The postholder will need to work closely with Regional Specialists to provide a joined-up and coherent development approach, and particularly with the Maternal Neonatal and Child Health Specialist and Regional DRM.
Country Programme Teams on the formulation and implementation of ELE programmes and resource mobilisation to support them.
Country Office Management Teamsto ensure that ELE issues are considered during the development of CSPs and are followed up.
Regional Management Teams to support the development of a regional response and presence in relation to ELE issues.
External
Network with regional level key players in the field of ELE to increase Plan’s visibility in the area. This includes representing Plan in the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC – www.arnec.net) of which Plan Asia Region is one of the founding members and supporters.
Foster exchange platforms for the network of ELE Specialists in the region.
Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours, Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:
Knowledge
Proven knowledge of latest debates, issues, research and practice in ELE programming and programme implementation in a range of contexts.
Senior professional qualification on ELE and/or related area.
Up-to-date and various project design and evaluation models.
Knowledge of the Asian context would be desirable with relevant field experience.
Skills
Significant managerial or senior level technical advisory expertise (ideally, at least ten years) in the design, implementation and evaluation in ELE .
Experience in the development of workable guidelines and standards
Demonstrated facilitation and training experience
Influencing, representational and advocacy skills
Excellent communication skills operating at a distance and across a wide variation in cultures
Excellent command of English, both speaking and writing
Behaviours
Holds self and others to account to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behaviour
Involves others in setting and achieving goals
Makes a strong contribution to wider strategy
Sees contribution of own part of the organisation in wider Plan and external context
Balances future vision with practical delivery
Sound judgement and decision-making in complex situations
Effective communicator: supporting learning in diverse teams
Cross culturally adept
Can reach out and influence large groups of people at different levels of the organisation
Sets a strong learning culture in their part of the organisation
Aware of impact on others and adjusting own behaviour accordingly
Has a positive impact on those around them
Physical Environment and Demands:
Frequent travel within and outside the region, sometimes to remote areas. (50%)
Location: This position will be based from one of Plan Asia's Country Offices (to be negotiated)
Reports To: Deputy Regional Director - Programme
Closing Date: 5th June 2012
Salary: USD$50,000 to $65,000 per annum plus full expat benefits
References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.
Your online application form can be saved, reviewed and amended before submission.
To Apply:
https://jobs.plan-international.org/templates/PlanIntl/jobdetail/80.aspx/Jobs/Regional%20Early%20Learning%20and%20Education%20Specialist
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