Chief of Party, DFID Education Consortium

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organisation for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children’s lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential.

We work together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

We have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.6 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.

Following a major transition, our international programmes are now delivered through a merged operation with c14, 000 staff, managed through seven regional hubs and reporting to a relatively small, central office. We’re changing to become more efficient, more aligned, a better partner, a stronger advocate, a magnet for world-class people an d relevant for the 21st century.

Contract length: 12 months

The role

The Chief of Party is a senior management role providing oversight of the 4 year, 15.8 million GBP, DFID-funded education consortium programme in South Sudan. The post-holder leads in terms of giving support and direction to the programme, as well as managing the relationship and information flows between the key stakeholders.

The programme focuses on four key areas of alternative education: an accelerated learning programme for youth; Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) Youth Education Pack (including literacy, numeracy, life skills and vocational education); Intensive English Course for teachers and functional literacy and numeracy for adults. In addition it provides support to primary education through system strengthening, teacher training and infrastructure improvements. The programme collaborates extensively with the national and state MoEST to deliver quality services. The programme implements a combination of activities ranging from direct support, capacity building, community and children’s participation to advocacy and policy analysis. The programme is implemented in five states; Jonglei, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap, Lakes and Central Equatoria. These states have the poorest combination of education indicators in South Sudan.

Qualifications and experience

* A post-graduate degree in education or in any of the social science subjects.

* At least 4 years in a Chief of Party or senior programme management role in an international NGO or similar organization.

* At least 4 years managing a large multi-agency programme

* Good technical knowledge of policy and practice in the field of education and development

* A good understanding of development issues and the policy context of fragile states, and states affected by conflict

* High-level co mmunications and people skills. Excellent writing, articulate, good networker, able to adroitly negotiate between the different stakeholders, and to represent the programme at high level forums. Proven analytical and strategic planning skills

* Strong leadership skills demonstrated by the ability to bring together an international team with diverse backgrounds and educational levels.

* Proven ability to maintain oversight of all elements of programme implementation and operational support

* Proven international experience, preferably in Africa, in providing technical support to complex education programmes. Experience in research and analysis will be an added benefit.

* Experience of working with and managing partners in a consortium

* Experience of working with and building the capacity of Ministries of Education at State and National levels.

* Experience in working with primary and alternative education programmes.

* Previous exper ience in donor reporting particularly to DFID.

* Ability to design, roll out and maintenance of monitoring & evaluation tools and frameworks.

* Highly developed diplomacy and interpersonal skills.

* Proven ability in working in insecure or hardship environments. The position will require extensive travel to the field.

* Commitment to the values and principles of Save the Children.

Desirable

* Previous experience in South Sudan

* A Masters degree in Education or an MA in a degree related to education

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

To see a full a job description, please visit our website at www.savethechildren.net/jobs

Please apply in English using your CV and covering letter as a single document, including your salary expectations for this role.

How to apply:

Please apply with a covering letter and up-to-date CV to:endungu.99293.3830@savethechildrenint.aplitrak.com