Senior Systems Strengthening Advisor

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 15 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. 

Project Summary:

This position is for an upcoming education project in Nigeria, which seeks to improve student access to school and literacy outcomes in a language they use and understand in Grades 1-3 in select areas of Nigeria, equitably and sustainably.

Position Summary:

The Senior Systems Strengthening Advisor provides technical support and guidance to the project’s work in strengthening systems to improve the literacy outcomes of students in Grades 1-3. The Senior Systems Strengthening Advisor’s work will be primarily concentrated in the areas of support and capacity building for targeted states, local governments, and education authorities to adopt and implement pro-poor, evidence-based data driven policies and approaches to effectively leverage and use their financial, human and materials resources.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Senior Systems Strengthening Advisor reports to the Deputy Chief of Party and will directly supervise program staff.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides technical leadership to the project team, USAID, and other stakeholders on high-quality capacity development interventions;


• Facilitates a process with state governments and other stakeholders to map and review existing policy, capacity and resource gaps and develop context appropriate action plans;


• Improves the capacity of government education officials to develop leadership, managerial, and supervisory skills to effectively implement and track progress against policies and regulations with regard to access and reading;


• Provides coaching on various issues including data analysis and evidence-based decision making, monitoring, and staff mentoring;


• Supervises and provides quality assurance to the production of activity-supported capacity building materials, trainings, coaching, and assessments;


• Ensures that activities and approaches across geographic areas are complementary and equitable, including underserved populations and those in need of inclusive education;


• Liaises with government representatives and technicians on technical matters; and


• Manages, leads, and mentors technical staff.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Master’s Degree or higher in education policy or related field;


• At least eight (8) years of experience in leadership development and support to education programs required;


• At least four (4) years’ experience improving educational quality in developing countries;West Africa, Nigeria experience preferred;


• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies, actors, and other stakeholders at the national and state levels in Nigeria;


•  Prior experience with the design of evidence-based education programming, and in building capacity in effective use of data for decision-making at all levels of the education system;


• Demonstrated capacity to lead workshops, trainings, and strategic planning sessions;


• Professional proficiency and fluency in written and spoken English;


• Fluency in relevant languages of instruction (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba) highly desired.

Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Position contingent upon donor funding.