Country Leads – Foundational Learning Reform (ASEAN Programme)

Location: Manila, Philippines (UK-based with regular in-country engagement across Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Dili and Manila)

We are seeking experienced Country Leads to support a high-profile international education programme funded by the UK Government (FCDO), working in partnership with Ministries of Education across Southeast Asia.

This is a prospective opportunity, with recruitment taking place during the tender phase. All roles are subject to contract award.

This assignment will deliver technical assistance to strengthen government systems for:

• Foundational learning reform (literacy and numeracy)
  


•  Education system strengthening
  


•  Policy development, implementation, and scale
  

The programme supports reform through government systems and does not involve direct service delivery to schools.

The role will involve periods of in-country (onsite) engagement, typically based in Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Vientiane (Lao PDR), Dili (Timor-Leste) and Manila (Philippines) alongside Ministry counterparts, combined with remote working from the UK. One Country Lead will take on additional responsibilities as Programme Lead, providing overall strategic leadership and coordination across countries.

Role Overview

• Each Country Lead will provide senior technical leadership and advisory support within a priority country (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Timor-Leste, or the Philippines). Key responsibilities include:
  


• Leading delivery of country-level technical assistance to Ministries of Education
  


• Supporting the design and implementation of education reform strategies and scaling pathways
  


•  Providing technical oversight and quality assurance across programme outputs
  


•   Leading engagement with government stakeholders and development partners
  


• Translating evidence into practical, decision-focused tools to inform policy and reform
  


•  Providing embedded advisory support within government systems
  


•   Designing and delivering capacity strengthening activities (e.g. mentoring, workshops, technical support)
  


•   Contributing to programme learning and adaptive delivery to improve implementation and inform strategic decision-making
  


• Ensuring outputs are aligned with national priorities and government systems
  

Requirements

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership and advisory capability
  


• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills
  


• Excellent analytical and report-writing capability
  


• Ability to translate evidence into practical policy and reform solutions
  


• Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
  

• Master’s degree (or higher) in education, public policy, economics, or related field
  


• 12–15+ years’ experience in education sector development or system reform
  

Demonstrated experience leading or supporting:

• National education reform or policy development
  


• Education system strengthening or institutional capacity building
  


• Extensive experience working with Ministries of Education and/or government systems
  


• Proven ability to deliver technical assistance and advisory support in complex settings
  


• Strong experience producing high-quality technical reports and policy outputs
  

Desirable Experience (Strongly Preferred)

• Experience working in Southeast Asia or comparable contexts
  


• Familiarity with FCDO, DFAT, World Bank, UNICEF or similar donor-funded programmes
  


• Experience in foundational learning reform (e.g. literacy, numeracy, early grade learning)
  


• Experience supporting the scale-up and institutionalisation of education reforms
  


• Knowledge of evidence-based approaches (e.g. structured pedagogy, targeted instruction)
  

Language Requirements

Fluency in English (required)

In line with programme requirements and stakeholder engagement needs, candidates should have strong experience working within UK contexts and engaging with local stakeholders. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates.

Application Instructions

Please submit:

CV (max 3–4 pages, highlighting relevant assignments)

Brief statement of suitability

Availability and daily rate