RTI International is seeking qualified candidates for a USAID-funded Early Grade Reading Activity in Malawi (MERIT). The purpose of MERIT is to improve educational outcomes related to reading in Standards 1 – 4, Chichewa and English. Activities toward this end will include advising and supporting the MERIT Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party and program staff on assessment of learners, training of teachers, provision of educational support, adaptation of curricula, development of reading materials, community mobilization, engagement of policymakers, and a special focus on teaching approaches that address gender considerations and provide support to learners with special needs.
The Literacy Advisor is primarily responsible for advising and supporting a small team of literacy specialists in the development of reading and writing curricula, teacher training modules, coaching and expanding the range and availability of supplementary materials for learners in the classroom and in community literacy support activities. The Literacy Advisor will provide technical guidance and advice to the project management team, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoES), the Malawi Institute of Education, as well as to USAID. S/he will build necessary capacity across all levels of the education system, design high-quality and appropriately sequenced reading interventions; and translate these into instructions and guidelines for publishing high-quality materials, books and other supplementary materials necessary for accelerated learning of reading skills.
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide technical leadership for Malawi MERIT's curriculum development and teacher continuous professional development (CPD) activities. Provide materials development support to the MIE.
Specific activities include:
· Provide quality assurance in the design, implementation and evaluation of literacy curricula and supplementary materials in Chichewa and English
· Serve as the direct technical counterpart for the MOEST and MIE in the development and adaptation of appropriate teaching and learning materials, including scripted lesson plans across the target languages
· Coordinate input from other STTA reading experts and Malawian parastatal entities such as the MIE
· Leverage project M&E data to inform adjustments in the project's technical approach and ensure continued improvement in student reading outcomes
· Advise on studies and other interventions that evaluate the effectiveness of project interventions
· Develop and strengthen new and existing partnerships with other education institutions, contributing to the creation and delivery of quality teacher professional development activities and trainings
· Collaborate with government partners and subcontractors responsible for coaching and community mobilization, to ensure the technical accuracy of their approaches
· Coordinate with other donors and NGOs working on literacy interventions in Malawi to ensure the National Reading Program is coherent technically and does not have conflicting technical interventions at the district and school levels
Required Skills and Qualifications:
· Master’s degree in education with at least 6 years relevant experience in the development of reading materials and teacher training curricula
· Significant experience in education development for reading and/or literacy in early grades
· Track record of performance excellence meeting targets and objectives
· Minimum of 5 years field experience in the education sector in the Sub-Saharan African region
· Experience with USAID-funded projects preferred
HOW TO APPLY:
To Apply: Qualified candidates are invited to apply at www.rti.org/job17223.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Only short listed applicants will be contacted. RTI is proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.
