TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, ZAMBIA USAID TTE PROJECT
May 2023
School-to-School International (STS) is a nonprofit organization based in Pacifica, California, committed to improving the lives and learning of children worldwide through thoughtful research, practice, and partnerships. For two decades, we have partnered with individuals, government ministries, NGOs, private foundations, and research institutions to improve the quality of children’s learning. We have worked in more than 40 countries across the globe, aiding in research and evaluation, curriculum and training, policy and planning, and integrated approaches to education.
The Transforming Teacher Education Activity, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), began in 2020 and is anticipated to run until 2025. The activity is implemented in partnership with Florida State University and subawardees School-to-School International and the University of Zambia. It aims to strengthen the capacity of Zambia’s pre-service teacher training institutions to improve student learning outcomes in early grade reading instruction. The project focuses on aligning pre-service education with current, evidence-based practices in primary school and in-service education programs. School-to-School International is seeking a Technical Director to join the team in its Lusaka-based office.
Role: The Technical Director provides leadership for the USAID Transforming Teacher Education Activity (TTE) in planning and implementing key pre-service teacher training and basic literacy instruction activities including the development of workplans, tracking progress against objectives, and ensuring quality delivery. This position serves as the TTE technical lead, provides technical assistance in the review and revision of pre-service teacher education programs and materials, and delivers ongoing capacity strengthening support to project stakeholders. The Technical Director liaises and networks with government officials, college and university lecturers and administrators, TTE consortium partners, and other stakeholders as needed. The Technical Director ensures activities and deliverables are achieved in alignment with what is collaboratively agreed to with USAID, targeted colleges of education (COEs) and universities, teacher aspirants, education authorities, and TTE consortium partners. The Technical Director also manages and supervises the technical and programs team which is responsible for trainings, materials development, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities.
Responsibilities:
- Manage and/or develop work plan systems to coordinate and track progress for all TTE technical activities, including those led by consortium partners
- Oversee the MEL system and ensure tracking meets donor requirements
- Provide key technical leadership and support to TTE including provision of technical assistance on standards, tools, guidelines, and modules that contribute to improved pre- service teacher education
- Promote a high level of collaboration, communication, and cooperation with universities, COEs, and government officials
- Strengthen university and COE staff capacity to deliver and maintain high-quality pre- service teacher education in basic literacy instruction
- Contribute to coherence and synergy between TTE and other donor-funded education programs in Zambia, particularly those funded by USAID
- Assist with, prepare, and/or submit reports, work plans, and various project documents and deliverables in collaboration with USAID and consortium partners
- Develop effective models of cooperation/collaboration between Ministry of Education and universities/COEs
- Represent the project and STS Zambia as needed with project stakeholders, including USAID, and serve in an acting capacity in the absence of the Chief of Party
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or higher in education, international development, or related field
- At least 10 years of experience providing technical support to education programs in sub-Saharan Africa; work experience in Zambia is an added advantage
- Expertise in teacher education and early grade reading instruction and early grade reading research
- Experience working at or in collaboration with higher education institutions
- Working knowledge of and experience with USG funded activity management, policies, and procedures
Location: The position is based in Lusaka, Zambia with occasional travel required throughout the country.
Supervision and Oversight: This position supervises TTE’s technical and programs team and reports to the Chief of Party.
School-to-School International is an equal employment opportunities (EEO) employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
