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RTI is recruiting for the USAID Ethiopia READ-TA education project, focused on curriculum revision and textbook development. We are looking for proven performance in a variety of areas, with knowledge and experience in implementing evidence-based approaches to instructional improvement. These positions will be long term based in Addis Ababa with some travel. Local candidates preferred. Females are strongly encouraged to apply.
1. Production Manager - based in ADDIS ABABA
The Production Manager will focus on design and ‘print ready’ Mother Tongue and English as a Second Language programs and materials, in 7-Mother Tongue languages and English as a second language. The position is both technical and managerial and is designed to support effective local capacity building. The Production Manager will provide technical support and leadership for the development of education materials from concept to print ready for publication. Work will include identification, development, and harmonization of effective literacy instructional approaches and materials to be used in the early grades. S/he will support materials development remotely and in the field, leading the layout and design activities for the books and teachers’ guides developed, and ensuring that these materials fit the local context, are gender sensitive and interesting to learners. S/he will ensure that all design activities are done in a low cost and efficient manner. The Production Manager will be the primary contact between the technical materials writers, the designers and management.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Lead Design Team in the development of reading materials for students and teachers
• Train Design Team in the development of lesson plans, pupil books and art specifications Provide technical assistance in the selection of lesson design
• Create a work plan for each Curriculum Development Team that maps the curriculum development, lesson plan, pupil book, teacher guide and illustration efforts
• Manage Design Team to ensure quality standards are met and products are delivered on time and within the budget
• Manage in-house or consulting designers to create product design
Manage consulting illustrators for the development of artwork suitable to a national curriculum
• Ensure product content has the approval of the National Ministry of Education
QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE
• Master degree in education, curriculum course work preferred or Bachelor degree in Journalism, Communications or related field with 7 years of related experience
• Six years of experience in materials development and publishing
• Five years of experience in technical copyediting
• Five years of management/supervisory experience in a publishing related environment
• High level of proficiency in MS Office applications for design and publications production, including MS Project knowledge of other packages. i.e., Adobe In Design, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, scanning and text recognition, multimedia applications, i.e., Dreamweaver, Premier, etc.
• Strong organizational and project management experience that demonstrates a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and/or lead multiple projects simultaneously and to manage publishing process from concept to print ready product
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and demanding timeframes
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
2. Senior Education Advisor - based in ADDIS ABABA
The Senior Education Advisor will lead and support partnerships with Ministry of Education and the Regional State Education Bureaus to increase the quality of Mother Tongue reading and writing and English as a second language in Grades 1-8. The Senior Education Advisor will support efforts to engage entities (including the Ministry of Education, Regional Mother Tongue Development Teams, Task Forces, Colleges of Teacher Education, and s:vice delivery mechanisms) to develop Mother Tongue reading resources. Overall the Senior Education Advisor responsibilities include: infusing approved Mother Tongue Curriculum into RSEB Sector Plans; sharing research findings and curriculum updates with senior Ministry of Education leaders; participating in policy discussions about Mother Tongue reading and writing; participating on the READ TA Management Team; motivating Mother Tongue development Teams; and providing Mother Tongue Curriculum Leadership for READ TA Technical Teams.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Ensure READ TAs activities are fitting into the Ministry of Education and RSEBs Sector Plans
• Ensure READ TA activities and associated research findings are well communicated to the senior Ministry of Education Leadership
• Support the READ TA Team to react to the changing policies and realities of Ethiopia
• Develop strategy, plans and guidelines to support Mother Tongue Reading and Writing Support the work of the READ TA Technical Team to develop materials
• Work in partnership with READ TA Partners, Working Groups, Task Forces, and RSEBs to help achieve READ TA goals
• Be an effective member of the READ TA Management Team
• Provide technical and management advice and support to Mother Tongue Task Groups in the 5-targeted Regions
• Build relationships and linkages with READ TA, READ TA Partners, Working Groups, and Regional Bureaus of Education (RSEBs) to create a Mother Tongue Reading Culture
• Ensure understanding of READ TA Approach by Partners and other organizations
• Work closely with Curriculum and Language Experts from 23+ Mother Tongue Languages to support the development and implementation of Mother Tongue Curriculum in Grade 1-8
• Embed gender, inclusive education and technology in presentations
• Regularly report on the progress of Mother Tongue RSEB Task Forces
• Maintain good relationships with counterpart Regional State Education Bureaus (RSEB), Colleges of Teacher Education (CTE) and cooperating organizations
• Contribute to documentation for READ TA national reports
QUALIFICATIONS:
• MBA or Master’s degree in education or other relevant field or Bachelor’s Degree with 10 years of significant increased responsibilities and leadership in Mother Tongue required
• 10 years of experience in leading curriculum development in Mother Tongue Language(s)
• Demonstrable experience in stakeholder consultation, working with professional associations, and supporting policy initiatives
• Knowledge of the Education Sector with a focus on Mother Tongue Reading and Writing, gender and inclusive education
• Significant experience in education development in a senior program or management level capacity
• Experience with USAID-funded projects required
3. Administrative Specialist — based in ADDIS ABABA
The Administrative Specialist is responsible for providing leadership, coordination and supervision for the management of the READ TA Office in Addis Ababa. S/he will collaborate closely with the Human Resources Specialist to provide support and assist as needed. The Administrative Specialist is responsible for the overall management of Administration Systems for the READ TA Office. S/he will direct Administration Systems supporting the achievement of GILO goals in a manner that is constant with sound management principles. S/he will be responsible for maximizing the strategic use of Administration Systems and support functions such as Transportation, Accommodations, and Planning Activities/ Workshops. S/he supervises: Office Assistant, Drivers, and Security. As a member of the READ TA Operations Team, the position is responsible to contribute to issues resolution, human resources and administrative planning, The position is expected to devote up to 10% of her/his time for field travel.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Maintain office supply stocks
• Maintain and file: Daily Register, Visitor Book, Staff Directory, and Calling Tree
• Provide leadership for implementation of all Administrative Systems.
• Transportation System: collect driver logs, driver comment forms, and vehicle maintenance forms; provide monthly report and file
• Accommodation System: Support Logistics Specialist to maintain the list of hotels for each region ensuring lowest rates for quality service; ensure READ TA staff receives list; receive invoices and issues related to accommodations and follow-up as needed
• Documentation and Filing System: Maintain hard and soft Filing System to manage in-coming and out-going correspondences with USAID, MOE, hotels and others to maintain accurate and updated subject files for correspondence; oversee translation needs using internal and external translators according to the situation; maintain a data base of READ TA Contacts and revise as needed; Follow-up on correspondence and issues between READ TA and external individuals and organizations as needed;
• Supervision: Provide supervision and support to Administration Team (Office Assistant, Drivers, Security Staff)
• Office Maintenance and Security: Supervise office maintenance and security services to ensure contractual terms are followed
• Assist Human Resources to: collect Time Sheets, update and maintain sick leave files and medical forms
• Provide wide range of administrative and support duties, i.e. type and file letters
QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE:
• University degree in business or related field
• Five years of relevant office experience
• Experience in organizing, processing and maintaining records and files
• Excellent ability to respond to different inquiries in a professional manner
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and demanding timeframes
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent spoken and written English communication skills
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word and willingness to become skilled using RTI software
• Ability to travel as needed
4. Technical Administrative Specialist, based in ADDIS ABABA
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: The Technical Administrative Specialist provides direct support to Technical Advisors and the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for Curriculum and Capacity Building. A portion of the tasks are administrative and a portion involves project implementation. The position is based in the Addis Ababa READ TA Office and entails some travel to the 5-Regions. The position reports to the DCOP and carries responsibilities that require independent judgment and ability to effectively carry out those duties with only general supervision. The position carries expectation to initiate and propose changes in the systems and areas outlined below and related operational procedures, not just comply with standing procedures. The position also includes opportunity to develop initiatives that enhance the Technical Mother Tongue work.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Designs and manage DCOP daily and monthly calendar, updating, running queries, developing minutes/reports and coordinating emails
• Ensures the READ TA Management. Financial and Technical Team are informed of the Program’s actions
• Follows up on Regional Mother Tongue Development Team attendance and payments
• Sets up and maintains administrative files
• Works with Regional Teams to plan, organize key data and information needed, i.e., Meeting Workshop
• Attendance Forms
• Tracks deliverables to ensure production is on target with Annual Work Plan and PMP
• Assists with materials development and documentation activities
• Supports training in the Regions
• Regularly reports on the progress of the Program including information for Quarterly Reports
• Supports logistics, equipment, allowances and various forms for trainings and meetings
• Maintains good relationships and communications with counterparts (including Ministry of Education, READ TA Partners, and other organizations)
• Attends meetings and keeps accurate Meeting Notes
• Maintains library and resources for the Technical Team
• Works in a team on a day-to-day basis related to work habits, logistical support, and external relations
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
• University degree in education, business, international development or related field.
• 5 years of experience in developing and implementation of office systems and procedures
• 5 years of experience in managing administration, information, and project implementation
• Experience with USAID-funded projects preferred
• Strong analytical, planning, and research skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and demanding timeframes
• Excellent spoken/written English skills
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word and willingness to become skilled using RTI software
5. Data Base Specialist based in ADDIS ABABA
The Database Specialist is responsible for recording, analyzing and processing all data and generating reports for the overall READ TA project. The Database specialist is responsible for assisting in the monitoring and reporting of performance indicators and results, developing methods and milestones to monitor progress towards project goals. S/he will help to develop a project strategy to ensure that project activities and assignments are carried out as planned and the project objectives are being achieved. S/he works in a team with the Director of M & E, other staff at M&E unit and READ TA Regional teams on a day-to-day basis related to work habits and technical support. The Database specialist is expected to devote some of her/his time for field travel and will take on additional duties as needed.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Develop applications for effective data collection, recording, tracking, analyzing and reporting
• Update data base on regular basis ensuring reporting statistics are most recent
• Visit Field-Offices to monitor and verify data collection
• Collect data and upload to TraiNet
• Provide technical support for data collection
• Submit reports in a timely manner meeting deadlines
• Follow USAID Policies and Procedures
• Provide training as needed
QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE
• BSc in statistics, technology or related field
• Experience with USAID project preferred
• 5 years of experience in data base development arid management
• 5 years of experience with a variety of data collection techniques
• 5 years of experience in training and facilitation
• Excellent presentation skills
• Full proficiency in: MS Office Package, SPSS or SAS or STATA
6. Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist - based in ADDIS ABABA
The Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) Specialist is responsible for analyzing and processing all data, applying problem-solving skills to project challenges and recognizing opportunities for process improvement. The M & E Specialist is responsible for assisting in the monitoring and reporting of performance indicators and results, developing methods and milestones to monitor progress towards project goals. S/he will help to develop a project strategy to ensure that project activities and assignments are carried out as planned and the project objectives are being achieved. The M & E Specialist is expected to devote up to 60% of her/his time for field travel and will take on additional duties as needed.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Develop M& E Strategic Plan
• Lead M & E coordination and implementation
• Develop and .oversee implementation of effective monitoring, tracking, and reporting systems
• Monitor and verify M & E collection
• Support timely submission and accuracy of data
• Provide training as needed
• Support development of tolls, guidelines and reference documents
QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCES
• Bachelor degree in Social Sciences including: Statistics, Basic Sciences, etc.
• Minimum 5 years of experience monitoring in the education sector
• 10 years of experience in development and use of M & E Systems, i.e., data analysis, data quality access
• 5 years of experience using SPSS, SAS or STATA
• 5 years of experience training for M & E topics
• Experience with USAID project preferred
• Exemplary reading, writing and speaking skills in English
7. Accountant — based in ADDIS ABABA
The Accountant is responsible for ensuring appropriate systems and procedures cash
management, vendor payments, budgeting and other related expenditures) are followed to property disburse, account, budget and report project funds which are cost effective, timely, have proper
Internal controls and comply with the terms of the agreement.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Provide functional support for RTI’s finance and accounting function
• Keep track of expenses and financial transactions involving expense entry, tracking, and record keeping
• Prepare monthly expense reports
• Review expenses, claims, liquidations to ensure compliance with RTI procedures and terms of the agreement
• Review expense reports (travel expense reports , consultants and workshop expense reports) for accuracy and completeness and ensure that expense reports have been fully approved before payment
• Manage petty cash accounts
• Manage bank/cash transfers to the field offices and their respective reconciliations and liquidations
• Follow up with field offices and review expenses to ensure weekly expense reporting is submitted within the deadline
• Posting of all transactions in the Quick books and finance compliance documents (scanning)
• Submit report of the findings to COP/RC
• Ensure all payments transactions are fully documented filing and management of finance documents
• Perform other tasks as requested by COP/Supervisors /Management
QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE
• Professional Accounting training or Chartered Accountant/Certified Public Accountant
• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce with Minimum three years working experience in accounting/finance field
• Minimum two years of experience working for USAID project desired
• Fluency in both written and spoken English required
• Proficiency in using excel, Quick books and othr
• Ability to follow guidelines and controls required of the position
• Deadline oriented.
8. Cashier based in ADDIS ABABA
The Cashier will support the accountant in delivering the Financial Team objectives in a timely and accurate manner.
S/he will support the procurement Specialist and Logistics Specialist in collecting and filing invoices, receipts and payments.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Maintain custody of the office cash ,( small payments only) handle all matters related to day to day petty cash management which includes preparation of cash vouchers for reimbursement making payments to recipients, preparing summaries and reconciliations for replenishment of the petty cash fund
• Ensure that all cash transactions are fully and property documented/supported
• In collaboration with the Procurement Specialist, support collection and filing for procurement documentation
• In collaboration with the Logistics Specialist, support collection and filing for logistics (accommodations, transport, vehicles) invoices, receipts and payments
• In collaboration with the Accountant/Finance Manager support collection and filing of all cash and bank vouchers , maintaining voucher filing system such that files are updated, complete and safeguarded
• Photocopying of documents in Finance
• Assist the Accountant in recording transactions in QuickBooks
• Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisor
QUALIFICATIONS
• Basic Accounting Professional qualification —in CPS /ACCA or its equivalent
• (Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (Accounting), Business administration or a relevant field is an added advantage)
• At least (2) two years working experience in a large reputable organization
• Knowledge of basic accounting practices
• Computer literacy
• Interpersonal skills, written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively within all levels in the organization
• High Level of integrity
• Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English
• Proficiency in using excel and other financial software
HOW TO APPLY
RTI invites eligible candidates to indicate their interest in the position by December 6, 2013. Females are strongly encouraged to apply. All candidates are required to be fluent in English. Knowledge of a READ TA Mother Tongue language is an asset. Applications should consist of a letter (maximum one page) with clearly specified position for which the candidate is applying, detailed curriculum vitae, and 3 professional references, including your professional relationship with that person, the person’s telephone number and an email address. Submit applications to P.O. Box 21054/1000 Main Post Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia or hand deliver to: READ RTI Office, Room 506, Mafi City Mall Building (Addis Ababa Bole in front of Bole Medhanialem Church). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
To learn more about RTI and our work in international development, please visit www.rti.org
RTI is proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/N.
