Chief of Party, Kenya Tusome Early Grade Learning Activity at RTI International

RTI's International Education Division is currently accepting applications for Chief of Party, for the USAID-funded Tusome Early Grade Literacy Activity (Tusome) in Kenya. Working at a national scale, the Tusome Activity improves early grade literacy outcomes in both English and Kiswahili, through national level teacher trainings, ongoing support to teachers as well as the production and distribution of materials for pupils and teachers. The current implementation focus provides works closely with Kenya’s Ministry of Education (MOE) in supporting teachers and learners in grades 1-3 during the COVID pandemic and the planned reopening of schools. It is anticipated that even if schools remain closed, some support would remain remote, including teacher training.  A key area of focus for the remainder of the project is to fully transition ownership of activities to the MOE in order to ensure sustainability.

The COP is responsible for leading the management, implementation and overall quality assurance of the project.  In this role, s/he will be RTI’s primary point of contact with RTI, USAID and Kenyan government counterpart agencies.  This position is based in Nairobi.

Essential Job Functions:

The COP’s roles and responsibilities will include:  

• Oversee technical, administrative and financial operations (e.g., operations, compliance, reporting, and implementation) in coordination with the RTI Home Office;
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance in the design, delivery and evaluation of technical assistance, implementation and research; all with a focus on early grade reading instruction and teacher training; 
• Collaborate with MOE counterparts and other education stakeholders to guide implementation and ensure the timely and quality completion of technical, financial and contractual deliverables;
• Develop and implement annual program work and performance milestone plans and negotiates an agreement of those plans with the client; and
• Maintain and effectively manage relationships with Kenyan and international RTI partners implementing the project.

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Qualifications and Competencies: 

• A Master’s degree or higher in education or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in development, including education reform, teacher training, literacy, gender issues, grants management, research and community mobilization;
• A proven track record in managing education projects in developing countries, with large staff and implementing a national level program;
• Prior experience working in Eastern Africa or Southern Africa preferred;
• Extensive experience with British established education systems;
• Experience and proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government counterparts and other stakeholders, and ability to support journey to self reliance efforts with ministry counterparts;
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate staff into a cohesive team;
• Experience with USAID project management policies, procedures and reporting requirements;
• Absolute fluency in English and superlative communication and writing skills.