Foundational Learning Initiative Lead at Teach For All

Position Summary

To advance Teach For All’s 25-year vision and intended outcomes, we are launching a  Foundational Learning  Initiative Lead  to support network partners in sub-Saharan Africa to:

• Increase effectiveness of teachers in advancing their own students’ foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN)
• Build the knowledge and mindsets of the teachers so they become leaders committed to FLN
• Increase these leaders’ awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing the effort to advance FLN at a systemic level
• Support the advocacy and leadership of alumni (teaching fellows who have completed the two-year commitment) as a force for FLN

Teach For All is seeking the Lead of this Foundational Learning Initiative who will support network partners to strengthen their approach to developing teachers and leaders for advancing FLN by:

• Developing a strategy for the FLN Initiative
• Facilitating strong communities of practice and network learning, and supporting the creation of a fund to support Network Partners with their work in strengthening FLN.
• Building and maintaining  strategic relationships and external partnerships in the FLN space

About the Team 

• The Network Learning Function advances knowledge and learning in the Teach For All network to make progress toward our vision by growing collective leadership to ensure that all children can fulfill their potential.  We do this by fostering communities of practice in our global network, surfacing and spreading insights through strong resources and learning experiences, building partnerships, and enabling connections for constituents to advance their own learning.[KW1] 
• This role will sit on the Global Initiatives and Programmatic Partnerships Team which currently houses the Educational Leadership, Education in Emergencies, Climate Change, Girls Education, Inclusive Education and Future of Work Initiatives and supports the organisation with Programmatic Partnerships that support our broader work within these Initiatives and beyond.  This team may continue to grow as new Initiatives are developed.
• As the Foundational Learning Initiative Lead at Teach For All, responsibilities will include the following and/or similar activities:

Strategic Leadership

• Determining and executing on the strategy for developing and supporting FLN within sub-Saharan Africa and leveraging that learning to support the global network.
• Continuously evaluating the needs of the network and impact of the Initiative in order to enhance FLN learning and growth across the network.

Build Strategic Relationships and Partnerships

• Cultivating external relationships with partners in the FLN space in order to support network learning and growth (with organisations such as Room to Read, Teaching at the Right Level and Funda Wunda).
• Supporting network partners to determine how to contextualise and embed the resources these organisations have developed within Teach For All’s approach and each network partner’s context.
• Working with the Global Grantmaking Team and other stakeholders to initiate a fund to provide grants to network partners in order to pursue partnerships and strengthen their approach to training and supporting teachers in FLN; developing the concept for the Fund, Request for Proposals, Selection Criteria and Rubric, and developing the independent Committee that will select grantees.

Facilitating Strong Network Learning

• Fostering learning communities among staff members, teachers, and alumni to explore the systemic challenges, latest innovations, and initiatives to advance FLN.
• Providing access to shared learning experiences that support strong teacher development for advancing FLN.
• Support network alumni to build an understanding of how to maximise their long-term impact to FLN.

External Leadership

• Serving as an internal and external point person for all things FLN (e.g. identifying panelists for speaking engagements, supporting Public Affairs in various projects).
• Finding outlets to elevate the voices of our alumni and network partners related to FLN.
• Supporting Teach For All’s effort to generate resources for FLN and create materials to illustrate impact.
• Building an Advisory Committee to support and guide the Initiative (including external and internal expertise and stakeholders)

As the ideal candidate, you will bring:

• At least 10 years work experience, including direct work and expertise within the focus area of Foundational Learning in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Exceptional communications that can clearly communicate to an international audience as well as effectively convey stories that can compel others to act
• Ability to build strong relationships with multiple stakeholders from a range of cultures and understand their goals and motivations in order to support collaboration
• Experience building mutually beneficial partnerships that enable impact 
• Ability to thrive in a high-energy  and entrepreneurial organization as part of a collaborative and committed team
• Ability to work collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues globally, including a high volume of virtual engagement (i.e., conference calls, social media, virtual collaboration tools) and regular calls during non-traditional working hours
• Exceptional strategic thinking and reasoning skills — an orientation toward creativity and innovation, while also valuing cultural responsiveness and institutional knowledge
• Ability to be generative and  independently drive towards outcomes, demonstrating flexibility and shifting priorities as needed based on how the work evolves  
• Ability to work  independently and proactively manage multiple projects and responsibilities across both internal and external teams of colleagues'
• Must have sensitivity toward racial, cultural, and ideological diversity
• Ability to work in English required, fluency in a second language is preferred, but not required
• Exemplifies Teach For All’s core values and a commitment to Teach For All’s mission:
  • Reflects a sense of possibility in mindset and vision
  • Believes in the value of being locally rooted and globally informed
  • Drives toward constant learning and improvement
  • Convinced of the necessity of diversity and inclusiveness in our work
• Believes in the interdependence between us and our partners in solving this global problem

What Teach For All Offers:

• Commitment to cultivating a culture in which all staff members feel they belong, are valued for their contributions, and have an impact on our organization’s progress 
• Professional and personal development experiences and ample opportunities to make a positive impact onto the work of Teach For All and beyond 
• Comprehensive benefits package designed for your well-being and work-life needs 
• All roles are 100% remote;, in some locations we offer the option for in-office collaborations 
• Generous time off and flexible work arrangements
• And much more!