Senior Policy and Capacity Building Advisor, Kenya Tusome Follow-On at RTI International

RTI is seeking a Senior Policy and Capacity Building Advisor for the anticipated follow-on to the USAID-funded Kenya Tusome Early Grade Reading Activity. RTI has been implementing this project since 2014, reaching all public schools nationwide to improve learning outcomes for children in grades 1-3. The anticipated follow-on activity will likely continue and expand EGR support to schools, strengthen education system capacity, and address other needs in the community. The Senior Policy and Capacity Building Advisor serves as the policy lead on the project; liaises with GOK senior technical officials, in consultation with the COP; identifies policy and capacity gaps across the system, and devises strategies to enhance capacity of GOK counterparts and institutions; and supports regional offices to foster coordination and collaboration with county and sub-county officials.

This position reports to the Chief of Party and is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Senior Policy and Capacity Building Advisor include, but are not limited to:

• Leads and coordinates the implementation of the project activities and provide technical expertise related to education policy, system strengthening and capacity building of the MOE and other relevant institutions/entities (SAGAs) to implement improved reading instruction in Kenya, sustainably.
• Builds and maintains relationships with key sector partners, donors, consultants, host country counterparts and stakeholders.
• Collaborates with colleagues across RTI on technical, administrative, and strategic planning initiatives. Ensures best practices and lessons learned are captured and disseminated across project.
• Responsible for coordinating with the project’s Regional Coordinators to work with the county and sub-county MOE and other relevant GOK/SAGAs officials to advance project goals
• Work closely with MERLA Lead on developing system capacity to collect and use data for planning and decision-making and to design indicators for measurement of gains in system capacity.
• May serve as a representative of the project to clients, stakeholders, and partners, providing key inputs for technical or management decisions.
• Responsible for managing program deliverables including planning and coordination of systems strengthening activities.
• Provides leadership, management, and technical assistance for capacity development of non-governmental and governmental organizations focused on education improvement.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, or related field and 12 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree in education, public policy, or related field and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in the education sector, including strategic planning, implementation planning and monitoring and evaluation of relevant activities. Experience in Kenya preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain professional working relationships with high-level government and donor counterparts in complex environments.
• Expertise in advising high-level government officials, donor partners, and other technical experts and in education policy and systems.
• Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Outstanding coordination, facilitation and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience in high level policy dialogue and diplomacy.
• Fluent English language skills required; working knowledge of Kiswahili preferred