Project Description

The primary purpose of the Shekhar Jonno Pori “Read to Learn” activity is to provide technical assistance to the Government of Bangladesh and its sector-wide Fourth Primary Education Development Program (PEDP4), as well as to schools and teachers. The activity aligns with the USAID Education Strategy to improve the reading skills of students in primary grades. Technical assistance will take the form of training services, provision and dissemination of goods such as teaching and learning materials, national and sub-national assessment design and implementation. The activity will foster partnerships between schools and families to enhance opportunities for children to read outside of school and in the home.

Position Description:

The Chief of Party will be responsible for the overall implementation of an anticipated five-year, USAID-funded early grade reading project in Bangladesh. The Chief of Party will provide overall management, coordination, oversight and ensures that activities and sub-partners are coordinating and working to achieve results. This individual will be the key liaison with coordination among USAID and key stakeholders, and other implementing partners. Her/his primary responsibilities are aimed at providing overall leadership management and general technical direction of the entire program, ensuring an integrated vision among different actors and program components, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the contract. This individual will be expected to identify issues and risks related to program implementation in a timely manner, and suggest appropriate program adjustments. S/he will supervise activity implementation and ensure the activity meets stated goals and reporting requirements. The COP position requires political savviness, as s/he will interact with numerous institutions and senior-level national and county-level government officials. The Chief of Party will have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, work across cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines.


Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Education, International Development or related field required; PhD in education is preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience of which at least eight years’ overseas experience with technical issues related to reading education, basic education, teacher professional development, policy development, and community engagement. Experience managing or implementing reading education programs strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience managing complex international and donor-funded development projects, particularly USAID.
• Country experience in Bangladesh preferred, regional experience required.
• A strong understanding of monitoring, evaluation and learning required.
• Demonstrated experience of capacity development and professional development is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships with stakeholders required.
• Strong writing and communication abilities are essential.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work and are subject to modification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.