Save the
Children is the world's leading independent organisation for children.
We work in 120 countries. We save children's lives; we fight for their
rights; we help them fulfil their potential.
We work
together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the
world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in
their lives.
We
have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.9 billion
dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through
programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights,
also in times of humanitarian crises.
Following
a major transition, our international programmes are now delivered
through a merged operation with c15,000 staff, managed through seven
regional hubs and reporting to a relatively small, central office. We're
changing to become more efficient, more aligned, a better partner, a
stronger advocate, a magnet for world-class people and relevant for the
21st century.
Contract length: 2 years, accompanied
The Role
After
decades of isolation and conflict, Myanmar is undergoing a period of
remarkable political, economic and social change. Since 2011, reforms
have been rapid and ambitious – including an expansion of civil and
political rights and progress towards resolving more than 60 years of
internal armed conflict. The recent democratic national election and
peace process underway represent an unprecedented opportunity to secure
lasting change that could improve the lives of millions of people in the
country.
The Myanmar Education Consortium (MEC)
is a national program designed to respond to these rapidly evolving
changes occurring in the education sector and the overall country
context. MEC supports complementary (non-government) education systems –
ethnic and monastic schools – with the goal of supporting the
transition to a more inclusive, coherent national education system. The
program adopts a systems strengthening approach – working in partnership
with local stakeholders to improve learning outcomes in complementary
systems and to promote broad participation in national education
reforms, addressing policy issues that limit children’s education
opportunities.
Working
in a highly dynamic environment, including in conflict affected areas,
and addressing politically sensitive issues, the program has been
designed with a high level of responsiveness and flexibility. The
strategy draws on lessons from Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation,
Thinking and Working Politically and peace building approaches to build a
strong learning approach and a program which continually responds to
the changing environment.
The
Director will need to build strong relationships across ethnic,
religious, government and civil society leaders, to embed understanding
of political and conflict dynamics in the program team, to build trust
between stakeholders and to advocate for positive change. The program is
built on strong partnerships with local organisations and working with
local partners to develop practical and innovative programs, to support
local leadership and to develop the capacity of partner organisations.
The successful candidate will need to be able to manage a complex
organisation, to promote a culture of learning and being able to adapt
to changes in the operating environment. The program is supported by an
Education Adviser. Experience in education will be an advantage but is
not a pre-requisite.
The
Director will be responsible for the effective and efficient
implementation of MEC program, including a $30 million budget and the
management of a predominantly Myanmar national team of 25 people. The
Director reports to the program Steering Committee, which includes donor
and fund manager representatives (currently Australia, UK, Denmark and
Save the Children) and is responsible for strategic oversight of the
program. MEC is managed by Save the Children. Plans are currently in
development to extend the program to 2020.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- At least 10 years’ experience in developing countries, or on social development programmes
- Master’s degree in relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience.
- Excellent leadership and management skills in a complex organisational setting with proven track record of people and team management and a proven ability to forge consensus and drive action.
- Ability to lead strategic development and change processes and strong experience in developing systems strengthening approaches.
- Demonstrated experience in building relations, finding common ground and influencing different stakeholders including government, non-state actors, civil society and development partners
- Experience working in policy engagement and facilitating political change, including political economy and governance approaches
- Experience in building partnerships with and capacity building of national organisations
- Ability to effectively establish a learning culture within an organisation
- Experience managing large, grants-based programs
- Excellent, interpersonal and communications skills
Desirable
- Knowledge of key issues and strategies to promote improved learning outcomes including experience of managing large education programs
- Experience in Myanmar, South East Asia or other relevant context of sub-national conflict
We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.
To see a full a job description, please visit our website at HERE
Please apply in English using your CV and cover letter as a single document, including your salary expectations for this role.
Closing Date: 04 October 2016
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