Education Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
VSO is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting volunteering as a powerful and practical means to combat poverty and inequality. Established with the mission to create lasting change through volunteering, VSO believes in effecting change not by sending aid, but by empowering individuals through the efforts of volunteers and partnerships. The organization focuses on working with people in some of the world's poorest and most fragile regions, recognizing their desire, power, courage, and determination to shape their own futures. VSO employs a Volunteering for Development (VfD) approach, which prioritizes the most marginalized individuals, and is grounded in years of evidence and learning. This approach fosters active citizenship, enabling local communities to drive change and achieve sustainable development goals long after specific projects or grants have concluded.

Job Overview:
The Education Specialist role is designed to provide technical support and capacity building to the Ministry of Education at various levels, including district, zonal, and school levels, specifically for the effective implementation of the BeFIT programme. The Education Specialist will be responsible for training and supporting District Education Officers, Primary Education Advisors (PEAs), teachers, and School Managers. A key focus of this role is to effectively integrate Tablet-based learning into teaching practices and school systems, ensuring that educators are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance the learning experience for students. The role requires a proactive approach to capacity building, fostering collaboration among educational stakeholders, and ensuring that the BeFIT programme is implemented successfully across the targeted areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Education Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Providing technical support to the Ministry of Education in the implementation of the BeFIT programme.
• Conducting training sessions for District Education Officers, PEAs, teachers, and School Managers on the integration of Tablet-based learning into educational practices.
• Developing training materials and resources that align with the BeFIT programme objectives.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of training sessions and the overall implementation of the programme.
• Collaborating with educational stakeholders to identify challenges and opportunities for improvement in the integration of technology in education.
• Supporting the development of local capacity to sustain the BeFIT programme beyond the initial implementation phase.
• Engaging with community members to promote the benefits of Tablet-based learning and gather feedback for continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Education Specialist position must possess strong qualifications, including:

• Proven experience in training and mentoring primary school teachers, both in-service and student teachers.
• A valid motorcycle riding license with at least 2 years of riding experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and stakeholders in an educational context.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate effective training and support.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Education Specialist role should have a relevant educational background, typically including a degree in education, instructional technology, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in education or training methodologies may be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience, specifically:

• A minimum of two years of experience in training and mentoring primary school teachers.
• Experience in educational program implementation, particularly in technology integration within the classroom setting.

Languages:
While proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, knowledge of local languages spoken in Malawi would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time, and while specific salary details are not provided, all volunteers will receive an allowance paid in local currency to cover reasonable living expenses in the country. It is important to note that the allowance may not be sufficient for sending money home. Accommodation for volunteers will be basic, reflecting the organization's work with some of the poorest communities in the world. VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce, and reserves the right to close the job early if a sufficient number of applications are received. VSO is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process and does not charge any fees in connection with applications or recruitment.