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 fostering change not by sending aid, but by collaborating with volunteers and partners to empower individuals in some of the world's most impoverished and fragile regions. The organization recognizes that people in developing countries possess the desire, power, courage, and determination to shape their own futures. Through its Volunteering for Development (VfD) approach, VSO prioritizes the most marginalized individuals, drawing on years of evidence and learning to cultivate active citizens who drive community-led change and achieve sustainable development goals long after projects or grants conclude. VSO operates in various countries, focusing on creating impactful volunteer opportunities that lead to meaningful development outcomes.

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. This position entails training and supporting District Education Officers, Primary Education Advisors (PEAs), teachers, and School Managers to successfully integrate Tablet-based learning into their teaching practices and school systems. The Education Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the educational landscape by ensuring that modern technology is effectively utilized in classrooms, thereby improving the quality of education delivered to students. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in education, particularly in training and mentoring primary school teachers, and will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to fostering educational excellence and innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Education Specialist include but are 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 facilitate effective learning and teaching methodologies.
• Monitoring and evaluating the progress of the BeFIT programme and making necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.
• Collaborating with local education stakeholders to ensure alignment with national education policies and standards.
• Supporting the development of a sustainable framework for the ongoing use of technology in education.
• Engaging with communities to promote the importance of education and the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences.
• Reporting on the impact of training and support provided to ensure accountability and transparency in the programme's implementation.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Education Specialist position include:

• A strong background in education, particularly in primary education.
• Proven experience in training and mentoring teachers, both in-service and student teachers.
• Familiarity with Tablet-based learning and its application in educational settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• A commitment to promoting inclusive education and addressing the needs of marginalized communities.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Education Specialist position should possess a relevant degree in education or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in educational technology or curriculum development are highly desirable. Continuous professional development in teaching methodologies and educational innovations will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in training and mentoring primary school teachers. Additionally, candidates must have at least two years of motorcycle riding experience with a valid rider's license obtained within the past two years, as this may be necessary for travel to various educational sites.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of instruction and communication. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Malawi would be considered an advantage, as it would facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role, and while the salary is not specified, 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 to send money home. Accommodation provided will vary and is likely to be basic, reflecting the organization's commitment to working 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. The application process is free of charge, and any fraudulent requests for fees should be reported.