Team Lead/Chief of Party

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a global development organization that was established with a mission to improve lives through a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. The organization operates from over 60 offices worldwide and employs more than 4,000 professionals who are experts in various fields including education, health, nutrition, economic development, civil society, environment, and research. FHI 360 is committed to forming partnerships at all levels and employs a multi-disciplinary approach to create a lasting impact on the communities and countries it serves, ultimately improving the lives of millions.

Job Overview:
The Team Lead/Chief of Party position is a critical role that involves providing overall technical, strategic, operational, and stakeholder leadership for an anticipated education quality assurance activity funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in Belize. This position is contingent upon FHI 360 receiving the award and will be based in Belize. The project aims to address significant challenges in the education sector, specifically low-quality education and high electricity costs, through a $125 million, 5-year Compact signed between the MCC and the Government of Belize. The Quality Assurance activity will support the Government of Belize in strengthening accountability for student learning by developing and implementing an educational quality assurance system, enhancing the Belize Education Management Information System (BEMIS), and reforming teacher and school leadership policies and systems. The Team Lead will act as the primary liaison with various stakeholders including MCC, MCA-Belize, and the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, sustainable, and contextually appropriate reforms across all components of the activity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Team Lead will be responsible for providing overall leadership and strategic direction for the project, ensuring effective management oversight. Key responsibilities include serving as the principal liaison with MCC, MCA-Belize, and other key education stakeholders, overseeing technical integration across all workstreams, leading annual work planning, implementation oversight, risk management, and adaptive management processes. The Team Lead will guide the implementation of integrated education quality assurance reforms, including the development of quality assurance frameworks, strengthening BEMIS and data systems integration, reforming teacher and school leader policies, and establishing performance management and accountability systems. Additionally, the Team Lead will build and maintain strong relationships with government counterparts, education institutions, and donors, facilitate stakeholder consultations, supervise senior technical personnel, and foster a collaborative team culture.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in education, public policy, international development, education planning, or a related field, with a Master's degree preferred. A minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience is required, including at least 8 years of managing large-scale international education programs. Candidates should have demonstrated experience leading complex donor-funded education systems strengthening activities, strong experience working with ministries of education on institutional reform, quality assurance, governance, and accountability, as well as experience with MCC-funded programs strongly preferred. The ability to manage multidisciplinary technical teams and coordinate with high-level government stakeholders is essential, along with experience in the Caribbean or small island developing states being preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as education, public policy, international development, or education planning. A Master's degree in a related discipline is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 12 years in progressively responsible roles, with at least 8 years dedicated to managing large-scale international education programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading complex donor-funded education systems strengthening initiatives and experience working closely with ministries of education on various reforms.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role and is contingent upon FHI 360 receiving the award for the project. The expected hiring salary range for national local hire for this role is BZD 120,000 - 160,000 annually for basic salary. FHI 360 considers various factors when determining an offer amount, including relevant years of experience and education, internal equity, market pay, and budget constraints. The organization is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that no discrimination occurs based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. FHI 360 also emphasizes safeguarding and preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs.