Technical Director, Kenya Tusome II Follow-On at RTI International

RTI is seeking a Technical Director for the anticipated follow-on to the USAID-funded Kenya Tusome Early Grade Reading Activity. RTI has been implementing this project since 2014, reaching all public schools nationwide to improve learning outcomes for children in grades 1-3. The anticipated follow-on activity will likely continue and expand EGR support to schools, strengthen education system capacity, and address other needs in the community. The Technical Director will be responsible for providing technical oversight and leadership to ensure technical excellence across project activities. They will manage a team of technical experts, ensure technical rigor of programming, coordinate STTA, in collaboration with the COP; and liaise with GOK technical staff across the education structure as needed.

This position is contingent upon funding and award.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Technical Director include, but are not limited to :

• Responsible for supporting the CoP in developing a technical vision and strategy for the project shared with project team and key stakeholders.
• Manage technical personnel and oversee all technical activities on the project to increase the capacity of the MOE and other relevant institutions/entities (SAGAs) to implement improved reading instruction in Kenya, sustainably.
• Ensure that all technical activities conform to the terms and conditions of project requirements, including cost, schedule, and quality parameters.
• Ensure integration of project technical activities by leading the technical aspect of the annual work planning process, implementing the annual workplan, ensuring close integration of technical activities with monitoring, evaluation, and learning efforts, and cost-effective operational management.
• Provide technical leadership across reading and remedial programming, capacity building, systems strengthening, and school-based support to teachers.
• Ensure program strategies and activities represent global good practice in education.
• Ensure that key cross-cutting elements, such as equity and inclusion are in place and mainstreamed effectively in all program activities. This includes supporting private sector and civil society engagement.
• Support the preparation and delivering high quality reports to USAID, including quarterly and annual reports, annual work plans, technical and financial reports.
• Ensure all contractual deliverables and reporting requirements are met and in compliance with contractual requirements and U.S. federal regulations.
• Foster and maintain effective, professional relations with government counterparts, local organizations, donors and other stakeholders for successful implementation.
• Collaborate and share knowledge with other development partners and their initiatives.
• Liaise with USAID and RTI home office on technical issues and reporting on technical programming.
• Develop and implement practices to ensure a high level of staff morale and retention.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's Degree and 15 years of experience, Master's degree and 12 years of experience, PhD and 8 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience and expertise working projects to strengthen education systems and improve education outcomes with a strong focus on reading and remediation programs.
• Demonstrated experience working closely with GOK counterparts and stakeholders, including supporting capacity building.
• Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.
• Knowledgeable and experienced with international development contracting policies and procedures, specifically USAID.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to resolve sensitive and complicated work issues with senior high-level country counterparts, donor representatives, and senior-level staff.
• Experience working in the East Africa region, preferably within Kenya.
• Kenyan citizens/nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.