About RTI:
RTI International is one of the world’s leading research institutes, dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Our staff of more than 3,700 provides research and technical services to governments and businesses in more than 75 countries in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, and laboratory testing and chemical analysis.
About USAID LARA Program:
The Literacy Achievement and Retention Activity is a five-year USAID activity that supports the Ministry of Education Science Technology and Sports (MoESTS), Government of Uganda’s aim of improving early grade reading outcomes and enhancing safe school environments for children in primary grades utilizing EGR curriculum and methodologies. LARA is expanding the curriculum and methodologies developed and rolled out in SHRP districts to an additional 28 districts and these five Programme Officers will be essential to the success of the roll-out. They will work with partners to improved reading skills in three local languages (Luganda, Runyoro/ Rutoro, Runyankole/ Rukiga) and English for early primary grades.
Job Summary: The Program Officer will be in charge of facilitating the transfer of knowledge at the region, district and school level; mentor and supervise the Field Assistants and ensure smooth flow and implementation of the program activities without any interruptions. The Program Officers will be responsible for initiating and coordinating program activities in the new districts.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Training:
Oversee the implementation of the early grade reading activities at the regional/district level.
Offer technical expertise for early grade reading trainings both at the regional level and ensure that capacity needs are appropriately identified.
Provide technical presentations, carryout leadership and administrative roles during trainings.
2. Monitoring and Support supervision of head teachers, deputies and teachers:
Work in liaison with CCTs, DISs and DEOs to provide on-site supervision to schools through mentoring and coaching teachers for the consolidation of knowledge and skills acquired during EGR training.
Build the capacity of Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers in skills of clinical support supervision as immediate support supervisors through appropriate training activities.
Technically support the program to improve national level participation for more active engagement by DEOs, DISs and other district level staff in the school level implementation activities.
3. Field Activities:
Take part organizing and conducting Program based meetings with the Field Assistants and CCTs in developing monthly, quarterly, bi-annual basis and as the program may require.
Ensure that the Programme Field Assistants are empowered with the recommended skills and knowledge for Quality performance through proper guidance, counseling, coaching and on-site supervision.
4. Community Engagement:
Provide Programme advocacy through participation in Community and School level meetings.
Participate in organizing and conducting Program based meetings with District officials, monthly and quarterly and as the program may require.
5. Materials Distribution: Work closely with Procurement and Logistics departments to follow up Materials distribution to ensure correct delivery of books to Schools and Colleges.
6. Reporting and documentation:
Technically support the documentation of implementation by compiling and sharing reports, success stories and best practices from the Programme Field Assistants, CCTs and of all activities conducted on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis.
Effectively update the program on any related concerns or problems identified during training, on- spot supervision, meetings, monitoring and supervision.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation:
Follow up on data collection process to ensure accuracy and quality submission to Monitoring and Evaluation department.
Take part in the development of School data collection tool.
Contribute to other technical areas of the program, as appropriate and required.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidates for the USAID LARA Program Officers should possess master’s degrees in a related field and a minimum of one year of professional experience, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of three years of professional experience.
A minimum of five years’ prior office management experience, preferably on a USAID/USG or other donor-funded project in Uganda.
Previous experience supervising administrative staff.
Ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.
Excellent organizational, administration, and oral and written communication skills.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send updated CVs including three work related referees and cover letters to the Human Resource Manager by e-mail to recruitment@lara.rti.org. Emails should not exceed 2MB.
Deadline: 30th July, 2015