PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Somali Youth Leaders Initiative (SYLI) is a five-year $18 million program to support formal and non-formal secondary education, vocational training, and economic opportunity for out-of-school youth in Somalia. The non-formal and youth engagement component aims to increase job placements, salaries/wages and self-employment opportunities for Somali youth through the provision of market-driven skills training, business training and linkages to credit, business development support and job placement services. The Technical Advisor’s role is to lead the process of developing the National Curriculum Framework for Basic Education in Somaliland. It entails giving direction, setting appropriate standards and frameworks, facilitation and training. It is not one of management or hands-on work in the field unless in a training context or when deployed to assist in establishing a response.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Somaliland Education Sector Plan defines curriculum review as “fostering a conducive environment which prizes the values of peace, democracy, equality and tolerance” as one of the strategies that form the backbone of the educational development and planning, and that can help the nation to recover from the effect of its past war, to prevent future conflict, and to support the population and economic growth of the country. The Technical Advisor will lead the process of developing the National Curriculum Framework for Basic Education in Somaliland. While doing this, s/he will fully integrate into the educational system the principles of civic education, Physical Education (PE), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and peace education as vital components; ensure that the basic education curricula are gender-responsive, and that it prepares students for life and the world of work.; provide gender education at all levels, which includes education about gender-based violence and ensures equity in all education provision; support the study of the English language for Junior Secondary School (JSS) students and secondary school teachers; integrate Information Communication Technology (ICT) education in all institutions of learning, from primary to tertiary including TVET; strengthen the teaching and learning of science at all levels of the educational system; include health and nutrition issues in the curricula for all children, and, integrate and promote sound, age-appropriate life skills education at all levels of formal and non-formal education.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide leadership and technical assistance in the development of the National Curriculum Framework for Basic Education while building capacity of members of the team and Ministry staff through the introduction of innovative ideas on relevant current international trends in curriculum framework development
• In collaboration with other stakeholders, set the objectives, outcomes and standards National Curriculum Framework for Basic Education
• Provide direction and lead the consultations for the primary, secondary and TVET/NFE component of the Basic Education Framework
• Supervise all steps of the development of the National Curriculum Framework for Basic Education to ensure deadlines are met
• Provide clearly defined statement and framework profile to ensure its quality and relevance to the national educational goals
• Draft the harmonized Basic Education Curriculum Framework by integrating TVET/NFE components in the framework
• Ensure special attention is given to equity, the definition of gender transformative dynamics in education, and the integration of social cohesion, conflict resolution and peace consolidation issues, as well as the promotion of child-centered pedagogy to support a safe and learner-friendly education environment
  

Organizational Learning

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field programs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Technically to the Director General, Ministry of Education, and administratively to the deputy Chief of Party, Somali Youth Leaders Initiative

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: SYLI technical heads andother technical departments in the Ministry of Education.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least a Bachelor degree in education, science, economics, commerce or any other relevant fields
• At least 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in curriculum development, textbook compilation, syllabi and course materials design and teaching aids, preferably related to basic education with a sound understanding and knowledge of the sector
• Thorough understanding of the issues surrounding development of educational reform in transitional, fragile contexts
• Solid work experience in an educational and academic context in a teaching/training capacity
• Proven leading and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-agency environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Ability to handle effectively multiple tasks without compromising the quality, team spirit and constructive working relationships with all colleagues;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, and Somali
• Willingness to work over time or on weekends due to needs and demands of the tasks

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful Technical Advisor will combine exceptional program and people management skills and experience. S/he will have an outstanding ability in planning, implementing and managing within limited amount of time; ability to work in challenging insecure environments; strong commitment to teamwork and accountability; flexibility to thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The Technical Advisor will be based in Hargeisa, and housed at the Ministry of Education Headquarters. Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Please apply directly at:
http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid=218594&company_id=15927&jobboardid=479