Education Policy Advisor, Early Grade Education Activity (EGEA) (NEW) at IREX in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

IREX


Job Category: Education Practice
Requisition Number: EDUCA003109

October 25, 2024
Full-Time | On-site
Jordan, 0000, JOR

Job Details

Description

Who We Are

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $150 million and more than 750 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

The Education Policy Advisor, under the supervision of the Senior Early Grade Systems & Policies Manager, is a key player in managing and executing program initiatives within the EGEA framework. The Advisor will lead policy dialogue with government actors, coordinate with education agencies, oversee the work of consultants, and co-lead assessments that contribute to the development of a robust policy framework for early grade education in Jordan.

Based in Amman, the Education Policy Advisor will work closely with the Senior Early Grade Systems and Policies Manager to engage with government stakeholders, conduct education system mapping, and implement systems thinking approaches that strengthens and provides coherence to pre and in service early grades education. The Advisor will also be responsible for leading roundtable discussions, conducting data analysis, providing strategic recommendations for policy enhancements that align with national goals and global best practices, and ensuring that consultants' work meets high standards and project objectives. The Advisor will also be responsible for developing innovative and forward thinking and costed policy interventions and socializing them with relevant stakeholders to gain support.

The Education Policy Advisor is an in-person position in Amman, Jordan.

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive job experience. or a master’s degree and 6 years of experience. In-depth knowledge of the Jordanian education policy landscape, particularly in early grade, pre- and in-service teacher training.
• Experience with international donor-funded projects, particularly in Joran and/or other Middle Eastern Countries, desired.
• Experience supporting assessments that draw on a wide range of data sources, and applying results to form policy recommendations, desired.
• Experience overseeing the work of consultants and providing technical guidance to ensure high-quality outputs.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, relationship building skills, and the ability to work cooperatively with team members, partner organizations, and stakeholders from government and education sectors. 
• Strong computer skills and proven track record in the advanced use of modern communications tools, internet, email, social media, and teleconferences. 
• Detail-oriented with ability to multitask and adjust priorities in a fast-paced working environment in order to adhere to strict deadlines. 
• Demonstrate leadership, integrity, and versatility. 
• Effective oral and written communication credentials.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proven experience managing multiple complex programming in a demanding, time-sensitive work environment
• Experience conducting research and ability to proficiently articulate findings in the English language
• Demonstrated ability to track and manage budgets and plan both strategically and creatively to meet project objectives.  
• Strong problem-solving skills and demonstrated flexibility to meet program outcomes.
• Strong representational and organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft office products, including Excel and computer skills.
• Speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in English and Arabic required. Excellent written and spoken English.
• Self-motivated and result oriented.
• You must have unrestricted authorization to work in Jordan.

Your Daily Tasks

• Liaise with the pre-service, in-service, and MEL teams, as well as partners, to collaboratively identify policy gaps, ensuring a comprehensive approach that reflects the needs and insights from all relevant teams.
• Directly liaise with government actors, including the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education, to lead policy dialogues and develop aligned education policies.
• Coordinate with education agencies such as UNESCO, World Bank, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment of efforts and maximize the impact of educational initiatives.
• Oversee the work of consultants, providing technical guidance and ensuring their outputs are aligned with project goals.
• Conduct education system mapping to identify gaps and opportunities for policy and system improvements.
• Stay updated on global and regional education policy trends and analyze how these might impact national policies and the implementation of EGEA.
• Co-lead assessments that contribute to the development and refinement of the national education policy framework that is costed, with a focus on quality assurance and systems thinking approaches.
• Implement and enhance systems thinking approaches within the policy development process, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to education reform.
• Co-lead the implementation of the Asas Policy Framework and enhancement.
• Lead research and data analysis related to early grade education in Jordan to strengthen EGEA policy recommendations including tools development to gather insights on policy problems and opportunities.
• Stay up to date on all progress related to national strategies progress, issuance, and achievements.
• Develop and implement frameworks for evaluating the impact of education policies, using data and feedback to refine and improve policies.
• Maintain solid working relationships with MoE and other stakeholders to support policy dialogue.
• Ensure that all policy development and implementation processes are well-documented, with lessons learned and best practices shared across the organization.
• Develop and maintain a repository of knowledge on education policies, ensuring that information is easily accessible to team members and stakeholders.
• Lead policy roundtable discussions with government stakeholders and education agencies, focusing on data-driven decision-making and policy development.
• Develop and disseminate strategic communications with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with national education goals.
• Collaborate with program communications teams to produce materials that highlight policy developments and their impact on the education system.
• Draft and disseminate correspondence with stakeholders as needed, seeking guidance or approval when necessary.
• Collaborate with program communications staff to create outcome-focused materials.
• Regularly prepare detailed reports on policy activities, outcomes, and impact for internal use and for submission to donors, government partners, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with education agencies such as UNESCO, World Bank, and the Education Sector Working Group and others to ensure complementary efforts and avoid duplication.
• Support the Government of Jordan in co-developing and institutionalizing high-quality pre- and in-service teacher education through strategic policy reforms.
• Contribute to the development of proposals and strategic plans that align with national education goals and future proof the education system.
• Identify potential risks related to policy development and implementation and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Promote innovative approaches to education policy development and implementation, encouraging the use of new technologies and methodologies.
• Draft and update workplans and program management tools to ensure timely progress of Education Systems and Policy Team activities and alignment with EGEA objectives.
• Draft and contribute to program budgeting related to Education Systems and Policy Team activities.
• Contribute budgeting for policy-related activities and annual planning and ensure alignment with EGEA objectives.
• Demonstrate and promote IREX’s values, management principles and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as a member of the EGEA team.
• Lead by example in driving project success and operational efficiencies.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior staff and team members to build their capacity in education policy analysis, development, and implementation.
• Organize and lead workshops, seminars, and training sessions for government officials and other stakeholders on policy development and systems thinking.
• Other support duties as needed.

You will Get:

Committed, passionate, collaborative, and mission-driven colleagues who make IREX a good place to work. You will receive best-in-class learning, development, and growth opportunities, as well as a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you thrive. This includes a well-being and employee assistance program, health coverage, a flexible work schedule, a generous PTO policy, a technology stipend, a diverse and inclusive work environment, and many more benefits.

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

PI253651410

Apply Now