JOB DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW:

The overall goal of SCI Sri Lanka’s strategic plan for education is to ensure that all children and young people enjoy their right to a good quality education. Save the Children works in partnership with the government, donors, and civil society to support education programs that address issues of educational quality, relevance, and access for marginalized children. SC works with the national government to support them in their responsibility to deliver good quality of education by strengthening the quality of education of learning environments and of literacy.

Save the Children has been awarded a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program to implement the second phase of the PALAM/A (Promoting Autonomy for Literacy and Attentiveness through Market Alliance) project over a five-year period. McGovern-Dole feeds school children, reduces hunger, enhances food security, and improves literacy in low-income, food-deficit countries around the world.  By providing school meals, teacher training, and related education and nutritional support, McGovern-Dole helps boost school enrollment, attendance, and literacy results. The core objective of the PALAM/A Project is to bridge the constraints of sustainability of the ongoing governments’ national school meal program and support primary grade learning and dietary practice outcomes in Sri Lanka. The project aims to improve primary school children”s literacy skills by improving the quality of literacy instruction; improving children’s attentiveness by decreasing short term hunger: improving children’s attendance: and increase the use of health, nutrition and dietary practices in Sri Lanka.

ROLE PURPOSE: 

The District Education Coordinator will report to the District Technical Manager – Education (DTM), and will support the implementation of education activities at the district level. The role holder will work closely with the DTM to roll out the Literacy Outcome Improvement (LOI) activities outlined in the implementation plan. The role holder will be expected to maintain good working relationships with district education authorities and coordinate with provincial and zonal education authorities to implement project activities. The Education Coordinator will provide logistical support and contribute to the facilitation of training programs. The role holder will be expected to apply a high level of technical knowledge and good communication skills to support the development and translation of training material. The role holder will be expected to support the MEAL team as needed with the collection and analysis of project data. In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the Education Coordinator will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Work closely with the District Technical Manager – Education to ensure the effective implementation of Learning Outcome Improvement (LOI) activities and initiatives at the district level.
• Work with the District Technical Manager – Education and other stakeholders to implement school health, nutrition, and hygiene initiatives at the district level.
• Assist the District Technical Manager – Education with the planning and execution of educational activities aligned with project goals, ensuring that all interventions meet the desired SCI quality standards.
• Ensure that all education-related activities are delivered on time and within budget under the guidance of District Technical Manager – Education.
• Coordinate with relevant district and zonal education officers to ensure that project activities are aligned with local education policies, guidelines and training schedules.
• Maintain regular communication with the District Education Manager – Education, to report on progress and challenges of education activities and highlight relevant issues and concerns.
• Support data collection, data analysis, progress tracking, and the assessment of project activities and outcomes and provide recommendations for improving the effectiveness of educational interventions.
• Assist in the development of teacher training modules and training  materials, and support the organization and facilitation of teacher training programs, coaching sessions, and professional development activities under the guidance of the District Technical Manager – Education.
• Ensure that field activities adhere to SCI MEAL requirements and work closely with the MEAL officer to review and verify data collected.
• Analyse collected information on a regular basis and prepare monthly/quarterly reports to share with District Technical Manager Education/ Senior Technical Manager Education and project team for progress review discussions.
• Record, manage and preserve monitoring and evaluation data in a safe and accessible way.
• Ensure all project activities are strictly compliant with SCI’s policies and standards on safe and ethical child and adult participation, and support with ensuring that this is integrated across SCI’s work in Sri Lanka.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in social science, Community Development, International Relations or a similar field. Bachelor’s degree in education will be an advantage.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Sinhala and/or Tamil and proficiency in English.
• Sound knowledge in MS office packages and proficiency in one of the following – MS Excel, SPSS/STATA, MS Access – for data analysis and reporting.
• Valid motorbike riding license is essential.
• Good planning and organizing skills. Experience in project management or program coordination is a benefit.
• Quick learner with ability to think creatively.
• Experience in similar position for not less than 3 years. Experience in teaching or education management, ideally in primary education, is highly beneficial.
• Experience working with community/child participation systems and understanding of right based approaches.

Desirable

• A confident, flexible and proactive attitude with the ability to work independently, to be proactive in working with others.
• Flexibility and commitment to work extended hours as and when required.
• Trilingual fluency