Kenya: Inclusive Quality Education Technical Lead

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION: 

Founded in 1937, Plan International, Inc. ("PII") is a globally recognized non-profit dedicated to advancing children's rights and gender equality in both humanitarian and development contexts. With over 80 years of experience, Plan International addresses the root causes of challenges faced by girls and vulnerable children, working in 70+ countries. The organization collaborates with children, young people, supporters, and partners to create a just world, acknowledging that the potential of every child is often hindered by poverty, violence, exclusion, disasters, and discrimination.

PLAN INTERNATIONAL KENYA: 

Plan International Kenya (PIK), operational since 1982, focuses on long-term development. Collaborating closely with local communities and governments, PIK implements programs to enhance the well-being of children in areas such as Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Tharaka-Nithi, Siaya, Kwale, Kilifi, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Tana River, Turkana, and Marsabit.

Under the current Country Strategy (July 2021 – June 2026), PIK aims to end teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence against girls. This goal aligns with four strategic objectives:

1. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): Improve access to SRHR services and information to reduce teenage pregnancies and harmful practices in Kenya.
2. Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence: Ensure functional child and girls' rights protection mechanisms to prevent and respond to all forms of violence and abuse.
3. Protecting Girls and Young Women in Crisis and Climate Change Adaptation: Minimize the impact of disasters on girls, young women, families, and communities.
4. Youth-led and Innovative Partnerships for Job Creation: Build a stronger ecosystem for youth employment and entrepreneurship, particularly for vulnerable young women, fostering job seekers and creators.

ABOUT THE ROLE: 

The Inclusive Quality Education Technical Lead will drive the development of a CO programme on Inclusive Quality Education that is aligned to Plan International Kenya’s Country Strategy and Plan International’s Global purpose. The position holder will drive new program development in Inclusive Quality Education (IQE) by developing sustainable, integrated programming and is accountable to beneficiaries and donors. S(he) will contribute high-quality technical content to the design of new proposals/ grants, establish partnerships with key players in the IQE Portfolio (including with NGOs, Research Partners, and the Private Sector) and will be the technical lead for national level networking and advocacy on all issues relating to Inclusive Quality Education/Learning. The position holder will maintain high level engagement with government and other actors to drive policy reforms, influencing the agenda as need be and to position PIK in the IQE ecoo-system. The position holder will drive program development through new business acquisition by actively participating in resource mobilization efforts to deliver on Plan Kenya’s bold ambitions for girls and youth in Kenya.

DIMENSIONS OF ROLE: 

• Communications Requirement: Continuous communication internally with Technical Leads and implementation team at National, Program Units (Field teams) and Partner level. Communication with SOYEE people at the MEESA Regional Office, National Offices level and the global network.
• Risk Management: He/she will take proactive stance in identifying and mitigating child and youth safegurding/ code of conduct in emergency response related risks in SIQE projects by Plan as well as by partner organizations.
• External Representation: He/she represents Plan in the relevant national Technical Working Groups and Business forums and networks and upon delegation by supervisor in donor communities, INGOs, as well as different government and non-government committees.
• Reach/Breadth of the Post/ or Area of Responsibilities: Will be responsible for developing programmes within the framework for Kenya and Global Country Strategy. Will take active lead in conducting the market scan, context assessment and developing concepts and proposals to expand Plan’s work in the youth and economic empowerment space

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES: 

A. Strategic Development of IQE programme: 25%

• Lead in design of the IQE programme for Plan International Kenya as prioritized in the Country Strategic Plan;
• Develop all components of the IQE programme to be aligned with government and donor priorities, as well as the priorities of the children and communities where Plan International Kenya works;
• Identify key implementing and strategic partners working in the field of IQE with whom Plan International Kenya can work with to develop proposals, bid for donor funding and partners on research, advocacy and influencing work. Design evidence-based Learning/IQE projects which are in line with Plan International Kenya and CS, for grant funded and sponsorship programmes;
• Document key methodologies used by Plan International in the Education Sector and advise on how these can be adapted for Kenya.
• Seek out innovations that can be used in the IQE space, including the use of ICT4D;
• Work closely with the MER Manager to ensure that all project plans are complete with outcome level monitoring and evaluation plans;
• Continuously learn from implementation to feed into further strategy development, documenting learnings for both internal and external use;
• Develop programme strategies through participatory processes, including in liaison with other Thematic Leads so that integrated programming can be achieved.
• Promote/support application of Plan International’s global programme quality policy and framework, global IQE M&E standards and Plan International Kenya’s M&E vision in its Country Strategic Plan;
• Ensure programme integration both within and between different programmes to arrive at a holistic, coordinated approach at the community level.
• Provide IQE technical direction and guidance to staff and partners and ensure that programming is aligned to the global standards.

B. Business Development: 25%

• Develop high-quality technical content for concept notes and proposals for donor-funded projects
• Assumes shared accountability for resources that are channelled to Plan International by donors.
• Map education sector interventions that are appropriate for Kenya, based on broader Plan International methodologies and wider best practice.
• Take part in national and regional Education Sector Networks and keep abreast of new opportunities for acquiring donor funding
• Established and maintain strong working relationships with bilateral, multilateral and corporate donors in the Education Sector
• Hold frequent meetings with potential donors to profile Plan International’s work in the Education Sector and to develop joint strategies
• Communicate effectively with national offices, internal and externals donor on all matters relating to IQE
• Keep up-to-date with new trends and innovations in the Education Sector.
• Incorporate lessons from Plan Kenya’s projects and previous technical experiences in IQE into high quality thought leadership pieces and positioning activities for industry engagement and participation in practitioner networks;
• Ensure that sound technical inputs are being provided to Business Development and Grants team to support the development of high-quality concept notes, proposals and other relevant documents.
• Work with and support the business development team in grant negotiations with donors. Effective linkage and relationship established and maintained with NOs, internal and externals donors, private sectors and development partners.
• Ensure a robust understanding of Plan International’s Kenya’s sponsorship vision, and support the realization of strategic alignment with programme priorities

C. Programme Technical Leadership, Quality and Innovation: 20%

• Provide targeted technical assistance to Plan Kenya’s portfolio of education projects , with a focus on programme quality cost effectiveness, building a solid evidence base of what works, as well as driving innovations and moving these to scale;
• Support the development of an integrated approach to programming for adolescents and youth, including strengthening capacity of staff implementing child sponsorship projects that have an adolescent development component;
• Provide technical assistance to support quality design, implementation, monitoring, learning and evaluation of Inclusive Quality Education programs while providing support to teams on reporting for this strategic workstream;
• Strengthen the capacity of program implementation teams and partners, through relevant training modules, to develop, mainstream and implement quality and innovative IQE;
• In collaboration with Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning team, provide oversight and technical guidance in monitoring and harnessing learning from implementing IQE projects, across the programme areas and keep track of achievement of the intended outcomes;
• Provide input into Country Office learning and innovation by supporting the design, testing and evaluation of innovations to advance education for youth, including participating and supporting project/program assessments and evaluations as need be;
• Work with program teams to provide succinct and compelling evidence of IQE and best practices, for internal and external consumption, through documentation and dissemination of lessons learnt;
• In close collaboration with Program Unit Managers, provide timely reports, as may be required on the Plan Kenya’s IQE program portfolio, including updates on program/project challenges and successes;
• Monitor development in the fields of education and incorporate these into PIK experiences in the development of new program work and refinement of existing projects;
• Collaborates with Plan Country Teams in designing projects, identifying opportunities considering the national and global context/target and generating project-related learnings.

D. Partnerships, Networking and Influencing 10%

• Actively participate in IQE eco-systems with the global hub and regional teams as well as within Kenya’s community of practice;
• Participate actively in programme meetings, planning and review activities, providing enhanced insight into child rights programming;
• Actively participate in key relevant internal meetings such as Programme Review Meetings, Advocacy and Communications or area-based meetings as required;
• Participate in any donor visit to project(s) within the country office portfolio, as required;
• Represent Plan Kenya in relevant national technical working groups and networks
• Advocate and negotiate with high level technical experts and government officials, parliamentarians and CSOs;
• Conduct policy analysis to inform advocacy issues and establish and maintenance of dialogue with key decision makers within government;
• Advice on the partnership networks for overall enhancement of the IQE programmes that impact at the different levels of engagement (County, National and Global).

E. Risk Management & Financial Responsibility (5%)

• Support the annual planning process to ensure budget are well structured and effectively managed and utilised;
• Coordinate and support programme quality and delivery on IQE project audits and adequate application of management response across all impact areas.

F. Roll out and implementation of Your Organization’s Data and Analytics (YODA) (5%)

• Perform YODA specific functions which include but are not limited to; project design and planning; tracking of AOGD core indicators and quality benchmarks in PMERL and project reporting.
• Any other responsibilities that may emerge after full rollover to YODA

G. Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) (5%)

• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures;
• Leads the orientation of programme staff to ensure that they are properly inducted on and understands their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in project design, during implementation and as principles applied in day-to-day work of Programme team;
• Ensures that Plan Kenya contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted.

H. Other Duties (5%)

• As assigned by the Line Manager.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: 

• Courageous, taking a lead, challenging myself and others to achieve purpose, safeguard others and role model values, inside and outside work. Responsible for my work and learning, striving to improve. Self-aware, resilient and constructive in embracing change. Striving to achieve significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people, and to secure equality for girls. Challenging myself to be bold, courageous, responsive, focused and innovative;
• Understand and adhere to the policies, processes, practices and standards relevant to own work and keeps their knowledge and skills up to date;
• Collaborating with team members, colleagues and partners in finding creative solutions to problems by sharing information, experience and ideas and actively seeking their input.
• Respecting all people, appreciating differences and challenging inequality in programmes and the workplace. Supporting children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives. Empowering other staff to give their best and develop their potential;
• Achieves desired outcomes and finds innovative solutions by using the expertise and creativity of others and adopting a coaching approach with the people they manage or advise;
• Creates space for reflection and uses external evidence and internal evaluation to identify what and how we need to improve and then to support others through change;
• Understanding Plan International’s purpose, priorities, values and approaches in our work context. Adhering to relevant policies, processes, practices and standards, and being pro-active in continuing technical and professional development.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES: 

• Manages legal and reputational risk including risk assessment, communication, risk management and reporting in full compliance with risk-related standards, including in areas such as Child and Youth Safeguarding and Protection, Gender equality and inclusion, Counter Fraud, safety and security.
• Managing activities and resources including skills in strategic thinking, planning and organising, financial planning and monitoring, negotiation and programme and project management
• Managing people and information including skills in assessment and coaching, evidence-based management, communication skills, both speaking and writing, and digital working, including personal digital skills
• Managing resources and delivery:
  • Knows the resources required for their role. Manages their own workload, avoiding under or overcommitting to delivery activities;
  • Works according to a budget and uses the relevant financial systems.;
  • Works according to principles of data protection;
  • Understands how information is used for reporting and decisions making;
  • Seeks to continually improve personal working practices
• Programme and project management:
  • Aware of the programmes that Plan International delivers directly and through partner organisations.
  • Aware of the programme and project management procedures relevant to their role.;
  • Complies with financial procedures and controls relevant to their role;
  • Seeks opportunities to reflect on and learn from all work
• Digital working:
  • Identifies ways to use digital to improve the effectiveness of work activities.
  • Understands how digital enablers can contribute to achieving Plan International’s purpose.
  • Utilises the digital tools available in line with privacy and safeguarding guidelines
• Evidence-based management:
  • Understands the importance of high-quality data and the implications of poor data.
  • Understands what data Plan International needs to inform decision-making.
  • Interprets a range of sources to inform evidence-based decisions relevant to their role.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: 

Essential: 

• A Bachelors degree in Education, preferably in primary and/or non-formal education methods.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant field-based project management experience;
• 3 Years in a leadership/managerial role
• Excellent relations with the Kenya Ministry of Education and deep understanding of the education sector and related issues
• Experience with 2-3 donors implementing IQE programmes
• Experience in development IQE programmes and projects, including translating design into solid implementation with sound results;
• Experience in planning and facilitating training/workshops on Learning/IQE project design and reviews;
• Ability to represent this thematic portfolio at senior levels in the field of IQE;
• Experience in writing/ contributing significantly to successful grant proposals;
• Fluent written and spoken English language skills required and excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to quickly adapt technical guidance to any given operating environment.
• Experience with right-based approaches, working with children and understanding their special needs.
• Experience managing staff, including demonstrated experience in staff training, coaching and mentoring.
• High computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
• Ability to demonstrate values in line with international human rights protocols.
• Being a self-starter, capacity to multi-task and work with minimal supervision
• Ability to work well in frequently changing contexts
• Strong Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Leadership analysis/coaching skills

Desirable: 

• Master’s degree preferably preferably in social science, Sociology, Development Studies, Gender and Development, International Affairs, Economics or other relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in coaching and mentoring staff on inclusive education strategies;
• Experience in designing and technical support/management of IQE activities
• Demonstrable advocacy experience in national and county level systems and structures.
• Solid experiences in resource mobilization with a variety of donors

Languages Required: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Click on the following link to access the full Job Description: JD IQE Technical Lead - finall.pdf

How to Apply: 

To apply please click this link: Career Opportunities: Inclusive Quality Education Technical Lead

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Reports to: Director, Program Strategy, Development and Innovation
Closing Date: 12th April 2024

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Disclaimer: Plan International is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate applicants on any basis. We also do not charge Job seekers any fees at any point of the recruitment process.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply for this position.