Local Lead - Objective (One) - Curricula development

Job Announcement – Local Lead (Objective One)

Posting Date: July 15, 2024

Posting End Date: August 14, 2024

Position Title: Local Lead (Objective One)

Project: USAID Agriculture Higher Education

Objective one: Improve the development of processes and capacity within the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) in Nepal to ensure a comprehensive, student-centered package of curricula, course materials, and methods of instruction. 

Status: Contract (August – December 2024) Will be extended based on performance and contingent upon funding 

Reporting: Project Director / Country Manager

Description of the project

The USAID Agriculture Higher Education is USAID/Nepal 5-year funded project beginning December 2022. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of AFU to produce highly skilled graduates who can contribute to the agricultural sector's growth and development. The project is implemented in partnership with the Tuskegee University (TU) and AFU in Nepal and its partner Sathguru Inc. Project aims to strengthen agricultural curricula in AFU through the following project objectives:

• developing innovative, transformative, and student-centered curricula using Universal Design for Learning, 
• increasing the number of workforce-ready students using the positive youth development framework, and 
• accelerating university engagement in sponsored research with technology transfer and creating a vibrant engagement of AFU in extension services driven by contemporary digital innovation and
• Improve and promote women’s leadership and capacity to enable women faculty members to take a lead role and to improve processes to ensure increased enrollment of female students

Position Description

The Objective one Local Lead will be responsible for leading the project's efforts to improve the development of processes and capacity within AFU to ensure a comprehensive, student-centered package of curricula, course materials, and methods of instruction. He will work closely with the project team, AFU faculty and staff, and other stakeholders to achieve the project's objectives.

Under the overall guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI)/Project Director and the day-to-day supervision of the Country Manager/MEL Manager, the selected individual will provide technical assistance to the USAID Agriculture Higher Education project at AFU. This role involves updating a comprehensive set of curricula and training materials for undergraduate and graduate students across key faculties, including agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, to be taught at AFU.

Job Description:

• Develop and implement strategies to improve the development of processes and capacity within AFU to ensure a comprehensive, student-centered package of curricula, course materials, and methods of instruction.
• Develop a comprehensive and student-centered package of curricula, course materials, and methods of instruction for each academic program (Agriculture, Livestock and Veterinary Science, Fisheries and Forestry) offered at AFU, in consultation with faculty, staff, and students.
• Conduct a needs assessment of AFU's current curriculum, course materials, and methods of instruction to identify areas for improvement. 
• Establish the procedure for gathering the best curriculum modules at the appropriate levels that exist in US Land Grants and AFU, and adopt and adapt. 
• Align the curriculum development practice to AFU’s strategic plan
• Make links and work in cooperation with any other similar projects operating in the region.
• Establish processes for continuous review and improvement of curricula, course materials, and methods of instruction at AFU, in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
• Work with AFU faculty and project staff to develop and revise curricula, course materials, and methods of instruction to ensure they are relevant and meet the needs of students and the agricultural sector. 
• Build the capacity of AFU faculty and staff in the development and delivery of student-centered curricula, course materials, and methods of instruction. 
• Strengthen the capacity of AFU faculty and staff in modern teaching and learning methodologies, including the use of ICT tools and platforms.
• Conduct short certificate courses workshop ensuring participation from farmers, young entrepreneurs (preferably female), and private sectors 
• Coordinate with other project staff to ensure that Objective 1 is integrated into the project's overall activities. 
• Provide technical guidance and support to project staff and partners on student-centered curricula, course materials, and methods of instruction. 
• Collect the data against the activities under objective 1, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies and activities
• Prepare and submit the periodic progress report against the activities and their relevant indicator stated in the Annual Work Plan (AWP) and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan
• Work closely with the AFU focal persons and Objective Leads for Objectives 2, 3, and 4 to ensure coherence and alignment in the project’s interventions.
• Ensure the integration of gender issues in the implementation of activities related to Objective 1 of the project.
• Additional responsibilities related to the activities under Objective 1 as assigned by the Project Director or Country Manager.

Qualifications

• Minimum Masters degree with 5 years experience, or Ph.D. in agricultural education, curriculum development, or a related field. 
• Previous affiliation with AFU. 
• At least 10 years of experience in agricultural education, with a focus on curriculum development, or a related field. Experience working in Nepal or in a similar context with agricultural universities or colleges. 
• Experience with international program management with numerous and diverse partners.
• Experience in devising facilitation materials for use in a variety of learning situations and modes of delivery and, possibly for remote broadcasting. 
• Strong understanding of international agriculture and communication and project management strategies.
• Proven sensitivity in working and communicating with persons from other cultures.
• Excellent organizational, Information Technology (IT), and communication skills are required.
• A proven ability to interact with people at all levels such as ministries, other high-level agencies, and at the grassroots level in rural areas of Nepal.
• Ability to lead and work in teams across time zones but also work independently.
• Ability to listen and synthesize (sometimes) conflicting ideas from multiple stakeholders.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. 
• Demonstrated strong experience in updating/maintaining a database of activities and report writing.
• Knowledge of international agriculture research and community.
• Experience working in agriculture education or a related field is highly desirable.
• Experience in Microsoft Office Suites (i.e., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint),  project management software, and Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Must be a citizen of Nepal 
• Candidates from Women, Dalits and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Information Technology (IT), communications, data management, and report writing

Additional Position Information 

• This position does require weekend and after-work hours during peak season
• This position is funded through a grant and the remuneration is negotiable.
• Only short listed candidate will be informed for interview.

Deliverables (August 2024 – December 2024)

• Collaborate with the AFU Curriculum Development Center (CDC) to enhance curriculum updates, ensuring courses are student-centric, market-oriented, and integrate experiential learning for today's educational needs. 
• Prepare and submit the report of needs assessment under objective one and implement the findings in regards to curriculum, course materials development/revision/updates
• Organize and prepare reports of certificate courses and soft skills training planned for objective one 
• Prepare and submit periodic progress reports on project activities, inspect the progress and results related to Objective one in a timely manner.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit the following documents to ngurung@tuskegee.edu to be considered for the position.

1. Most recent Resume/CV
2. Proof of experience especially related to curriculum development and working with the University. 
3. A list of three to five references (with detailed contact information)
4. Copies of unofficial transcripts. Please note that official transcript (s) will be required upon hire.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and submit a completed application indicating their expected salary in order to be considered for the position.

Tuskegee University reserves the right not to fill the position in the event of budgetary or operational constraints.

Paper applications will NOT be accepted in the Office of Human Resources.