Senior Education Manager

Position: Senior Education Manager

Department: Education  

Reports to: Head of Programmes

Location: Kathmandu (with 40% travel to working districts)

Duration: One-year fixed contract with possible extension. The contract would be provided after satisfactory performance in a three-month probation period.

Work Hours: Full-time; 40 hours per week 

ROLE SUMMARY:

The Senior Education Manager assists in managing the UWS's education portfolio, which seeks to improve the quality of education, especially at the primary level. S/he should work closely with the Education Development Coordination Unit (EDCU) and local-level municipal offices. Senior Education Manager directly supervises Education Officers and oversees the management of the education department. S/he will work collaboratively with the Head of Programmes and other colleagues in the Education Department to ensure that each activity successfully progresses in achieving its respective goals. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Direction, Programme Design and Development

• Take a lead role in formulating CO’s vision for long-term programming in Education in Nepal.

• Introduce innovative ideas and approaches to support children’s education in Nepal; Identify needs and opportunities for potential programs, through situation analyses/feasibility studies, networking, and leveraging research and evaluation findings from both internal and external sources.

• Ensure that the organization's education initiatives are in line with national education policies and priorities.

• Continuously assess staffing patterns and competencies to ensure that the right staff are in place to support sector needs and development.

• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with government bodies, local authorities, NGOs, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

• Engage in advocacy efforts at the local, regional, and national levels to influence policy decisions that support educational improvement in rural areas.

Programme Management

• Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members to enhance their performance and professional development.

• Ensure that United World Schools, Nepal complies with donor and government regulations on all projects, including submission of high quality and timely reports.

• Lead in the development of a planning cycle for the Education sector, including annual, quarterly and monthly planning and work plan follow up.

• Ensure that all programs have effective monitoring and evaluation practices throughout the program cycle.

• Build the capacity of staff in programme management, technical excellence and policy analysis and influencing related to Education. 

• Organize and facilitate training programs for teachers and education staff to improve their teaching skills, knowledge, and pedagogical techniques.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Ensure that safeguarding and child protection standards are integrated into all inclusive education activities.

• Monitor and address any safeguarding concerns that arise in the context of inclusive education.

Others

• Implement regular assessments and evaluations to measure the effectiveness of teaching methods and curriculum content.

• Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and impact of education programs.

• Collect and analyze data to inform decision-making and make necessary adjustments to program strategies.

• Engage with local communities to understand their unique educational needs and concerns.

• Advocate for policies and practices that promote access to quality education for all, especially marginalized groups.

• Develop contingency plans and protocols to address emergencies, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events that may affect education operations.

• Promote inclusive education practices that cater to the diverse needs of students, including those with disabilities and special learning requirements.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education and Experience 

• Master’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. A focus on educational management, policy, or administration is preferred. 

• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in the education sector, particularly in managing or leading education programs in rural or disadvantaged areas.

• Proven experience in working with government bodies, especially the Education Development Coordination Unit (EDCU) and municipalities.

• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing education programs, including teacher training, curriculum development, and community-based education initiatives.

• Experience in managing teams, mentoring staff, and overseeing multiple projects and programs, with a focus on primary-level education.

• Experience in working with donors and understanding of donor regulations and compliance, particularly in education-related projects.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to manage diverse teams and work collaboratively across departments.

• Excellent project management skills, including planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting.

• Familiarity with national education policies, strategies, and trends, as well as a strong understanding of the local education context in Nepal.

• Expertise in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to ensure the effectiveness of education programs and initiatives.

• Strong communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at the local, regional, and national levels.

• Ability to think strategically and introduce innovative approaches to improve education quality, especially for marginalized communities.

• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection principles, with experience integrating these into education programs.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel to remote areas and work closely with local communities, government officials, and education stakeholders.

• Fluency in English and Nepali (both written and spoken).

• Strong data analysis and decision-making skills, with the ability to use evidence-based approaches in program design and implementation.

• Proficiency in relevant software and tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, M&E tools).

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please send a comprehensive CV (max 2 pages) and a supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) to info.nepal@uwsglobal.net. The deadline for applications is 5 pm on 22 September 2024. 

You should give the names, positions, organizations, and telephone contact numbers of two referees, one of whom should be your current/most recent employer.  References will only be taken once your express permission has been granted. 

UWS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are only able to accept applications from candidates who have the permanent right to employment in Nepal.

UWS is committed to the safeguarding of children and ensuring we recruit safely is central to this commitment. All applicants will be required to undertake a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check as a condition of employment.