Consultant, National Literacy Framework – Zambia – USAID Let’s Read Project – Education Development Center (EDC)

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms.  Established in 1958, EDC designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity.  Our services include research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale national and international initiatives.

EDC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Project Description

The USAID Let’s Read Zambia project is a 5-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Education Development Center (EDC).  USAID Let’s Read Zambia works to improve reading outcomes for children attending pre-primary (kindergarten) through to Grades 3 and provide professional development for teachers to support reading interventions in Zambian public and community schools.

EDC intends to engage the services of a consultant to support USAID Let’s Read project working with the MOE (Ministry of Education) to review, update and finalize the National Literacy Framework, (NLF) a guiding document for early grade reading. The National Literacy Framework, drafted in 2013 and revised in 2016 was a major step toward codifying expectations for literacy instruction in the early grades. Now, six years later, and with the vast improvements put into place by USAID Let’s Read and others in the education community, the National Literacy Framework will reflect the improvement existing in the system as well as a vision for how the structural and instructional improvements can improve teaching, coaching, learning and assessment.

 

The consultant will have extensive knowledge of the evolution of literacy instruction practices and policies in Zambia, as well as the technical and administrative functioning of the Zambian Ministry of Education. In close collaboration with the Senior Reading Advisor and the Senior Technical Advisor, s/he will work collaboratively with the Ministry of Education to promote a critical examination of a National Literacy Framework that is both realistic, contextually grounded, and forward looking by reviewing and revising the framework to align with current practices and future expectations. This contract will end in a final revised National Literacy Framework for publication in 2022.

 

The period of this contract will be from March, 2022 (asap)  to September 30, 2022.

 

Essential Functions, but are not limited to:

·        Liaise with the Technical Working Group under the leadership of the Director, Standards and Curriculum (MoE ) and the USAID Let’s Read Project to plan for National Literacy Framework  (NLF) review and finalization

·        Participate with and contribute to the review and revision of the National Literacy Framework

·        Design and prepare working group meetings necessary to satisfy the collaborative NLF workplan;

·        coordinate the final design, reproduction and distribution plan for the National Literacy Framework

·        Other duties, as assigned.

Reporting and Organizational Relationships:

The Consultant, National Literacy Framework reports to the Senior Reading Advisor.

The candidate for the position of Consultant, National Literacy Framework shall have at a minimum the following qualifications:

Education:

·        Master’s degree in education or other related field

Skills and Experience:

• At least 5-10 years experience in education policy development and or management;
• Understanding of and experience working with or within the Zambian Ministry of Education;
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of professionals;
• Ability to manage multiple, time-sensitive tasks professionally and with high quality;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Must be able to work within a cross cultural setting, negotiate diplomatically, and function well under pressure;
• Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within team in difficult work environment; and
• Willingness to travel to provinces covered by the project.

Language:

·        Fluency in English is required.

Job closing date: April 1, 2022

To apply, Applicants are encouraged to send their application and CV to  SmartRecruiters Careers Page.

Applications submitted without a resume or CV will not be reviewed.

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.