Technical Advisor, II- US Education

FHI 360 is seeking a senior-level educational leader with a proven track-record in school district supervision and program design to oversee key projects and initiatives within the US Education portfolio. The Technical Advisor II (TA II) will oversee the day-to-day technical aspects of the project and supervise staff members, ensuring that project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation. Immediate focus of this role will be to lead start-up and implementation of the Region 2 Comprehensive Center in either Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands by orchestrating strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation efforts to address educational priorities. In this role the TA II will work with a diverse group of organizations, such as government agencies, foundations, and partner organizations, for project planning and to complete work. They will design, direct implementation of, and ensure quality of technical assistance programs for the Comprehensive Center and its main partners, overseeing the provision of services within the territory, and conducting evaluations as mandated. The TA II will also support US Education activities initiated by the Department, collecting information and contributing to business development strategy and implementation. They will support or lead the development of proposals for local and regional initiatives, prepare donor reports project and donor reports, draft publications, and lead the development of best practice documents.

*This is a part-time position 20 hours a week.

Accountabilities:

Technical Requirements:

• Works on problems of complex scope that require evaluation of variable factors.

• Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for

• obtaining solutions, with little supervision.

• Networks with key internal and external personnel.

• Decisions may cause delays or failure to achieve results that impact departmental goals.

• Provides input to senior technical leadership on national guidelines and normative policies

• for subject matter areas of expertise.

• May interpret findings and make recommendations for improvements.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Project Design Implementation:

• Leads the creation of the technical portion of the project plan of a complex education projects within the given resource and financial constraints.

• Oversees day-to-day technical activities of US Education projects, including the Region 2 Comprehensive Center. Coordinates with program staff to ensure activities meet award requirements and are consistent with FHI 360 policy.

• Helps design project concept, operations, and/or implementation plans.

• Influences design and scope of initiatives and programs.

• Develops and implements program components including capacity building and technical assistance initiatives.

• Ensures technical implementation is consistent with education best practices subject.

• Supervises and coordinates the work of employees and consultants, on-site and in the field.

Business Development and Client/Funder Support:

• Develops and maintains relationships with potential and current clients / funders, partners, peers, etc. to develop new business.

• Collect data for inclusion in proposals.

• Leads proposal research and design.

• Leads developing proposal strategies.

• Prepare proposals, budgets, and work plans.

• Participate in business development and develop strategies to grow the business.

• Participate in client/funder meetings and provide technical input.

• Draft sponsor reports and presentations.

• Continually maintains a dialogue and technical exchange with field counterparts and technical staff members of implementing partners.

Partner/Sub-Award Management

• Drafts sub awards and partner agreements.

• Assists in managing client relations

Staff Leadership and Training:

• Supervise team members, monitor performance, and lead professional development efforts.

• Develops and implements training and competency systems.

• Identifies strategies to address training gaps.

Project/Program Reporting

• Reviews sponsor financial and technical reports.

• Prepares and delivers presentations to sponsors on progress.

• Develops project work plans and coordinates with sponsors and partners on activities.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensures technical deliverables and implementation are consistent with best practices in the industry / subject and meet client / funder contractual obligations for moderately complex technical units of a functional domain, directing other professional staff members.

• Proactively identifies risks or challenges to technical deliverables and creates mitigation plan.

• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the effectiveness of projects and makes recommendations for enhancements.

• Ensures the quality of implemented technical activities and systems at all levels.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English, and must be proficient in Spanish.

• Working knowledge of current concepts, practices, and procedures for large scale educational improvement initiatives at the school, district, region, state, and national level, including in Puerto Rico and/or the US Virgin Islands.

• Extensive knowledge of issues related to educational leadership, educational equity, district and state finance and operations, and education policy.

• Knowledge and experience with educational program design and implementation that focuses on building the capacity of education leaders and staff.

• Ability to manage projects, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation.

• Experience with continuous improvement models.

• Applies strong knowledge of program management and supervision to complex scopes of work.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Proven experienced synthesizing findings and experiences into articles and reports for industry journals and publications.

• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.

• Sophisticated understanding of the educational landscape in the US including political, legal, environmental, financial, and social influences.

• Ability to exchange information, present recommendations and collaborate with colleagues and peers within the organization and possibly externally.

• Ability to influence others of the benefits/importance of an idea or plan of action and to gain their support or commitment.

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Education or Related Field, doctorate preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 12 years of relevant educational leadership experience, 15+ preferred.

• Experience with state and local education systems, including proven success in designing and implementing evidence-based education programs to improve educational outcomes at the district and/or state level; financial oversight and management preferred.

• Knowledge and experience with Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) programs, education issues, and policy initiatives.

• Experience managing teams, virtual management experience preferred.

• Experience leading business development efforts.

• Experience influencing and/or shaping education policy.

• Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization, and/or in an administration position in a school district in Puerto Rico and/or the US Virgin Islands.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment. Ability to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

• Ability to life/move up to 5 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer, Microsoft Office 365 (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Skype/TEAMS, email), office telephone, cell phone and printer/copier.

Travel Requirements:

10% - 25

The expected US-based hiring salary range for this role is listed below. Candidate FHI 360 pay ranges represent national averages that vary by geographic location. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, business sector, and budget. 

Base salary is only one component of our offer. FHI 360 contributes 12% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account. Additionally, all US based staff working full-time, which is calculated at 40 hours/week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year. Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full-time schedule.

US Based Hiring Salary Range: $124,000 - $160,000

International hiring ranges will differ based on location.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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