About Plan International

Plan International is an independent non-profit organization that advances children’s well-being and equality for girls. Working in building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years and present in 70 countries, Plan International strives for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children while working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners.

Plan International Ethiopia is looking for an ECCD Specialist for a five-year project, “PlayMatters”, funded by the LEGO Foundation. This position will be a part of the larger PlayMatters initiative to increase play-based learning opportunities for nearly 1 million pre-primary and primary school aged refugee and host community children impacted by the humanitarian crises in East Africa and living in Ethiopia and Uganda. This project seeks to build children’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical and creative skills through play in their homes, schools, and communities and will be implemented in partnership with War Child, Plan International, Ubongo, Behavioral Insights Team and Innovations for Poverty Action. 

The ECCD Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that PlayMatters consortium and PIE staff identify, engage, and influence key education stakeholders in Ethiopia that are responsible for and engaged in promoting learning outcomes for refugee and local children ages 3 to 12. This includes collaboration with government, UN and other humanitarian coordination decision makers, education implementing partners, and large scale development initiatives to improve learning through play. 

The ECCD Specialist will report to the country level Project Lead and work closely with the regional content development/adaptation team and the to develop/adapt content and test developed content and approaches for teachers, parents and children. S/he will also support to map existing teaching and learning materials for preschool and primary school children in Ethiopia and establish a framework for Learning through Play (LtP) competencies and quality LtP standards. In doing so, the ECCD Specialist will ensure the type of engagement in design and implementation vital to achieve joint priorities and objectives of providing play based learning opportunities for all children.

JOB RESPOSNSIBILITIES

• Contribute to PlayMatters collection of existing teaching and learning materials being used in the country, region and globally with a framework for continuous collaboration and integration of standard methodologies. 
• Based on behavioral insights mapping and human centered design research, support development of and lead localization of content for teachers, parents and children
• Report and prototype samples of different content areas and delivery mechanisms for teachers, parents, and children;
• Develop and lead implementation of rapid and iterative testing for developed content and approaches
• Engage government and humanitarian coordination leads, implementing partners, teachers, parents and children through structured adaptation processes
• Develop/adapt training content for teachers in refugee and refugee host communities through participatory and consultative process involving local teacher education colleges and other education partners.
• Deliver a TOT to prepare trainers from PlayMatters, other education service providers and the government to conduct trainings with teachers and caregivers in collaboration with teacher education colleges. 
• Support the monitoring of quality/fidelity of these trainings in collaboration with the MEAL staff at local level
• Develop/adapt content and key messages on LtP targeting parent/caregivers and dissemination strategy to reach wider audiences 
• Establish a framework for LtP competencies and quality LtP standards;
• Develop samples and templates of content for teachers, parents, and children on LtP
• Update key messages and communications materials on play based learning to reflect the Ethiopian context targeting refugees and host communities and update as the context evolves
• Key components of the position also include regional advocacy and networking, strategic thematic area planning, developing and strengthening partnerships and mainstreaming of child centred community development

Job Requirements

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

• Bachelors Degree in Education, Psychology or related fields 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in content/curriculum development/adaptation, testing and training 
• Experience teaching in ECCD and/or Primary School preferred
• Experience in complex emergencies or post-conflict settings, with experience working in a difficult security environment
• Proven track record of and knowledge of engaging with government priorities, systems, and structure
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Proficiency in English required. All donor reports, deliverables and communication will be in English
• Proven success in developing educational/training content and delivery
• Proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet)

How to Apply

The closing date for the application in July 15, 2021. Qualified candidates should submit the application using the link provided link

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia. 

More information about Plan International can be found on the website

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required.

As an international child centered community development organization, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realization of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.

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 organization, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.