Education Access Advisor

Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.  

Project Summary:

Creative Associates seeks an Education Access Advisor for the upcoming five-year, multi-million-dollar USAID-funded Accessible and Quality Basic Education Activity (AQBE) in Afghanistan. Enrolling more children in school is one of the Ministry of Education's (MoE) highest priorities given the 3.7 million out of school children. Over the next five years, the MoE aims to increase enrollment while strengthening education quality, especially for poor and disadvantaged children in rural areas through community-based education, formal schools, and affordable private schools.

Position Summary: 

The Education Access Advisor provides overall technical expertise on the expansion of access-related activities, including risk reduction and safety, gender and inclusion, equitable education services, education and conflict analysis, well-being, psychosocial support and ensuring activities are conflict-sensitive and do no harm.

Reporting and Supervision:

The Education Access Advisor reports to the Deputy Chief of Party and has supervisory responsibility.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Design and implement interventions that increase access to quality education for out of school children through community-based education, formal schooling, and affordable private schooling;
• Support community mobilization and capacity building of education authorities and other partners;
• Analyze and address barriers to educational access and participation of children and youth, with a focus on girls;
• Assess issues of supply and demand for education options/services;
• Integrate a conflict-sensitive approach to preparation of activity design;
• Adapt rapidly changing activity designs; implementing successful strategies to combat gender and inclusion barriers; and
• Implement SEL and psychosocial well-being activities, as well as activities to reduce dropout and improve student retention and transition.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in education, conflict-related field, or a relevant field from an accredited university;
• At least eight (8) years of experience in the education sector, with at least five (5) years in a leadership role;
• Experience and facility with analyzing and addressing barriers to educational access and participation; assessing issues of supply and demand for education options/services; analysis and assessment of education needs in emergencies; and
• Strong communication skills; fluency in Dari and Pashto required and advanced knowledge of spoken and written English highly desired.

Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Position contingent upon donor funding.