Afghanistan: Senior Reading Specialist

Position Location: Kabul, Afghanistan

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 will implement the Afghan Children Read Program which will develop and pilot an early grade initiative in select provinces in Afghanistan. Working closely with the Ministry of Education, the five-year program focuses on first, second and third grade students.

Position Summary:

The senior reading specialist provides overall technical oversight and guidance to the project’s support to improve early grade reading for grades one to three. S/he supervises all aspects of the early grade reading program. S/he ensures complementarity of activity approaches in reading across the Program regions, liaises with government representatives and technicians on technical matters, and bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring that children in target schools achieve improved outcomes in reading.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Senior Reading Specialist provides overall technical oversight and guidance to the activity’s support to improved reading instruction, including reading standards, benchmarks, curricula, and assessment systems.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or foreign equivalent) in education from an accredited university; a specialized degree, with a focus in early grade reading, is preferred but not required; a focus on early childhood education and/or early grade learning is preferred;


• At least eight years’ experience with technical and/or operational issues related to a mix of education and development work;


• At least four years of experience with work specifically to improve early grade reading is required;


• Prior experience with supporting civil-society and parental engagement of reading is preferred, but not required;


• Experience in programs in conflict affected regions is preferred, but not required;


• Demonstrated ability to work in complex, politically charged, unstable environments, work across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines;


• Have strong management and leadership skills, including the ability to mentor staff; and


• Fluency in English is required.