EDUCATION OFFICER – KOLWEZI, DRC At Still I Rise

Still I Rise, an international NGO, develops and implements humanitarian projects aimed at educating and supporting vulnerable and refugee children and adolescents. We are looking for an education manager to join the team in Kolwezi, DRC, where Still I Rise runs a school offering 100 students the opportunity to “National School Catch-up Programme (PNRS)”.

Role will be responsible for managing the educational development of the program in Kolwezi, ensuring that continue to meet the stipulations of the Ministry of Education for the smooth running of the program. And, under the direction of the education department of Still I Rise, conduct a program worthy of the dynamic and modern educational model of Still I Rise.

The role includes the supervision of a team of teachers, and requires a strong desire to get the most out of each of them. The program is a collaborative effort, excellent communication and a willingness to incorporate the ideas of others into the program are therefore essential. The candidate for the position of head of education must be a person passionate about the education and development of children, a competent leader, an assertive team player, etc, and oriented towards creative problem solving.

• Role: Education Officer
• Location: Kolwezi, DRC
• Supervisor: Program Manager and Education Specialist
• Contract: 1 year fixed term, with probation 3-6 month probation period
• Start: Immediately
• Remuneration: USD 350 – 400

Primary responsibilities :

• Supervise the educational development of the program in Kolwezi and report to the program manager and the education specialist.
• Attend weekly meetings, submit formal reports and communicate quickly on critical situations and problems through the planned communication channels.
• Understand the official requirements of the National School Catching Program and ensure continued compliance with all program requirements.
• Recruit, manage and supervise a team of teachers, forcing them to respect the high standards and modern pedagogy of the Still I Rise educational model.
• Observe classes, track performance and results, provide feedback and assessments to teachers, direct lesson planning, and plan and manage weekly team meetings.
• Evaluate the training needs of the educational team of the site and file with the education department requests for relevant and effective training topics.
• Interact with local stakeholders on behalf of Still I Rise to ensure our program is well received in the host community.
• Develop and regularly update the curricula for all classes in coordination with the head of education and in accordance with the educational goals and objectives of the program.
• Monitor program progress and student attendance, and report trends, concerns, successes and other outcomes.
• Work closely with the child safety and protection officer to address student concerns, implement behaviour plans and streamline extra-curricular psychosocial activities. All relevant information, policy, and behavioral support plans must be shared internally and then constantly implemented by the local education team, in accordance with the code of conduct and the child protection and safeguarding policy (that is, respecting the privacy of the beneficiaries).
• Conduct frequent assessments of our students’ needs and collaborate with the coordination team to respond appropriately.
• Communicate regularly with other local education stakeholders and inform the programme manager of contextual reports on the development of education.
• Liaise with the ministry of education at the sub-county level, in collaboration with the programme manager.
• Organise periodic meetings with the relevant educational authorities

Essential qualifications and skills :

• Residence or availability to reside in Kolwezi
• English is considered an advantage
• A deep understanding – and preferably experience – of the National School Catch-up Programme (PNRS)
• The ability to instill in a teaching a modern pedagogy, focused on concepts and centered on the student
• A Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Pedagogy or any other relevant field of study
• Proven experience as a teacher in a diverse educational setting
• Proven experience in team management
• Excellent interpersonal skills – outstanding and effective written and verbal communication, assertiveness, social awareness and creative problem-solving orientation.
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills – ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• High level of responsibility for the work – ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion
• Commitment and willingness to work in a stimulating environment.
• Passion, dynamism and dedication to our cause
• Excellent computer skills, including the ability to use MS Office, Google Drive and Slack.