Chief of Party, USAID/Georgia Teacher Education Program At International Research and Exchanges Board

About IREX

IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $100 million, offices in 20 countries, and a global staff of 400. We work in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Summary of Position

IREX seeks a Chief of Party to manage a USAID-funded Pre-Service Teacher Education Program in Georgia. The program will seek to strengthen the quality of pre-service teacher training programs, improve school governance, and support education decentralization. Activities will support the Government of Georgia’s efforts to develop policies for continuous professional development for school administrators and crafting decentralization policies for educational institutions. Based in Tbilisi, the Chief of Party will be the senior leadership position with overall responsibility for meeting program objectives.

The position is contingent on funding.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Provide vision and strategic direction for the program
• Develop and implement a plan of activities to meet program objectives
• Initiate and manage the different types of partnerships that will be developed to ensure the program’s success and sustainability
• Serve as primary liaison with USAID
• Coordinate with local, regional and international organizations active in the education sector
• Manage and mentor project staff
• Coordinate with home office
• Oversee project budgeting and ensure budget discipline
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on program activities
• Other duties, as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s-level degree from an accredited university in education, social sciences, management, or another field relevant to higher education or international development. In circumstances where a candidate possesses exceptional relevant experience but lacks a graduate degree, relevant post-education experience will be considered in lieu of a master’s degree.
• At least eight (8) years of experience in managing and implementing education programs, including in developing countries
• Previous work experience in the Caucasus region is highly desirable
• Demonstrated expertise in such areas as university management and reform, teacher training programming, faculty training and development, curriculum development, accreditation and quality assurance, and/or development of education policies; improving learning environment, crafting decentralization policies for educational institutions, and program design and implementation
• A proven track record of design, implementation, and successful delivery in similar projects as verified by references
• In depth knowledge of pre-service teacher training and professional development in developing countries; Georgia or the Caucasus region is preferred
• Excellent interpersonal skills including conflict resolution abilities and a demonstrated ability to hold staff accountable for quality outputs and results
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including governments, private sector, higher educational institutions, schools, donors, etc.
• Demonstrated experience working with government stakeholders on policy development preferred
• Strong understanding of the Georgian context is preferred
• Strong representational and organizational skills
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Must be fluent in English; proficiency in Georgian is preferred