Higher Education Institutions Partnerships & Capacity Development At FHI 360

Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Partnerships and Capacity Development Advisor

USAID Higher Education Activity, Jordan

FHI 360 seeks an Advisor for HEI capacity building interventions (to be based in Amman, Jordan), for an anticipated USAID-funded project aimed at improving the Higher Education in Jordan. The higher education activity will continue the thrust of Government of Jordan and USAID’s goal of strengthening Jordan’s education system as a key driver of inclusive growth.

Project Description:

The Higher Education for Prosperity program is expected to focus on improving performance of core functions by higher education institutions, including student-centered teaching and learning, research, and engagement; and supporting effective and sustainable collaboration among higher education institutions, industry, and government stakeholders to improve teaching and learning, research, and innovation.

The HEI Partnerships and Capacity Development Advisor is responsible for establishing the vision for and managing all HEI partnerships and capacity building activities including linkages with local and US universities, trainings, establishing innovative practices, student centered learning, curricular reforms, accreditations, on-line learning (if required), and other support for higher education partnerships.

The position will be resident-based in Amman, Jordan. Employment is contingent upon successful award of the Higher Education project to FHI 360, as well as USAID approval of the

Job Responsibilities:

• Take overall program leadership in establishing and facilitating coordination and collaboration between local university networks and with the help of university leaders determining the areas of interventions, capacity building needs, and curriculum enhancements plans to meet the market needs and innovations for students’ entry into the job market and/or entrepreneurship opportunities
• With local universities taking the lead, and working closely with US partner universities, determine learning goals and capacity outcomes for faculty members; ensure that capacity development goals are innovative, entrepreneurship oriented, are based on job sector representatives, and are informed by US university partners’ technical advice and support
• As required, working closely with other technical staff members, engage local business and enterprises in curriculum discussions and ensure that curricular contents are practical and cater to the needs of the changing economy and job market in Jordan
• Work with local universities to determine the scope of work for US partner universities for hands on capacity development to university academic staff. This would include identifying curriculum foci, capacity needs assessment, research and innovation training needs, overall planning, implementation, and impact assessments
• Facilitate the input of local public/private sector leaders in the re-design or upgrading of the university curricula and hands-on engagement with university faculty members
• Establish and grow multi-pronged capacity development avenues (face to face, on-line, hybrid) that would result in both local and US partner university faculty members engaging actively and completing their part of the work on time and on budget
• Guide and supervise US universities’ technical experts on local demands and how capacity development interventions should be tailored to the contexts in Jordan’s higher education institutions
• Further develop, build and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with diverse government, academic, civil society and private sector actors to engage them in program as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social science, international development, or a related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience, including at least five years of experience in managing training programs in education, especially in higher education
• Good rapport with local higher education leaders and the ability to facilitate partnerships’ establishment and facilitation to reach program objectives
• Ability to facilitate collaboration, learning, and adaptation of interventions to improve project performance and achieve impact.
• Strong diagnostic, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills, including oral presentation skills.
• Must be a strong self-starter.
• Fluency (written and oral) in English and Arabic

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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