Foundational Learning Technical Director

CARE seeks a Foundational Learning Technical Director for the anticipated USAID-funded Foundational Learning Activity in Pakistan. The purpose of the Foundational Learning Activity is to enhance student learning outcomes in reading and math and prevent school dropout by enabling teachers, head teachers, and local education administrators to improve education quality.

The Director will provide overall technical leadership and direction for the project, ensuring that activities are aligned with best practices in education, particularly in the areas of reading and math. The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of strategies that enhance the capacity of teachers, head teachers, and local education administrators, fostering an environment conducive to improved educational outcomes. The Technical Director will also ensure that project activities are culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of the local education system in Pakistan.

This activity is expected to be a five-year program in the $10-$24.99 million range.

This is a Key Personnel position, subject to USAID approval. It is also subject to project award and funding. National candidates are encouraged to apply. This position will be based in Islamabad.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the project’s education interventions, particularly in foundational learning (reading and math).
• Oversee the development and adaptation of curricula, teaching materials, and assessment tools tailored to the local context, ensuring alignment with national education standards.
• Lead efforts to strengthen the capacity of teachers, head teachers, and local education administrators through training, mentoring, and ongoing support to improve pedagogical practices and educational leadership.
• Ensure that project interventions are of high quality and achieve desired learning outcomes, using data and evidence-based approaches to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Foster strong partnerships with local government agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to align project activities with national education priorities and policies.
• Work closely with the project’s M&E team to track progress toward objectives, identify challenges, and make data-driven adjustments to the project’s technical approach.
• Contribute to the preparation of high-quality project reports, briefs, and other communication materials for USAID and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that all project activities are inclusive and address the educational needs of girls and marginalized groups.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in education, international development, or a related field. A focus on foundational learning, curriculum development, or educational leadership is preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in technical leadership roles in education projects, with a focus on foundational learning (reading and math). Experience with USAID-funded projects is highly desirable.
• Technical experience and understanding of one or more of the following sectors: education systems, youth development, skills training, and capacity building.
• Experience of working in Pakistan preferred.
• Experience recruiting, developing, and managing staff and teams.
• Demonstrated skills building and maintaining relationships with host governments, donors, other donor-funded projects and stakeholders, local organizations, and partners.
• Fluency in English required (spoken and written).
• Strong oral and written communication skills; excellent demonstrated inter-cultural, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Harassment, and Abuse (PSHEA).
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion (DEBI).
• Ability to travel within Pakistan as required and as security conditions allow.