VACANCY: A2 SAIC EDUCATION ADVISER


This is an opportunity to join a dynamic DFID team in Tanzania; a country which still has very significant development needs and challenges, but which has made significant progress towards the MDGs in several areas. Education is a priority sector, and there is scope to have real impact on the quality of education, learning outcomes and life chances of millions of Tanzanians.

An estimated 90% of children are enrolled in primary school (2013) and enrolment in secondary education has tripled since 2006. Child mortality has reduced by 45% in the past 10 years, malaria prevalence has halved, and HIV stabilised. However whilst access has improved and there have been achievements through vertical programmes, the quality of basic services remains a real challenge. 

Education quality has fallen with the rapid expansion at primary and more recently, secondary education; resulting in poor learning outcomes. Less than a third of standard 3 children met standard 2 expectations.  In 2012, 31% of primary students passed the end of cycle exam, down from 58% in 2011.  In 2012, following a change to the examinations process the secondary Form IV results were initially so poor that, at the Government’s insistence, the exam board re-graded all students according to the previous grading system. However, even under these conditions the results were 10% down on 2011, with 56% of students failing.  Whilst there is near gender parity in enrolment in primary school, by tertiary level, only 34% of students are girls. 

DFID has been supporting civil society organisations to monitor education and increase domestic accountability and there is now growing debate and awareness in the press and amongst politicians about education quality and this activity is likely to increase.  Major new programmes have commenced to diversify from budget and sector support to specifically address primary education quality, improve English language teaching and support open governance and data transparency in the social sectors. 

Main Responsibilities
•        Be the lead DFID adviser for the education sector
•        Engage with for the Global Partnership for Education 
•        Active engagement in education sector dialogue, and more activity with the Ministries responsible for education.
•        Lead the implementation management and monitoring of two major programmes: Education Quality Improvement in Tanzania (EQUIP-T) and Education BRN Payment by Results (EdBRN PBR).   
•        Contribute to donor harmonisation around education services delivery financing and aid effectiveness by maintaining / strengthening relations with all bilateral and multilateral colleagues.
•        The job holder will also support other advisers cross-sectorally within the DFID office in areas such as skills, economic development and good governance, and will work with the HIT team leader on issues that affect services quality such as PFM, anti-corruption and accountability. 



Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

For this post, it is expected that the education adviser will have a relevant post graduate degree and experience in education in a developing country context. The Adviser will also have the following education technical competencies: 

•        Knowledge and application of education policy analysis
•        Knowledge of education systems, sector planning and programme design 
•        Knowledge of equity issues and pro-poor education interventions 
•        Knowledge and understanding of the global education context including international education architecture and international engagement, 
•        Knowledge and application of evidence, innovation and evaluation 

Civil Service Competencies

•        Delivering at Pace 
•        Delivering Value for Money
•        Making Effective Decisions 
•        Collaborating and Partnering 
•        Seeing the big Picture 

Compensation package

The gross monthly salary for this position is Tanzanian shillings 6,620,389 plus benefits.  This is a full time post and is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Applicants must be legally authorised to work in the United Republic of Tanzania.  Appointment will be under local terms and confirmation of appointment is subject to medical and security clearance.

How to apply

Interested candidates should request the Application form and the full job description from AfricaHrHubRecruit@Dfid.gov.uk and after completion email it back with their CV, clearly marked “A2 Education Adviser – Tanzania” in the subject line by Midday on Friday, 18 March 2016. Only Shortlisted candidates will be notified, and will be required to bring original certificates and diplomas for verification.


Equal Opportunities

DFID is an Equal Opportunities Employer.  Applications are welcomed from all parts of the community, and we actively encourage interest from women, ethnic minority groups and those with disabilities.  Selection is on merit. 
DFID operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS). This means that any candidate with a disability who satisfies the minimum essential criteria for an advertised vacancy is guaranteed an interview. Please say in your application if you wish to apply under the GIS.
No payments should be requested or offered at any part of the recruitment process – any irregularities should be reported by email to fraud@dfid.gov.uk. No travel expenses will be paid from outside of Tanzania.