Job Description

Position: Education Project Assistant

Location: Las Anod with travel to other project sites in Sool

Duration: 12 months, renewable based on performance, funds, and need for the position

Closing date: 2nd Dec 2024

Organization: Alight

About Alight:

Alight is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to guiding displaced individuals through the journey from vulnerability to resilience, impoverishment to well-being, and exclusion to inclusion. Committed to co-designing solutions with a focus on radical accountability, Alight is a global force in building meaningful lives for and with displaced communities, implementing high-quality programs and services – all while developing trusting local partnerships that build resilience and shifts power back into the hands of local communities, where it belongs.

Role Overview: 

The Education Project Assistant plays a pivotal role in supporting the Education Officer to ensure the effective implementation of education programs aligned with ALIGHT's mission. This includes assisting in the planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting of educational initiatives for primary, secondary, and non-formal education. By ensuring compliance with donor requirements, government policies, and organizational standards, the assistant contributes to the seamless execution of initiatives aimed at enhancing access to and quality of education in underserved communities. Strong coordination skills are essential for engaging with stakeholders like regional education offices, community groups, teachers, and parents, fostering collaboration, and achieving project goals on time. A primary focus is addressing educational disparities and promoting inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups such as girls, children with disabilities, and pastoralist children. Through innovative, culturally sensitive, and cost-effective approaches, the assistant supports efforts to create equitable learning opportunities that enhance school attendance, retention, and academic success. The role also includes logistical and technical support to ensure efficient resource distribution, organization of training sessions, and facilitation of community engagement activities, contributing to long-term educational and social transformation in targeted areas.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1.       Program Implementation Support

·       Assist in organizing and facilitating education activities, including teacher training, community education sessions, and student engagement programs.

·       Support the distribution of learning materials, equipment, and resources to schools and communities, ensuring accurate documentation.

·       Monitor school attendance and retention, focusing on disadvantaged groups, and assist in identifying and addressing challenges.

·       Collaborate with school leadership, community groups, and education authorities to ensure programs are delivered effectively.

·       Facilitate community awareness sessions to promote girls' education and address cultural or structural barriers to participation.

·       Assist in resolving day-to-day operational issues in project implementation, escalating complex challenges to the Education Officer.

2.       Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

·       Collect, compile, and report data related to project activities, including school attendance, teacher training participation, and community engagement outcomes.

·       Assist in tracking project progress against indicators and targets, preparing detailed monthly and quarterly progress reports.

·       Support the development and implementation of project monitoring tools, ensuring the active involvement of children and other stakeholders in data collection.

·       Document lessons learned, success stories, and challenges encountered during project implementation to inform future programming.

·       Participate in field visits to monitor activities, ensuring compliance with work plans and identifying areas for improvement.

·       Contribute to maintaining accurate project records, including participant databases, activity logs, and financial documentation.

3.       Stakeholder Coordination and Advocacy

·       Assist in coordinating with Regional Education Offices (REOs), District Education Offices (DEOs), Community Education Committees (CECs), and other stakeholders to ensure alignment of activities.

·       Represent ALIGHT in local education forums, workshops, and community meetings as delegated by the Education Officer.

·       Support advocacy efforts to promote education access and quality, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups.

·       Facilitate communication between schools, communities, and the Education Officer to address concerns and foster collaboration.

·       Promote awareness of key education policies, such as Education in Emergencies (EiE) standards and sustainable development goals, among stakeholders.

4.       Administrative and Logistical Support

·       Organize logistics for training sessions, workshops, and meetings, including venue preparation, participant communication, and material provision.

·       Maintain an updated inventory of educational supplies and ensure their proper distribution and utilization.

·       Coordinate travel arrangements for field visits, ensuring proper scheduling and resource allocation.

·       Prepare and manage documentation for procurement requests and financial reconciliations related to education activities.

·       Support the Education Officer in preparing work plans, budgets, and forecasts, ensuring timely submission for approval.

·       Ensure compliance with ALIGHT's administrative procedures and donor requirements in all activities.

5.       Capacity Building

·       Assist in identifying capacity-building needs among teachers, school leaders, and community members, contributing to the design of training sessions.

·       Participate in delivering workshops on school management, child-centered teaching methodologies, and inclusive education practices.

·       Encourage peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing among teachers and community stakeholders.

·       Provide technical support during training sessions, ensuring participants gain practical skills for effective program implementation.

6.       Advocacy and Knowledge Sharing

·       Advocate for inclusive education practices that address the needs of disadvantaged children, including girls and children with disabilities.

·       Promote innovative approaches to improve educational quality and equity, sharing successful practices with colleagues and stakeholders.

·       Maintain familiarity with local education policies, global standards (e.g., SDGs, EiE), and ALIGHT’s strategic priorities, ensuring their integration into daily work.

Experiences and Qualifications

1.       Qualifications and Requirements

·       Bachelor’s degree in education, Development Studies, or a related field.

·       Minimum of 2-3 years of experience supporting education programs, preferably in humanitarian or development contexts.

·       Proficiency in Somali and English (both written and spoken).

·       Strong skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

·       Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders, including community groups and government representatives.

·       Familiarity with education policies, standards, and practices in Somali Peninsula.

·       Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Desirable:

·       Experience in education projects targeting marginalized groups, such as girls and children with disabilities.

·       Knowledge of Education in Emergencies (EiE) principles and minimum standards.

·       Previous experience working with international NGOs in dynamic and challenging environments.

·       Proficiency in using project management and data analysis tools, including MS Office Suite.

Key Competencies:

·       Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

·       Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

·       Flexibility and adaptability in dynamic and challenging environments.

·       Commitment to inclusive and equitable education practices.

Special Responsibilities:

Perform any other duties assigned by the Education Officer or Education Project Manager to support program success.

Skills Required

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