Education Technical Advisor

The role 

We are currently looking for Technical Advisor, Read to Learn based in Vientiane Capital

Role Purpose                 

Save the Children seeks a Technical Advisor for the anticipated, follow-on USAID-funded Read to Learn education project in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The forthcoming project is expected to contribute to the Government of Lao PDR Education and Sports Sector Development Plan (ESSDP) 2026-2030, building on the accomplishments from USAID-funded Read to Learn project, and continuing to foster equitable learning outcomes for students in the early grades of primary school. 

The Technical Advisor will provide technical leadership and oversight of programmatic activities to ensure quality, timeliness, and efficiency of all project activities. They will ensure accessible, relevant and high-quality education opportunities and will adopt a people-centered approach in all program activities and promote the resilience and wellbeing of children, teachers and communities affected by crisis and conflict. The Technical Advisor will report to the Chief of Party (COP) and deliver high impact technical implementation and proven interventions that meet stated goals and reporting requirements. 

This is a Key Personnel position, subject to USAID approval. It is also subject to project award and funding. This position will be based in Vientiane, Laos. 

National candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

KEY AREA OF ACCOUNTABILITY

• Lead strategic planning of technical interventions, including ongoing adjustments to the project based on MEAL data.
• Lead technical implementation of program activities aimed at strengthening the quality of student learning, utilizing evidence-based practices.
• Collaborate with the project team, USAID, and partners to develop detailed design and annual implementation plans, management, and resource plans on all components related to the project.
• Ensure high quality and timely project delivery; build capacity of team to deliver activities independently in remote, rural areas. 
• Lead the technical team to develop and deliver the technical program in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and other development partners. 
• Ensure program interventions build on existing evidence and are integrated with the relevant MoES and other donor activities. 
• Guide Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) processes and oversee the generation and use of evidence by the project and its partners.
• Monitor program quality and work with the project management team to make any necessary adaptation based on learning. 
• Develop and oversee the advocacy and networking approach of the project.
• Draft narrative technical reports for internal and external audiences.
• Establish effective communication and coordination with relevant personnel from the MoES, local stakeholders, and existing Save the Children staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, international development, or a related field.

Experience and Skills 

• Minimum of five years’ experience leading technical design, implementation and/or management of international donor-funded education programs. 
• Excellent training and facilitation capability.
• Able to conceptualize and manage a project research agenda.
• Experience in advocacy and policy development.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills and the ability to think and plan strategically.
• Demonstrated creativity, innovation, and initiative.
• Excellent communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English, and strong interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of USAID regulations, policies, and education programming guidelines.
• Technical expertise in primary grades learning within the region, with a specific focus on literacy, language development, STEM, and/or inclusive education

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree is preferred. 
• Experience working in Laos.
• Knowledge of Lao language or similar SE Asian languages.
• Working proficiency in Lao language preferred.

Contract length: Fixed term

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard. 

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday 
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated 

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.  We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued. 

Application Information:

Interested candidates please submit a full application using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document including contact details of three professional referees (current and last line managers and HR department). Please also include details of your salary expectations and a copy of your ID card. Please note that we will require a copy of your Criminal Records (ໃບແຈ້ງໂທດ) later. 

Save the Children International is a child-rights based organization. Safe recruitment is central to the safeguarding of children and young people that we come into contact with, and support through our programmes.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Save the children is an equal opportunities employer, qualified females, persons with disability and candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.