EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. Our services include research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale national and international initiatives.

The purpose of this contract is to procure technical assistance to improve early grade reading skills for Honduran students from first to sixth grade in the target regions. At the end of 2015, 38 percent of sixth grade students nationwide performed at grade level. This Activity will take on a national systems strengthening approach. Building on USAID’s prior national level investments in improving curriculum, teaching practices and the education evaluation system, interventions will be explicitly targeted to improve instruction at the school and classroom level. These interventions will include but not be limited to providing support for improving teacher effectiveness; strengthening existing student assessment at the school level; increasing the quality, availability and use of reading materials; and strengthening classroom and school management.

Position Description

The Chief of Party (COP) will provide overall technical and administrative leadership and expertise for this activity and will serve as the primary authority for all decision making related to this activity. He/she will be the liaison with USAID/Honduras on management and technical matters. He/she will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the activity and report directly to the designated USAID Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). S/he will supervise activity implementation and ensure the activity meets stated goals and reporting requirements. The COP will take a leadership role in coordination among USAID and key stakeholders, and other implementing partners. The COP position requires political savvy, as s/he will interact with numerous GOH institutions and senior-level national and county-level government officials. S/he will have demonstrated strong leadership, management, and technical skills as well as the ability to work in complex, politically charged, unstable environments, work across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines.

Education: Minimum requirement is a master’s degree in education or a directly relevant field from an accredited university, though a Ph.D. or Ed.D. is preferred.

Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in education and development with relevant management, supervisory, technical experience working with programs that are of a similar scope to this activity is required (at least 10 years must be in a management/leadership position).
• Proven track record and experience in project designs, policy dialogue, strategic planning and implementation, education reform and national-level quality improvement is required.
• At least 5 years of experience in the education sector in Latin America, is preferred.
• Experience in early grade reading and education in conflict-affected, alternative and rural settings is required. S/he must also have demonstrated experience and knowledge of capacity development and teacher professional development.

Language Proficiency:

• ENGLISH: Advanced Professional Proficiency in Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing is required.
• SPANISH: Advanced Professional Proficiency in Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing is preferrred.

Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V) and has Affirmative Action Plans for Women and Minorities and for Disabled Workers and Veterans. EDC is a smoke-free workplace.