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Background
/ General description
The Education for All – Fast Track Initiative (FTI) is an evolving global
partnership launched in 2002 to accelerate progress toward the Millennium
Development Goal of Universal Primary Completion (UPC) by 2015 by linking
increased donor support for primary education to recipient country policy
performance and accountability for results. FTI Partners comprise all major
donors and agencies in education, and over 40 developing (or Partner)
countries and 5 major civil society organizations. Under the FTI, Partner
countries commit to developing and implementing a sound and sustainable
Education Sector Plan (ESP) and to increasing domestic finance for primary
education. Donors, multilateral organizations and civil society
organizations commit to supporting this Education Sector Plan with increased
and harmonized support, including financial support. In addition to domestic
finance and donor support channeled bilaterally, the FTI is supported by 2
main funding instruments under separate governance: the Catalytic Fund ($1.9
billion) and the Education Program Development Fund ($106.5m). [Amounts
represent total donor commitments to date.]
The FTI Partnership has a two-tiered governance structure. At the country
level, the Local Education Group (LEG) is the foundation for the FTI
governance. The LEG comprises the government, local donors, multilaterals,
and civil society organizations and others supporting the education sector.
The FTI country-level process is supported by global-level FTI processes,
led by a representative Board of Directors. The FTI Secretariat serves the
interests of the FTI partnership as a whole through administrative and
technical support to the Board of Directors and Chair and to the members of
various FTI committees. FTI Secretariat staff total approximately 23 – with
further expansion expected in the near term -- and are recruited on the
basis of expertise relevant to the implementation of its agreed program
under employment conditions and human resource policies and procedures of
the host organization, the World Bank.
An external evaluation of FTI was recently completed and based on its
recommendations and on actions already planned, the FTI is currently in the
process of implementing significant reforms. These will focus on increasing
partner country voice in leadership and decision-making in the FTI; a
stronger focus on monitoring and reporting on results, the development of a
new, single trust fund to replace the existing two funds; the development of
a new program of support for capacity building at the global, regional and
country levels, and scaled-up support to Local Education Groups to
facilitate sound education sector plans and improved coordination of aid.
To deliver the reform agenda, the Secretariat has recently re-structured to
comprise four teams. The Country Support Team is responsible for ensuring
FTI partner countries have the support and information they need to join the
FTI Partnership and access FTI resources as appropriate.
With 42 countries now members of the FTI Partnership, a further 26
potentially joining in the coming years, and an exciting program to scale up
FTI support to partner countries, the Country Support Team is seeking to
recruit four new team members: two Senior Education Specialists and two
Education Specialists. These positions will offer motivated individuals the
chance to shape the future of the FTI and improve its impact at a country
level.
More information are available on our web site:
http://www.educationfasttrack.org
Duties and Accountabilities
The Senior Education Specialist will report to the Coordinator of the
Country Support Team.
S/he will forge strong relationships with key stakeholders – government,
donors and civil society – in a small number of low-income countries to:
• Provide technical support and advice on the development of education
sector plans at a country-level and monitor their implementation, including
contributions to, and participation in, Joint Sector Reviews as appropriate
• Facilitate FTI processes at a country level including the endorsement of
ESPs and access to FTI funds, and monitor use of FTI resources facilitating
policy dialogue and action as needed to address barriers to results at a
country level
• Provide quality assurance of all documents and plans submitted to FTI and
facilitate dialogue with Local Education Groups to agree measures to
strengthen these as needed
• Identify and disseminate good practice in education policy and planning in
collaboration with other Secretariat Teams
• Work closely with Local Education Groups as appropriate to support
improved cooperation and harmonization at a country level and facilitate
progress towards actions and indicators established at the Paris Declaration
in 2005 and Accra Agenda for Action in 2008.
In addition, the Senior Education Specialist will:
• In close collaboration with other team members, lead on the development of
FTI policies and actions to support countries to develop and implement
education sector plans which include robust strategies to get marginalized
and vulnerable children into school and ensure their effective participation
• Collaborate closely with other major stakeholders working in the field of
equity and inclusion to shape global policy around equitable access and
participation in education
• Help shape FTI policies and strategies on education quality with a focus
on supporting partner countries to identify strategies to improve learning
outcomes
• Participate in international meetings to promote the goals of FTI
Key skills, technical background, and experience required:
The ideal candidate will have significant country level experience in the
education sector and strong knowledge of the EFA FTI Partnership and the
role of Local Education Groups in low-income-countries.
Selection Criteria
Recrutment procedure and contractual arrangements are subject to World Bank
human resources policies (the World Bank is the trustee of the FTI trust
funds).
Education: An advanced degree in education or related international
development field.
A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience working in the education sector
in policy development and program implementation in developing countries,
with at least five of these related to promoting the equitable access of
marginalized and vulnerable children
At least five years experience in operational work in the education sector
with a major donor or UN Agency in low-income countries
Significant experience in implementing sector strategies and policies
including high-level policy dialogue with government, bilateral donors,
multilateral organizations, and NGOs
Solid understanding of issues related to raising the quality of education
and experience in developing policies and programs to deliver improved
learning outcomes
Excellent written and oral communication skills and the demonstrated ability
to communicate complicated and difficult messages in a clear and concise
manner
Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret and analyze data and
translate into policy
Ability to work well in a small team, operate under pressure, deliver high
quality work within deadlines, and meet team objectives.
Knowledge of and commitment to the principles and procedures of the FTI
(desirable).
The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender
nationality, culture, and educational background. Individuals with
disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be
treated in the strictest confidence.
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Senior Education Specialist I
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