DFID Nigeria is responsible for managing the British Governments contribution to development in Nigeria, with the objective of supporting governments at federal and state levels to reduce poverty in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

We are looking for a bright, dynamic and committed personnel to become an Education Adviser working with both the Human Development and DFID Northern Nigeria teams.

He / she will provide technical advice and support to a large and exciting education portfolio (five projects and growing) to improve learning outcomes for poor Nigeria children, particularly in the North where education indicators show the greatest need.

We are looking for a candidate to be based in Kano with frequent travel to Abuja and across the North, However, we would also consider strong candidates based in Abuja provided they can demonstrate an ability to work effectively in the North and are prepared for frequent travel.

Job Title: Education Adviser

Job Description/Duties

• This post is shared between the Northern Nigeria office in Kano and the Human Development (HD) Team in Abuja
• He/she is an important member of both teams, who will join the efforts of fellow team members to build highly performing and happy teams.
• The post holder will contribute to strategy development and results delivery valued by both the Northern Nigeria and HD teams.

• The post holder will be based in Kano but expected to spend at least 50% of the first six months in Abuja to ensure intensive management, support and mentoring from the Al and A2 education advisers based in Abuja.
•  The post holder will be managed by the Al Senior Education Adviser from the HD Team, based in Abuja, with an additional reporting officer from the DFID Northern Nigeria Team.
  
• The quality assurer will be the Head of the HD Team.

More specifically the post holder will:

•     Support the HD Education Advisers develop education strategy and together support DFID Northern Nigeria Team develop strategy specifically relating to Northern Nigeria.

•     Develop close working relationships that build credibility and trust with Government of Nigeria partners (Federal, State, Local), other donors, civil society and other key change agents to influence policy and programmes in northern states where DFID is working in education.
•  Support fellow HO education advisers, promote improved donor harmonisation and collective engagement with Nigerian government at Federal, State and local levels.

•     As part of the DFID Northern Nigeria team, work closely with DFIDs state representatives and others to deepen DFIDs political economy analysis of education at State level, and to ensure close coordination and collaboration between education programmes and the broader OFID portfolio.

•     As part of OFID Northern Nigeria Policy Team, the post holder will help to shape DFIDs overall policy and programme direction for Northern Nigeria.

•     Have close oversight of State Level programme activities on the ground in Northern Nigeria.

•     Work with State Representatives to influence policy at State Level in Northern Nigeria in line with DFIDs broader education policies.

•     Provide technical support to lead advisers for the Girls Education Project (GEP), the Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN), the Teacher Development Programme (TOP), the Education Research and Evaluation Programme (EDORE), the Low Cost Private Education Programme and planned work on Skills. This will include ensuring the delivery of high quality annual reviews, leading and organising stakeholder meetings on priority themes related to DFID programmes, identifying opportunities for cross-programme learning and deeper synergies. The specific support required will be determined in relation to the successful candidates experience and expertise and the status of each education programme when the post holder arrives.

•     Within the first year in post, it is hoped that the post holder will be ready to assume a lead advisory role for at least one specific DFID education programme. This will depend on the individuals progress and opportunities within the education portfolio. This will be agreed between the Senior Education Adviser, Head HD Team and Head DFID Northern Nigeria.

•     Work with fellow advisory, programme management and State Representative colleagues to ensure education programmes deliver results and value for money, identify and manage risk and spot opportunities for greater synergy with other DFIDN programmes.

•     Working closely with the HO education team and DFID Northern Nigeria colleagues, collate and manage education results reporting, and other critical data to meet DFID Operational Plan and corporate requirements.

•     Travel regularly to engage with Nigerian citizens, education providers, programmes, government partners, donors, civil society and other partners to regularly review programme and reform progress and deepen contextual understanding. Make recommendations to other DFIDN colleagues on how to strengthen the overall impact of DFIDN policy and programmes.

•     Contribute to DFID Nigeria corporate requirements for correspondence, briefings, reporting and communications.
•   Provide support to DFID service providers and key partners at State level to engage with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) in Nigeria, including the appraisal and programme development led by the Local Education Group (LEG) and eventual GPE implementation.
•     Support fellow HD education advisers in the delivery of research and evaluation priorities for the portfolio, to be determined as these work streams progress.
•     Lead on specific thematic area(s) within the education team. The specific area (s) will be decided based on the experience, expertise and strengths of the successful candidate and opportunities within the education portfolio at the time. Possible areas include education systems, civil society and accountability, teaching and learning, equity and inclusive education etc.
•     Contribute to overall DFID strategy and results through the DFID Education professional cadre.

•     All the above work makes a vital contribution to DFIDNs strategic direction and Operational Plan results. The size of Nigerias contribution to DFIDs overall policy and results means the post holders work is of great importance to DFID overall, not just DFIDN.

Through all the above responsibilities, help DFID Northern Nigeria and H teams strengthen as highly performing teams where people enjoy working together. This includes sharing learning with colleagues, encouraging other staff to develop and helping create energising and stimulating team days for both teams.

Qualification and Experience:

•     Minimum of a Masters level qualification from an internationally recognized University in Education or related Social policy field.
•     Experience in at least three of the following thematic areas:
  •     Managing reform in education systems,
  •         Support for accountability / civil society engagement to improve learning outcomes,
  •         Support for better teaching and learning,
  •         Initiatives to support equity and inclusive education,
  •         Adult education and skills
  •         Islamic education.
•     Strong written and oral communication skills
•     Strong influencing skills
•     Resilience and ability to work under pressure in a busy and sometimes challenging environment
•     Experience working in the education sector in Nigeria.
•     Experience working closely with a development / donor agency desirable.
•     Flexibility and willingness to respond to a range of corporate needs
•     Flexibility and willingness to travel extensively across States in Northern Nigeria
•     Cultural and political sensitivity to work in Northern Nigerian context.
•     The ability to speak Hausa would be an advantage.

Technical Competences:

•     Knowledge of education systems in a developing country context,
•     Knowledge and application of education policy analysis and sector planning.

Behavioural Competencies:

•     Analysis and use of Information:
  
  • The successful candidate would need to make a sense of both the national and local data around Education issues in Nigeria and be able to use these materials as well as other information to feed into and evaluate DFID Nigerias Education programme.
•     Communication with others:
  
  • The successful candidate would be engaging with key stakeholders such as State Education Leaders, Civil Societies, as well as liaising with those delivering our education port folio and as such would be expected to communicate clearly and concisely orally and on paper, to clarify the required messages using appropriate language.
•     Influencing:
  
  • The successful candidate would be expected to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders with complex agendas including contractors, other donors, Senior Government officials, politicians and Religious and Traditional leaders.
•     Planning and Delivery of Work:
  
  • This is a key competency for DFID, and the successful candidate would need to ensure timelines to tasks are met and different members of your team are motivated to meet corporate requirements.
•     Working with Others:
  
  • The Kano office is a multicultural team comprising of both Nigerian professionals as well as UK international staff. The successful candidate will need to have the temperament and sensitivity to work in a multidisciplinary team, providing leadership and support.

Contact
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the Head of the Human Development Team Sarah White (sj-white@dfid.gov.uk), the Senior Education adviser Barbara Payne (b-payne@dfid.gov.uk) and the Head of DFID Northern Nigeria Ben Le Roith (b-leroith@dfid.gov.uk).

Remuneration: DFID offers a competitive salary and benefit package. The current starting salary for this position per annum is N14,218,752 inclusive of local taxes.

Application DEADLINE: 12noon on Friday 22nd March 2013

How to Apply:

•     Qualified and interested candidates for this position should send an e-mail to Nse Alawani (N-Alawani@dfid.gov.uk) to obtain an application form.
•     Your completed application form should be sent electronically to DFIDNigeriarecruiting@dfid.gov.uk by the deadline indicated below.

DFID Nigeria is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcome from people regardless of age, race ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender or disability. The appointment will be under local and conditions and to medical and security clearances

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will be invited to join the next stage of the assessment process