Learning Network Lead – Education in Crisis and Conflict Network (Part-Time) – Remote

Company Description

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC’s approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion is grounded in EDC’s commitment to respect the dignity of each individual. EDC has a commitment to promoting equity and access to high-quality education and health services that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. EDC expresses its commitment to increasing equity through its strategies, services and products, which contribute to building capacity and transforming lives.

The Leading through Learning Global Platform (LTLGP) project in the EDC International Development Division has an opening for a Learning Network Leader (International Technical Advisor II) of the Education in Crisis and Conflict Network, reporting to the Learning Network Development Director. The Learning Network Leader may be based out of one of EDC’s offices in Waltham, MA, Washington, D.C., New York, NY, or Chicago, IL. The position is also open to telecommuters, with a preference for those based in North America and/or able to adhere to Eastern Standard Time working hours.

Job Description

The Leading through Learning Global Platform (LTLGP) is designed to produce high-quality technical knowledge products and learning opportunities that help to address the USAID Center for Education’s learning agendas in the areas of Foundational Skills, Higher Education, and Education in Crisis and Conflict.

To accomplish this goal, LTLGP is structured as a system of three global education learning networks: Education in Crisis and Conflict Network (ECCN), Global Reading Network (GRN), and Higher Education Learning Network (HELN). Learning Networks’ reach is broadened and deepened through chapters supported by two regional teams, one in Latin America and the Caribbean and one in Africa.

The ECCN Learning Network Leader (LNL), in collaboration with the USAID counterpart based in USAID’s Education in Crisis and Conflict technical team, will providefacilitation and technical leadership of the Education in Crisis and Conflict Learning Network (ECCN). In this role s/he will guide the ECCN Steering Group to set topical priorities and a work plan for the Learning Network; oversee and support renewal of ECCN’s annual portfolio of activities to include knowledge products, professional development and member engagement and collaboration; work with LTLGP’s professional development, evidence and learning and communications teams to develop and execute work plan activities; work with LTLGP’s regional, communications and MEL teams to grow and understand ECCN membership; represent ECCN at external forums; and, in general, nurture ECCN toward a deep, collaborative, and diverse learning space for practitioners working in the education in crisis and conflict space.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The person in this position is expected to collaboratively innovate and solve problems, to develop and maintain positive relationships with USAID counterparts, Steering Group Members, and the project team. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.

LNL ECCN Functions (70% time):

• Lead facilitation and meaningful engagement of the ECCN Steering Group to establish topical priorities and ideas for membership recruitment and engagement. Manage recruitment and rotation of Steering Group members.
• Manage, coordinate and lead the renewal of an annual portfolio of Learning Network activities, such as webinars, webcasts, consultations, virtual and in-person training workshops, and knowledge product creation as per the project activity cycle.
• Oversee the technical aspects of content creation for ECCN communication products, including quarterly newsletters, LinkedIn posts, ad hoc emails, replication of other announcements, and linkages with the other Networks and Hubs.
• Contribute proactively to a wide range of working groups and functional project teams towards the delivery of timely and quality events and knowledge products;
• Support the Regional Coordinators in their development and strengthening of regional Learning Network chapters (recruiting and communicating with members, growing membership, connecting with relevant local/regional stakeholder groups);
• Support the Regional Coordinators and ECCN Regional chapters in identifying regionally-based learning needs and knowledge and crafting a work plan;
• Liaise with other multi-stakeholder groups in the ECCN global community to ensure coordination, learning and sharing with these groups;
• Represent ECCN and LTLGP at internal and external fora such as CIES;
• Support colleagues in the wider Network and Hub Development team to create a proactive culture towards equitable and inclusive participation of all.

Qualifications

The role requires demonstrated experience leading a USAID project or working on technical products with/for USAID (experience with centrally-funded USAID programming is a plus); experience with multi-stakeholder working groups or networks; and demonstrated technical experience in the area of education in crisis and conflict. Related to these, the role requires a strategic and flexible mindset, and the ability to move easily between detailed and big-picture planning and execution. Specific requirements:

Education:

• PhD with 5-7 years related experience OR, Master’s degree, or equivalent, with 7 – 10 years experience related to education, education in crisis and conflict, or related fields.

Skills & Experience:

• Knowledge of promising practices and current themes in education in conflict and crisis contexts;
• Knowledge of and affiliation with education-related networks and stakeholders;
• Experience implementing, researching or managing field-based education programming;
• Experience bringing people together to co-create and share knowledge;
• Experience managing an external advisory committee, board or other group of volunteers;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Strong project management skills, including some experience managing the production of deliverables in a matrixed team environment
• Ability to execute detailed tasks with quality and timeliness
• Medium-term activity planning and management skills
• Ability to manage a team
• Ability to work independently and effectively;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Professional proficiency in English is required; proficiency in French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, or local languages of EDC implementing contexts is preferred.

Additional Information

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Research shows that individuals from historically marginalized groups find themselves meeting many of the criteria of a job posting, yet doubting if they should apply. At EDC, we value and strive for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Equity and excellence are inseparable. If you meet some of the preferred requirements but not all of them, and feel aligned with our vision and mission, we encourage you to apply.

Total Rewards:

EDC offers the following comprehensive benefits package for all eligible employees:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• Generous vacation benefits for full- and part-time employees
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition and transportation reimbursement
• Robust retirement plan with TIAA/CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association/College Retirement Equities Fund)
• Paid sick time and up to 16 hours of personal time annually
• Parental leave
• Employee assistance program

This position offers an anticipated annual, full-time equivalent salary range of approximately $87,000 to $110,000. Salary offers are made based on market analysis and internal equity.