Multiple Positions – USAID Strengthening Equitable Education for the Deaf (SEED) Activity, Rwanda
School-to-School International (STS) is a nonprofit organization based in Pacifica, California committed to improving the lives and learning of girls and boys worldwide through thoughtful research, practice, and partnership. Since 2002, we have worked in over 50 countries providing assistance in research and evaluation, curriculum and training, and policy and planning.
STS seeks a full-time role for the anticipated USAID-funded Strengthening Equitable Education for the Deaf (SEED) Activity in Rwanda, as described below. STS is dedicated to a Deaf-led, Rwandan-led approach to this Activity. For this position, citizens of Rwanda are strongly preferred. STS strongly encourages Deaf individuals and/or individuals fluent in a sign language to apply.
Description of the Project. The purpose of the upcoming four-year USAID Strengthening Equitable Education for the Deaf (SEED) Activity is to improve reading outcomes for learners who are deaf or hard of hearing in pre-primary and lower primary schools in Rwanda. The activity aims to do so within three objectives: improve parental, community, youth, and local organizational capacity to support Rwandan Sign Language (RSL) acquisition and literacy for learners who are deaf or hard of hearing; improve access to quality, relevant bilingual (RSL to Kinyarwanda and English literacy) teaching methodologies to improve reading outcomes in pre-primary and lower primary learners who are deaf or hard of hearing; and strengthen national and decentralized Government of Rwanda systems to better serve learners who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Location: The position will be based in Kigali, Rwanda.
Please note: positions are contingent upon funding and donor approval.
Chief of Party
The Chief of Party (CoP) will be responsible for proactively leading the overall implementation of the Activity and providing technical leadership and coordination. The CoP will lead all aspects of performance, providing technical leadership and guidance on all tasks, providing day-to-day operational oversight and administration of the activity, and representing the recipient’s activities to outside audiences. S/he will serve as the primary point of contact with key stakeholders from USAID, the Government of Rwanda (including the Ministry of Education, Rwanda Basic Education Board, and National Examination and School Inspection Authority), organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and other education development partners. The CoP will be directly responsible for providing mentorship and capacity strengthening to Rwandan-based OPDs and other Rwandan-colleagues on USAID project management and technical implementation. As a member of the Activity’s senior management team, the CoP will be expected to demonstrate behaviors corresponding to the mission, vision, and values of STS and the USAID SEED Activity. The CoP will also ensure that staff adhere to these same standards. Her/his responsibilities will also include creating a favorable and productive work environment, including implementation of workplace diversity and inclusion policies; accessing global technical policies, procedures, and resources that will support the project technically or operationally; reporting to a US-based supervisor on a regular basis; serving as a liaison between the STS technical manager and in-country teams; and executing duties according to STS’s Child Safeguarding Policy. Proficiency in a sign language along with experience with Deaf education and Deaf culture are strongly desired.
Qualifications:
- Experience working in Deaf education and knowledge of Deaf culture
- Understanding of disability-inclusive pedagogy, including the Universal Design for Learning framework
- Professional experience working in sub-Saharan Africa or other resource-limited settings
- Proven leadership of donor-funded projects; skills in strategic planning, project management, supervision, and budget management
- Demonstrated ability to work with national governments, development partners, local government structures, and OPDs
- Demonstrated experience in capacity strengthening and institutional strengthening
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills; experience delivering presentations to government and donor representatives
- Fluency in written English and knowledge of a sign language
Preferred, but not required, qualifications:
- University degree (or equivalent experience) in education, international development, Deaf studies, or related field
- Experience with USAID rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as they relate to program compliance and reporting
- Written or spoken Kinyarwanda and Rwandan Sign Language (RSL) skills are strongly preferred
To apply, please email your resume/CV, three professional references, and a cover letter via the apply button. In the subject line of the email, please list the position for which you are applying and the country. For example, “Chief of Party, Rwanda.” Please submit a separate application and email for each position for which you are applying.
Please submit your application(s) by April 15, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
STS is an equal employment opportunities (EEO) employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
