Vacancy - Director of Education Programme

*Aga Khan Foundation - Job Opportunity*

Position Title: Director of Education Programme

Report to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Duty Station: National Programme Office, Kabul

Announcing Date: April 15, 2008

Closing Date: May 4th, 2008

Vacancy Number: KBL/017/2008

Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a part of the Aga Khan Development Network
(AKDN), a group of private, international, non-denominational and dynamic
development agencies working in the fields of health, education, culture,
rural livelihoods, civil society and private-sector development.

In Afghanistan, AKF currently manages and implements a large, multi-sectoral
programme that has established a strong reputation with the Government of
Afghanistan, donors and local partners. Currently, AKF is seeking an
exceptional individual to fill the position of *Director of Education
Programme** *at the National Program Office in Kabul - Afghanistan.

*BACKGROUND:** *The Government of Afghanistan is committed to education
reform through the implementation of the National Education Strategic Plan
for Afghanistan (2006-2010). AKF works closely with the Ministry in support
of its national priorities and programmes. Specifically, over the last 5
years, AKF has established a diverse and growing programme, in three
provinces of central and northern Afghanistan, covering teacher training,
whole school improvement, community and non-formal education, and girls'

education. In all of these and related areas, AKF also seeks to build
Ministry capacity at the national, provincial and district levels.

*JOB SUMMARY:** *The Director of Education will provide intellectual,
operational, and strategic leadership to AKF's education programme, while
also ensuring effective administrative and managerial oversight. The
Director will work closely with other AKDN institutions in Afghanistan and
internationally. Among other responsibilities, the Director will:**

*Main Duties and Responsibilities:*

. Exercise overall responsibility for the strategic direction and
management of a growing education portfolio

. Facilitate the further design and effective implementation of
innovative strategies that improve teaching and learning outcomes in AKDN's
programming area

. Foster a strong collaborative relationship with the Ministry of
Education, ensuring a high level strategic convergence between AKDN and
Ministry plans, policies and programming

. Ensure a high level of government and donor interest and support
for AKDN's education programme

. Nurture collaborative relationships with a variety of education
partners and stakeholders

. Oversee the development and management of an education management
information system

. Provide input into research on Afghan education, and studies be
conducted within existing programmes

. Lead, manage, motivate and continually enhance the capacity of a
diverse team of national and international professionals

*QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:*

. Masters or PhD degree in a relevant education field

. 7-10 years of related work experience in developing countries;
including but not limited to general education, teacher education, literacy,
early childhood development, and non formal education

. Proven experience and skills in managing and leading people and
programmes both at the strategic and operational levels

. Proven experience in providing technical support and capacity
building to national staff

. Proven experience and skills in working with senior national
education professionals, teachers and communities; and liaising with
national and local government and donor agencies

. Proven experience in facilitating policy dialogue and providing
technical support.

. High level of motivation and excellent interpersonal, verbal and
written communication skills, particularly in English. A working knowledge
of Dari/Farsi is preferable but not required.

* *

*APPLICATION:* Application: Individuals meeting the above requirements are
requested to submit a cover letter along with their CV no later than* May 4
th, 2008* to: The Human Resource Department* *at AKF Afghanistan, House No.
43, Main Road, Wazir Akbar Khan Road, Kabul - Afghanistan. *
Humanresources@akdn-afg.org*

* *

Only short listed candidates will be invited for an interview.