QUALITY EDUCATION STRATEGIC SUPPORT PROGRAMME (QESSP)
Terms of Reference for a Technical Adviser, Ministry of Education
Version 2
A. BACKGROUND
1. Ethiopia aspires to become a middle income economy by 2025 and attaches utmost importance to the training of citizens to drive this lofty national agenda and effectively support the realisation of the ambition. Developing the human capital required to actualise the ambition is a key mandate of the Ministry of Education. Besides, the Government of Ethiopia recognises that education is a powerful tool that helps to minimise inequalities. Better educated citizens are likely to contribute better to nation building and overall development. Similarly, better educated citizens stand a better chance of taking advantage of the development in the country.
2. In recognition of the above, the Ethiopian government has substantially expanded access to education at all levels particularly at primary education level. Equitable access to education has been a key driver of the education sector in the past decade. Efforts are being made to match the gains in equity and access with tangible quality improvements.
3. The Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Education and Regional Education Bureaus have responsibility for this ever expanding education system. In order to effectively manage and ensure quality across a growing sector, the Ministry of Education needs to constantly review its its performance and policy options to ensure that the diverse demands of the growing school population and the economy are fully met.
4. The Technical Adviser is recruited to provide high quality independent policy advice to the Ministry of Education and strengthen its relationship with key stakeholders.
B. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF WORK
Objectives
5. The role of the Technical Adviser is to provide technical and general advice on relationship management and policy matters to the Ministry of Education.
Scope of Work
6. The Technical Adviser will primarily work with the Minister. S/he will also provide support to the State Ministers as necessary. Moreover, s/he will liaise with other advisers to ensure that the Minister is fully aware and briefed on developments across the Ministry. The Technical Adviser will also support the Ministry’s interaction with other government agencies, when asked by the Minister. The expected support will primarily be of a technical nature.
C. RESPONSIBILITIES AND MAIN DUTIES
TECHNICAL ADVICE (75%)
I. Provide the Minister with high level independent advice on policy matters outlining the pros and cons of different policy options.
II. Analyse policy and legislation drafts produced by the offices of the State Ministers, independent agencies and other ministries that are of significance to the Ministry of Education.
III. Engage effectively with internal and external experts in relation to the Minister's portfolio(s) so that the best information is available for discussion, decision making, policy development, planning and risk management.
IV. Provide technical support for the effective implementation of key government policies and provide regular update to the Minister.
V. Lead the drafting of briefing papers and ministerial reports.
RELATIONSHIP AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT (25%)
I. Develop and maintain effective liaison and relationships with key stakeholders including international partners.
II. Keep abreast of wider developments in education both internally and externally and provide regular update to Minister.
III. Help build the profile of the Ethiopian education system in international platforms including the GPE board meetings by effectively supporting the Minister’s preparation for these sessions and regularly communicating developments to key stakeholders.
D. INSTITUTIONAL AND ORGANISATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
7. The Technical Adviser will report to the Minister directly. S/he will also work closely with the Head of the Minister’s Bureau, State Ministers and advisers based in the planning and communication directorates.
8. The Technical Adviser will produce monthly reports to the Minister and Team Leader, QESSP.
9. The Technical Adviser will conduct her/ his work in accordance with the QESSP TA management guidelines.
E. PROFILE OF THE ADVISER
Essential / Desirable / Assessment stageBehaviours / • Shaping the future (Changing the nature of what we do and the benefits we gain by thinking and planning with creativity)
• Being Accountable (Showing real dedication to the long-term mission of the team.)
• Making it Happen (Achieving stretching results when faced by change, uncertainty or major obstacles) / Interview only
Skills and Knowledge / • Highly developed interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to relate to and gain the confidence of the Minister and diverse stakeholders
• Highly developed expertise in either general education or higher education*
• Demonstrated ability to analyse, understand and convey complex information in a simplified form.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and identify risk in the development of Government policies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in Amharic and English
• Knowledge of the Ethiopian education system and current donor funded programmes* / Short-listing and interview
Experience / • Proven experience of providing high level policy advice to policy makers*
• Proven experience of managing high level relationships*
• Experience of developing strategic plans*
• More than 10 years of senior professional experience in education* / Short listing and Interview
Qualifications / Masters degree or equivalent in education* / A PhD in a relevant discipline is preferred. / Short Listing
Those marked with * are to be reviewed during shortlisting.
F. GENERAL INFORMATION
Expected start date / First week of AugustDuration of assignment / 12 months with a possibility of extension
Based at / Ministry of Education, 4 kilo
Mandatory checks / Medical and criminal checks
May 2015
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