Summary

Save the Children is seeking a Technical Advisor for the anticipated, follow-on USAID-funded Learn to Read education project in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The forthcoming project is expected to contribute to the Government of Lao PDR’s Education and Sports Sector Development Plan (ESSDP) 2026-2030, building on the accomplishments from Learn to Read, and continuing to foster equitable learning outcomes for students in the early grades of primary school.

The Technical Advisor will provide technical leadership and oversight of programmatic activities to ensure quality, timeliness, and efficiency of all project activities. They will ensure accessible, relevant and high-quality education opportunities and will adopt a people-centered approach in all program activities and promote the resilience and wellbeing of children, teachers and communities affected by crisis and conflict. The Technical Advisor will report to the Chief of Party (COP) and deliver high impact technical implementation and proven interventions that meet stated goals and reporting requirements.

This is a Key Personnel position, subject to USAID approval. It is also subject to project award and funding. This position will be based in Vientiane, Laos.

National candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

What You'll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

Lead strategic planning of technical interventions, including ongoing adjustments to the project based on MEAL data. Lead technical implementation of program activities aimed at strengthening the quality of student learning, utilizing evidence-based practices. Collaborate with the project team, USAID, and partners to develop detailed design and annual implementation plans, management, and resource plans on all components related to the project. Ensure high quality and timely project delivery; build capacity of team to deliver activities independently in remote, rural areas. Lead the technical team to develop and deliver the technical program in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and other development partners. Ensure program interventions build on existing evidence and are integrated with the relevant MoES and other donor activities. Guide Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) processes and oversee the generation and use of evidence by the project and its partners. Monitor program quality and work with the project management team to make any necessary adaptation based on learning. Develop and oversee the advocacy and networking approach of the project. Draft narrative technical reports for internal and external audiences. Establish effective communication and coordination with relevant personnel from the MoES, local stakeholders, and existing Save the Children staff.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in education, international development, or a related field. Minimum of five years’ experience leading technical design, implementation and/or management of international donor-funded education programs. Excellent training and facilitation capability. Able to conceptualize and manage a project research agenda. Experience in advocacy and policy development. Strong analytical and conceptual skills and the ability to think and plan strategically. Demonstrated creativity, innovation, and initiative. Excellent communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English, and strong interpersonal skills. In-depth knowledge of USAID regulations, policies, and education programming guidelines. Technical expertise in primary grades learning within the region, with a specific focus on literacy, language development, STEM, and/or inclusive education

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree is preferred. Experience working in Laos. Knowledge of Lao language or similar SE Asian languages. Working proficiency in Lao language preferred.

About Save the Children

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

Our work for children and their families requires that we commit—at every opportunity—to work together to identify and dismantle persistent systemic and structural racism, inequality, and any other forms of discrimination in this country and beyond.  As an anti-racist organization, Save the Children will not tolerate discrimination in any form—in our employment practices, amongst our staff, in our leadership or toward the people we serve. We stand in solidarity with all people to fight for equal rights, justice, inclusion, and belonging.

Save the Children is committed to conducting its programs and operations in a manner that is safe for the children it serves and helping protect the children with whom we are in contact. All Save the Children representatives are explicitly prohibited from engaging in any activity that may result in any kind of child abuse.

Save the Children is committed to minimizing safety and security risks for our valued employees, ensuring all are given training, support and information to reduce their risk exposure while maximizing the impact of our programs for children and families. Our shared duty, both agency and individual, is to seek and maintain safe working conditions for all.

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