JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Education Specialist Teacher Education Grade: B Grade: A1

Reports to: Vice President

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) helps governments and institutions to expand the scale, efficiency and quality of learning by using new approaches, appropriate technologies, and open and distance learning (ODL) methodologies. Headquartered in Vancouver, COL promotes innovation and works with international partners to facilitate learning in support of development goals. It is financed by voluntary contributions from Commonwealth governments.

Job purpose The Education Specialist Teacher Education develops and manages a programme initiative on teacher education focused on in-service and pre-service training models that advocate the use of ODL and technology-enhanced education and training in teacher education and develop the capacity of teachers and teacher educators. The job holder assists institutions to develop ODL policies for teacher education and works with institutions for pre-service teacher training and continuing professional development. Duties and responsibilities: The job holder shall

Conceptualise, manage and implement the teacher education initiative to build the capacity of teachers and support ministries and institutions to harness the potential of ODL and information and communication technology (ICT) to strengthen and expand teacher education institutions. This involves developing a three-year plan for teacher education with achievable results, formulating an annual action plan with budgets based on the three-year plan, providing regular updates on all activities; authorising expenditure within assigned budgets and defined limits; and actively participating in the monitoring and evaluation of all activities on an on-going basis within the Results Based Management (RBM) framework. Manage on-going initiative activities. This includes working as a team with the Vice President (VP) and other staff to ensure a cohesive approach to activities within the programme while independently implementing assigned activities; identifying partners, selecting and managing consultants, maintaining good relationships with key stakeholders; leveraging other sources of support including raising extra budgetary funds, and organising logistics and other tasks, as appropriate. Take responsibility for liaison between COL and assigned member countries for all aspects of COLs work in consultation with country focal points. This includes identifying needs and priorities related to COLs mandate and updating Country Action Plans and representing the countries interests within COL. Contribute to COL's overall mission and corporate life in planning, stakeholder engagement, and internal processes. It also includes providing advice to ministers, officials, institutions and COL staff in areas of expertise and responsibility and representing COLs interests at international fora. Provide leadership to staff, if required and to international partners as a subject matter expert in the field of teacher education. Identify training needs for staff, ensure Programme Assistant has clear work plans; conduct performance appraisals on staff who work in the area; and Perform other duties related to COLs programme or activities as required.
FINALIZED OCTOBER 2013 JOB TITLE EDUCATION SPECIALIST TEACHER EDUCATION PAGE 1 OF 3

Direct reports

Programme Assistant (shared) Consultants

Qualifications
Education: Essential: Postgraduate qualification in Education. Experience Essential: 10 years experience working in open, distance and technology-mediated learning with specific reference to teacher education. 5+ years experience in international development Some experience translating strategies into the design and implementation of programmes.

Desirable: Qualification which includes elements of open, distance and technology-mediated learning. Qualification related to development or exposure to management theories and practice.

Desirable: Experience of working in developing countries.

Competencies required

Innovation & Creativity: Injects originality into daily work through research, personal knowledge, and networking relationships; Thinks "outside the box"; Brainstorms and encourage new ideas and solutions; Takes appropriate risks. Prudence: Makes sure all ideas receive fair consideration. Sets an example by consistently modelling high standards of performance, honesty, and integrity especially with appropriate use of funds; Is willing to change his/her mind when given new information. Ability to mobilise, prepare and manage financial budgets in an effective, efficient and judicious manner.

Professional Judgement: Possesses an in-depth understanding of the programme goals and issues related to assigned functional or specialised areas that adds value and has the scope of scaling up activities. Is sought out by others for advice in the specialised area. Maintains up-to-date knowledge through profession specific publications, contacts or professional memberships. Technical competence to be perceived as a thought leader and be a credible interlocutor by COLs partner institutions and agencies. Ability to develop and implement effective strategies for monitoring and evaluation of the programme, other functions or initiatives within the established results-based framework. Ability to develop realistic, relevant and achievable plans which are aligned and integrated with COLs triennial planning framework.

FINALIZED OCTOBER 2013

JOB TITLE EDUCATION SPECIALIST TEACHER EDUCATION

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Networking: Ability to develop and maintain a network of senior contacts in government agencies and institutions on issues related to education, ODL, and technology areas. Ability to exercise professionalism, discretion and diplomacy while representing COLs intere sts. Capability to respond, with appropriate proposals and solutions, to requests from Commonwealth governments and institutions for assistance in areas within COLs mandate. Has the skill to c reate a "can-do" climate with ease that leads to developing a professional partnership. Ability to identify and select quality partners, as well as prepare, negotiate and manage agreements that achieve value for money while remaining consistent with COLs policy framework.

Communication, Supervisory and Team Orientation Skills: Delivers information effectively in a variety of settings including one-on-one, team settings, and wider audiences; Displays sensitivity to ethnic and gender issues in verbal and written communications. Capacity and skills to manage human resources (staff, consultants, advisors, etc.) in order to carry out COLs plans within the results based framework. Ability to lead teams as well as communicate and work with others, both within and outside of COL, by promoting co-operation and collaboration to achieve collective outcomes. Openly shares information, knowledge and expertise with the team and co-workers; Appropriately gives and is open to feedback from team / co-workers.

Personal Attributes and Behaviours required of All Staff

Commitment to the ideals of COL, notably to the role of education as the key to human freedom and development and to the capacity of technology to enhance that role. Capacity to work in a multicultural office environment; and a readiness to adapt to the work culture; time management collegiality and mutual respect are expected in the office. Understanding of COLs governance structure and processes, as detailed in the governance manual posted on COLs web site at: Governance Manual.

Job Location COL Headquarters: 1055, West Hastings Street, Suite-1200, Vancouver, BC, V6E 2E9 Canada.

FINALIZED OCTOBER 2013

JOB TITLE EDUCATION SPECIALIST TEACHER EDUCATION

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