Responsibilities

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), the Inclusive Education Specialist is responsible for ensuring research-based inclusive education practices and theory are prioritized in teaching and learning materials development, disability identification, learning assessment, teacher and education administrator training and support as well as advocacy and community engagement. The position will lead the integration of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles with pedagogy, capacity building, as well as community outreach, working closely with subject matter specialists and RTI Home Office advisors. The Inclusive Education Specialist will ensure that the Activity products and processes are sensitive to gender, social inclusion, conflict, child protection, safety standards and policies within the Bangladeshi context. Inclusive Education Coordinator will report to this position.

• Provide technical assistance on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and related best practices in the design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation, advocacy and community engagement, in close collaboration with subject matter experts from RTI and partners to government counterparts at the central and district levels.
• Implement training programs on inclusive education, UDL and SEND for teachers, education officials and project’s staff.
• Develop and implement a teacher mentoring approach and facilitate / enhance school-based teacher peer group support system (Teacher Leaning Circle) within schools.
• Develop and contribute to the development of inclusive teaching learning materials (including multimedia resources), assessment, and identification and referral approaches and ensure inclusion considerations are upheld across all aspects of implementation to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Support the development and adaptation of UDL related AV materials based on curriculum, textbooks and capacity building of teachers and education officials to make them more inclusive.
• Work with DPE, NCTB, schools and communities to develop manuals, guidelines, tools and implement them to make inclusive school environment for all children including children with disabilities.
• Provide support to the USAID Shobai Miley Shikhi team and community on advocacy and outreach activities related to inclusive education.
• Regular field visits to adapt and refine Activity materials and strategies, ensuring they meet on-ground requirements
• Work closely with the MERLA to design and implementation of research, monitoring, and evaluation activities and tools, e.g., operational research, activity impact evaluations, and research.
• Collaborate with field teams to support education officials at decentralized levels to implement the Activity professional development approaches, monitoring their quality and fidelity to inclusion, SEND and UDL principles.
• Conduct regular visits to maintain a clear understanding of field issues and lead adaptation to Activity inclusion materials and approaches as applicable, in close collaboration with Activity staff and partners.
• Regularly support progress monitoring and reporting on program capacity building activities.
• Maintain productive relationships with counterparts in DPE, NCTB at central and regional levels, schools, partners, SMC, PTA and community.
• Work closely with the Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Specialist for development of different concept notes for making them understand about the inclusive education and increase their contribution.
• Ensure that Activity products and processes are sensitive to gender, social inclusion, conflict, child protection, safety standards and policies and the Bangladeshi context.
• Represent the Activity in meetings, workshops, and conferences, as requested by the DCOP and Activity senior management and produce knowledge products as requested.
• Managing and developing Inclusive Education Coordinator.
• May required to travel up to 60% of work time.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the DCOP.

Qualifications

Minimum Required; Education & Experience:

• Masters degree with 6 years of experience or Bachelors Degree with 8 years of experience in education, Social Science, teacher training or related field of experience
• At least three years’ experience working specifically in inclusive education
• Evident professional development skills and knowledge of relevant literature
• Familiarity with, and comprehension of, core concepts in inclusive education
• Experience working with children with disabilities is preferred
• Commitment to inclusive programming that encourages full participation of individuals regardless of gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or other marginalized status
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility and integrity
• Ability to communicate effectively in a cross-cultural environment
• Excellent analytical, coordination and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent oral and written fluency in English and Bangla and Bangla typing skill is required.

Skills and Abilities

Skills and abilities required to perform the essential job duties of this job are listed as follows.

• Strong interpersonal/relationship-building skills
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong influencing and coaching skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work independently and within matrix project and program teams
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent file organizing skills.
• Culturally sensitive and respectful
• Demonstrates commitment to RTI’s mission, vision, and values

Note: only successful candidates will be invited for interview and a written test.

Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months:72