Ei-iE

Photo by Sergi Kabrera on Unsplash
Photo by Sergi Kabrera on Unsplash

Notice of vacancy: Regional Coordinator, Africa

published 13 September 2024 updated 13 September 2024

Education International invites applications for the full-time post of Regional Coordinator, based in the EI Africa Regional Office in Accra, Ghana.

About Education International

Education International (EI) is the world’s largest Global Union Federation bringing together organisations of teachers and other education employees from across the world. Through our 383 member unions and organisations, we represent more than 33 million teachers and education support personnel in 180 countries and territories in a shared mission to achieve quality education for all, defend and promote the professional status and working conditions of teachers and education support personnel.

Based in the EI Africa (EIA) Regional Office in Accra, the Regional Coordinator will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Director and will be responsible for promoting and implementing EIA's strategic directions and programmes in the region.

Responsibilities

The Regional Coordinator researches, analyses, and develops policies, capacity building projects and other initiatives to support the membership of Education International’s Africa Region. This position works closely with members, stakeholders, and various international and regional agencies to influence policy development, build capacity, and advocate for changes that support EI’s advocacy goals and strategic objectives.

Main tasks and duties

  • Undertake research, policy development, and advocacy to improve the professional status of members, including terms and conditions of employment, gender equality, professional status, and trade union and human rights;
  • Plan, undertake and coordinate capacity building activities for member organisations;
  • Research, review and critically evaluate trends, developments, and policy proposals that impact membership;
  • Liaise with member organisations, external partners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance EI’s strategic objectives and advocacy goals;
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of quantitative and qualitative research projects by determining project goals, research methods and test parameters, and managing projects from initial stages to completion;
  • Research, write, edit, and amend position papers and policy documents as required;
  • Gather data and evidence to support policy and advocacy positions;
  • Maintain strong relationships with and support member organisations in research, policy, advocacy, and capacity development;
  • Develop and coordinate proposals for support to member organisations upon requests for urgent solidarity;
  • Represent the Regional Office at various meetings and events with member organisations, external partners, policymakers, and other stakeholders, as required;
  • Organise and coordinate meetings, conferences, seminars, and other events;
  • Keep up to date with current social, political, and economic developments to be able to advise on matters relevant to the membership;
  • Use a strong understanding of EI’s strategic direction and organizational goals to guide research, policy, and advocacy development; and,
  • Carry out other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned.

Skills and Competencies

  • Values: committed to EI’s values, mission, and objectives;
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills;
  • Skilled in collaborating with teammates and external partners in a multicultural environment;
  • Able to grasp complex information and present it to diverse audiences in an accessible fashion;
  • Skilled at using empathy to listen and understand diverse perspectives;
  • Able to effectively meet deadlines by managing competing responsibilities and multiple tasks;
  • Able to work accurately with a strong attention to detail;
  • Able to work with minimal supervision while exhibiting strong initiative and judgment.

Recruitment Qualifications

Education

  • Master’s degree or equivalent academic qualifications in the education field, political or social science, and/or in international development and trade union movement is preferable.

Professional experience

  • At least 5 years’ experience in education and in a policy role, preferably in a trade union or not-for-profit environment.

Language requirements

  • Ability to work in English, with additional fluency in French, Portuguese or Arabic considered as an asset.

Working hours

  • Full-time position.
  • Normal office hours apply from Monday to Friday, though some flexibility is desirable in recognition of the international nature of the organization. Work that falls outside normal hours during the week, and at the weekend may be expected. There may be a requirement to travel to attend meetings and functions.

Note

All EI staff are accountable to the General Secretary, either directly or through designated staff members. If the needs of the organisation so require, staff members may be requested to perform appropriate duties related to another position, either on a temporary or permanent basis, provided that these duties correspond to the level of their position and that their professional experience and training is adequate. Position descriptions are not definite and may be adapted.

Applications

Applications must include a CV and a cover letter outlining how the candidate meets the criteria set out above. All applications are treated confidentially. Please address your application to the General Secretary and submit it to [email protected] by Friday 18 October 2024. Candidates should also supply the names and contact details of two persons who are known to them and would be willing to supply professional references.

EI is committed to the principles of employment equity and to diversity in its workforce.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.