Volunteer role description

Project: Malawi/ Building Education Foundations Through Innovation and Technology (BeFIT)

Role purpose

The Education Specialist will provide technical support and capacity building to the Ministry of Education at district, Zonal and school levels for the effective implementation of the BeFIT programme. The role is responsible for training and supporting District Education Officers, Primary Education Advisors (PEAs), teachers, and School Managers to effectively integrate Tablet-based learning into teaching practices and school systems.

A critical function of this role is to lead and embed research and learning component at the district level, including providing direct support to the ongoing Randomized Control Trial (RCT) within the programme. The specialist will generate evidence on programme implementation, effectiveness, and challenges to inform real-time adaptations and contribute to the programme's strategic learning agenda. This ensures the BeFIT model is refined for maximum impact on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes in Grades 1-4. The Education Specialist will also be responsible for managing project funds including activity budgeting and payments in compliance with VSO financial guidelines.

Level 2: This post will have direct access or contact with children either or will have responsibility for the day-to-day management of those with direct access to children. A criminal background check (Enhance DBS check for UK or equivalent Police check) will be obtained for post holder at this level prior to their start date.

1.   Introduction to VSO

VSO is the world’s leading international non-governmental organization that works through volunteers to create a fair world for everyone.

Our work centres on those who are left out by society – those living in extreme poverty or with disability and illness. Those who face discrimination and violence because of their gender, sexuality, or social status. Those who are at risk from disaster, disease, and conflict. But they are not passive beneficiaries of aid; they are the “primary actors” at the heart of our efforts. From their perspective, we define the issues, opportunities, and solutions that drive sustainable, local-led change. These individuals are the key agents of their own transformation.

Our Approach

Our Volunteering for Development (VfD) method supports the most vulnerable and marginalised to achieve their rights and bring about lasting change to create a fair world for everyone. Rooted in addressing the fundamental causes of - marginalisation and vulnerability, our three core approaches – social inclusion and gender, social accountability, and resilience – guide our work in inclusive education, health, and resilient livelihoods. 

Our Volunteering for Development method recognises the importance of relationships in forging a shared understanding and commitment and building collective action to lasting change. With most of our volunteers being national, we build blended teams of community, national, and international volunteers, uniting diverse perspectives, and experiences to generate insight, innovation, and action that tackles the complex issues faced by our communities. This kindles the potential for active citizenship worldwide, encouraging people to step forward and lead the change that fosters a fair world for all.

2.   Project background and contextual information

The BEFIT programme is a six-year Government of Malawi initiative aiming to improve learning outcomes in reading and numeracy through supplemental, individualized, self-paced instruction delivered via specialized apps on Android tablets in public primary schools across Malawi. The Government is implementing the programme with a consortium of partners including VSO, Imagine Worldwide, and One Billion, with the programme already reaching over 900 primary schools across all 34 Education Districts.

As a consortium member, VSO provides technical and implementation support, focusing on capacity building for stakeholders and the institutionalization of Education Technology (EdTech) use and management in targeted schools. VSO currently supports five participating education districts and has successfully supported 301 primary schools to adopt tablet-based learning. This role is central to ensuring the effective rollout and sustainable integration of this transformative approach.

3.   Role outputs

                     i.       Capacity Building and System Strengthening:

o   Co-develop and facilitate training modules for TTC lecturers, PEAs, and teachers on Digital Education Technology (DET), pedagogical approaches for foundational skills development, and the use of data for instructional decision-making.

o   Strengthen the capacity of district staff and school leaders in educational leadership, school improvement planning, and the effective management and maintenance of EdTech resources for sustainable integration.

                    ii.       Research, Evidence Generation, and Learning:

o   Provide direct support to the ongoing Randomized Control Trial (RCT) by coordinating data collection activities, facilitating access to schools, and ensuring research protocols are understood and followed by district, zonal and school staff.

o   Support complementary action research and implementation studies at the district level to understand the barriers, enablers, and practical impacts of the BEFIT programme, providing qualitative context to RCT findings.

o   Systematically collect, analyse, and synthesise qualitative and quantitative data on teacher adoption, learner engagement, and tablet utilisation to inform programme improvements.

o   Produce robust quarterly learning reports and case studies that document insights, lessons learned, and recommendations to inform programme adaptations and contribute to national education policy.

                  iii.       Operational and Financial Management

o   Take full responsibility for the budget allocated and processed to district-level activities.

o   Create detailed budgets for proposed activities to ensure they are feasible and cost-effective.

o   Ensuring all spending follows the strict rules and procedures of VSO (the organization), which is critical for accountability and donor trust.

                  iv.       Stakeholder Engagement and Collaborative Implementation:

o   Work closely with TTCs, District Education Offices, PEAs, school committees and consortium partners to support the seamless integration of DET into daily school activities and teacher training curricula.

o   Act as a key liaison between the research team, the Ministry of Education, consortium partners, and schools to ensure the smooth running of the RCT and programme activities.

o   Foster a collaborative, multi-stakeholder environment for problem-solving and knowledge sharing across the education ecosystem.

                   v.       Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

o   Actively participate in the monitoring and evaluation of the programme, using data to track progress against learning outcomes and institutionalization milestones.

o   Ensure the timely production of high-quality quarterly project and financial reports that meet both VSO and consortium requirements.

click the link Download Job Description for more details

Experience and skills required for the role                               

·        Strong experience in training and mentoring primary school teachers (both in-service and student teachers).

·        Demonstrated experience in project financial management, including budgeting, payment processing.

·        Familiarity with or exposure to rigorous research methodologies, such as Randomized Control Trials (RCTs), is a distinct advantage.

·        Knowledge and experience in primary school teaching and/or foundational skills for early-grade learners (literacy, numeracy).

·        Experience in training of trainers (e.g., teacher trainers, education advisors/inspectors).

·        Demonstrated knowledge of strategies for educational leadership, school effectiveness, and the integration of innovative approaches to improve learning outcomes.

Skills:

·        Ability to work in and facilitate a multi-stakeholder, multi-level, and cross-cultural environment, including experience working with government systems.

·        Strong interpersonal, communication, networking, and presentation skills.

·        Proficient in written and spoken English.

·        Good IT skills and familiarity with educational technology platforms.

·        A self-starter able to work independently and determine their own work plan within a consortium framework.

·        Two years of motorcycle riding experience with a valid riders licence  is required for this position.

 Equal Opportunities: VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce.

VSO reserves the right to close this job early if we receive a sufficient number of applications.

Disclaimer: VSO is committed to a fair, transparent and merit-based recruitment. VSO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Any such request in VSO’s name is fraudulent and should be disregarded. Please report suspicious requests to recruitment@vsoint.org

Additional Information

Allowance and accommodation

All volunteers have an allowance paid in local currency. The allowance meets reasonable living expenses in country, but will not be enough to send money home.

VSO works with some of the poorest communities in the world which means accommodation varies and will be basic.

How to apply

To apply for this job please visit vso.my.salesforce-sites.com.