Senior Associate - Literacy Instruction Education for Development

Background
	Creative Associates International is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm that specializes in international development. Based in Washington, DC, the firm has a field presence in more than two dozen countries with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development and other clients including the U.S. Department of State, the Millennium Challenge Account, and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a strong reputation among its clients worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. Creative Associates International combines one of the most substantial education practices in the international development community with a long history of program development and delivery to improve educational access, equity, quality and efficiency in developing countries, including conflict, post-conflict, and stabilization settings.
	Position Summary
	This Senior Associate will provide technical expertise and leadership in literacy instruction, with an emphasis on early grades and foundational skills. The Senior Associate will also provide technical assistance to current projects and assist in the design of proposals on effective strategies to assess and teach reading and the language arts, based on current research and good practice. The Senior Associate will work with host country counterparts to develop reading curricula and materials for students and in-service and pre-service teacher professional development programs, and advise on policy development and broader curriculum reform needed to improve reading at the lower and upper primary levels. In addition, Senior Associates may engage in project management, business development, and division leadership, as described below.
	Reporting & Supervision
	Depending on assignments, the Senior Associate will report to the Practice Area Director for Instructional Systems or the Practice Area Director for Crisis and Conflict-Affected Environments in the ED Division.
	Primary Responsibilities
	Broadly focused and practiced in the design and operationalization of literacy and reading programs. Experience working with policy-makers, teacher trainers, and curriculum developers to reorient systems towards a focus on reading. On an applied level, utilize a holistic perspective to devise a reading approach and translate it into the systems needed to make it work. In this context, provide guidance on: Use, implementation, and analysis of diagnostic testing to determine system level and pupils' proficiency levels and associated reading problems, and select appropriate assessment tools. Selection and design of reading programs and interventions appropriate to a systems approach to address identified weaknesses in literacy instruction and student performance levels. Development of teacher training strategies and programs to improve reading and to assist in the transition from local language to national language instruction. Development of school and community-based strategies to promote language development. Preparation of teacher training materials and early grade reading instructional materials. Analysis and development of policies in literacy, reading and/or language arts curriculum and standards of learning. Selected specific areas such as: - Literacy and language development - Teacher training at primary level - Curriculum - Publications and readers - Continuous assessment - Local language, orthographies - Transition to English - E-literacy or using ICT to teach training In the business development sphere: Identifies opportunities for new business and shares information on these opportunities with the Division Director, Director for New Business, and Practice Area Directors. Analyzes opportunities and potential competitors, contributes to teaming decisions. Develops winning strategies for proposals. Serves as the technical lead on proposals where Creative is the prime contractor as well as some where Creative may be the subcontractor. Drafts proposal sections as needed. As a senior member of our ED Division: Raises issues that need to be addressed and contributes to their successful resolution. Works with other senior staff to develop ED as a technically strong and rewarding place to work. Builds networks and publishes technical papers that contribute to the body of knowledge and enhance the public image of the division.
	Required Skills & Qualifications
	M.A. in education or closely related field. Current knowledge of research centered on reading instruction. Knowledge of research on reading that includes both qualitative and quantitative methods and procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of early literacy skills.. Experience working on large scale reading assessments. 10+ years of experience with international education in developing countries. Proposal development experience. Experience with USAID or other donor-sponsored educational programs. Strong teamwork, leadership, and management skills. Excellent writing and communication skills.
	Desired Skills & Qualifications
	Ph.D. in education or a closely related field. Experience working with ministries of education and donors in reading instruction and improvement of learning outcomes.
	Application Instructions
	To apply for this position, please complete and submit our simple on-line form, where you can upload your résumé and other documents.
	Only if you are unable to submit online, may you send your résumé and cover letter by e-mail to Recruitment@CreativeDC.com with "Senior Associate - Literacy Instruction CODE:HDQ48997" on the subject line. Please note only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls please. Creative is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA).