Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Program Description:

The Jordan Technical Assistance Program (TAP), funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is a five-year education and youth project that seeks to transform the organizational culture and improve the abilities within the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth to ensure officials can implement desired reforms. Creative and its partners will provide technical assistance in the development, roll-out, and tracking of policies and procedures to incorporate international best practices for public education and youth programming. Among the many activities in the Jordan Technical Assistance Program, it will support curriculum development, promote inclusive learning techniques, improve the skills of teachers and school managers, and other tangible activities that ultimately support changing the organizational culture within the two ministries and relevant agencies. The program will further support Jordan’s outreach and behavioral change communications initiatives that are aimed at creating a culture of reading, the inclusion of vulnerable children, and increased youth engagement.

Position Summary:

The Youth Development Director shall provide overall strategic direction and supervision of the technical assistance support TAP is providing to MoY, in the areas of decision support systems, institutional development, and Leadership for Change. The Director will also be responsible for leading and managing the implementation of the Youth Leadership Capacity Building Programs, and other activities that aim to improve the institutional capacity of the quality youth programming at the MOY. The Director will serve as principal liaison with Ministry counterparts and will facilitate discussions and meetings with the Ministry of Youth and ensure timely coordination of activities under the different programs.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Youth Development Director will report to the Deputy Chief of Party and will supervise youth development STTAs. The Director will work in coordination with the TAP technical team leads to ensure alignment of initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to TAP’s activities with the MOY, including strengthening the institutional capacity of MOY staff and strengthening the capacity of youth centers to better serve youth populations.
• Provide leadership, technical guidance, and quality assurance to consultants, partners, and sub-contractors/service providers to ensure timely and quality deliverables.   
• Lead technical management and implementation of the Youth Leadership Capacity Building Programs and other tenders conducted in partnership with the MOY.  
• Serve as lead on coordination and facilitation efforts with MoY counterparts across TAP’s programs in close collaboration with the relevant team members.
• Develop a positive working relationship with MoY technical and administrative personnel, project partners, and across project teams.
• Technically review and approve content development in line with MoY needs and priorities.
• Contribute to project communication efforts related to youth programs.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting related to youth programs to ensure activities adapt as needed to meet objectives.
• Lead the reporting to report to MOY and USAID on progress, and lead reporting and coordination within the TAP team on all aspects of intervention related to work with the MoY.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• MA/MS degree required in a relevant field, such as international development, public administration, or education, or work equivalent work experience.
• Must have at least eight (10) years of general experience, and 8+ years in engaging with youth and youth programming.
• Successful track record of implementing complex donor-funded technical assistance programs, previous experience with USAID funded programs is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in a senior management role and interfacing with ministry counterparts
• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of youth stakeholders including MoY technical and administrative personnel.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in positive youth development and institutional capacity building.
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with senior government officials, service providers, sub-contractors, partners, and leaders from youth centers and, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in English and Arabic for both oral and written communication strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership qualities, problem solving, and excellent management skills.
• Strong understanding of the Jordanian context and or experience implementing programs in-country strongly preferred.

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (gender/race/disability/veteran) and provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

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Please note only finalists will be contacted.  No phone calls please.