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The Education for All – Fast Track Initiative (FTI) is an evolving global partnership launched in 2002 to accelerate progress toward the Millennium Development Goal of Universal Primary Completion (UPC) by 2015 by linking increased donor support for primary education to recipient country policy performance and accountability for results. FTI Partners comprise all major donors and agencies in education, and over 40 developing (or Partner) countries and 5 major civil society organizations. Under the FTI, Partner countries commit to developing and implementing a sound and sustainable Education Sector Plan (ESP) and to increasing domestic finance for primary education. Donors, multilateral organizations and civil society organizations commit to supporting this Education Sector Plan with increased and harmonized support, including financial support. In addition to domestic finance and donor support channeled bilaterally, the FTI is supported by 2 main funding instruments under separate governance: the Catalytic Fund ($1.9 billion) and the Education Program Development Fund ($106.5m). [Amounts represent total donor commitments to date.] 

The FTI Partnership has a two-tiered governance structure. At the country level, the Local Education Group (LEG) is the foundation for the FTI governance. The LEG comprises the government, local donors, multilaterals, and civil society organizations and others supporting the education sector. The FTI country-level process is supported by global-level FTI processes, led by a representative Board of Directors. The FTI Secretariat serves the interests of the FTI partnership as a whole through administrative and technical support to the Board of Directors and Chair and to the members of various FTI committees. FTI Secretariat staff total approximately 23 – with further expansion expected in the near term -- and are recruited on the basis of expertise relevant to the implementation of its agreed program under employment conditions and human resource policies and procedures of the host organization, the World Bank.

An external evaluation of FTI was recently completed and based on its recommendations and on actions already planned, the FTI is currently in the process of implementing significant reforms. These will focus on increasing partner country voice in leadership and decision-making in the FTI; a stronger focus on monitoring and reporting on results, the development of a new, single trust fund to replace the existing two funds; the development of a new program of support for capacity building at the global, regional and country levels, and scaled-up support to Local Education Groups to facilitate sound education sector plans and improved coordination of aid.   

To deliver the reform agenda, the Secretariat has recently re-structured to comprise four teams. The Country Support Team is responsible for ensuring FTI partner countries have the support and information they need to join the FTI Partnership and access FTI resources as appropriate. 

With 42 countries now members of the FTI Partnership, a further 26 potentially joining in the coming years, and an exciting program to scale up FTI support to partner countries, the Country Support Team is seeking to recruit four new team members: two Senior Education Specialists and two Education Specialists. These positions will offer motivated individuals the chance to shape the future of the FTI and improve its impact at a country level.

Duties and Accountabilities

The Senior Education Specialist will report to the Coordinator of the Country Support Team. 

S/he will forge strong relationships with key stakeholders – government, donors and civil society – in a small number of low-income countries to:

•	Provide technical support and advice on the development of education sector plans at a country-level and monitor their implementation, including contributions to, and participation in, Joint Sector Reviews as appropriate
•	Facilitate FTI processes at a country level including the endorsement of ESPs and access to FTI funds, and monitor use of FTI resources facilitating policy dialogue and action as needed to address barriers to results at a country level
•	Provide quality assurance of all documents and plans submitted to FTI and facilitate dialogue with Local Education Groups to agree measures to strengthen these as needed  
•	Identify and disseminate good practice in education policy and planning in collaboration with other Secretariat Teams 
•	Work closely with Local Education Groups as appropriate to support improved cooperation and harmonization at a country level and facilitate progress towards actions and indicators established at the Paris Declaration in 2005 and Accra Agenda for Action in 2008. 
 In addition, the Senior Education Specialist will:

•	In close collaboration with other team members, lead on the development of FTI policies and actions to support countries to develop and implement education sector plans which include robust strategies to get marginalized and vulnerable children into school and ensure their effective participation

•	Collaborate closely with other major stakeholders working in the field of equity and inclusion to shape global policy around equitable access and participation in education

•	Help shape FTI policies and strategies on education quality with a focus on supporting partner countries to identify strategies to improve learning outcomes

•	Participate in international meetings to promote the goals of FTI

Key skills, technical background, and experience required:
The ideal candidate will have significant country level experience in the education sector and strong knowledge of the EFA FTI Partnership and the role of Local Education Groups in low-income-countries.

Selection Criteria

	Education: An advanced degree in education or related international development field.

	A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience working in the education sector in policy development and program implementation in developing countries, with at least five of these related to promoting the equitable access of marginalized and vulnerable children 

	At least five years experience in operational work in the education sector with a major donor or UN Agency in low-income countries

	Significant  experience in implementing sector strategies and policies including high-level policy dialogue with government, bilateral donors, multilateral organizations, and NGOs

	Solid understanding of issues related to raising the quality of education and experience in developing policies and programs to deliver improved learning outcomes  

	Excellent written and oral communication skills and the demonstrated ability to communicate complicated and difficult messages in a clear and concise manner  

	Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret and analyze data and translate into policy

	Ability to work well in a small team, operate under pressure, deliver high quality work within deadlines, and meet team objectives.

	Knowledge of and commitment to the principles and procedures of the FTI (desirable).   

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender nationality, culture, and educational background.  Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.  All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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