Join AIR as an Operations Lead with our International Development Division (IDD) and make a difference, improving the quality of life for individuals and communities in low and middle income countries. AIR’s IDD work spans the globe with projects in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Central and Latin America, and the Middle East.

AIR is currently seeking an Operations Lead to join our International Development Division (IDD). Literacy Lead will work on a USDA-funded Food for Education project in Benin. This is a five-year project aiming to achieve two main objectives: 1) improved literacy of school-aged children; and 2) increased nutrition, health and dietary practices of beneficiaries in Benin. 

The Operations Lead will closely support AIR headquarters in managing and implementing AIR’s literacy interventions in collaboration with implementing partners and other in-country stakeholders. This is a project position based in Parakou, Benin. Beninese citizens are encouraged to apply.

Our IDD team is committed and engaged because we drive positive change in the following areas:

• Agriculture, food, and nutrition
• Early childhood development and education
• Refugees and migration
• Social protection
• Water, sanitation, and infrastructure
• Women's empowerment
• Workforce development

Use your experience, knowledge, and education to help us deliver on our mission: to contribute to a better, more equitable world.

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

The Operations Lead will work closely with the team to oversee the implementation and monitoring of literacy activities across northern Benin. The full list of responsibilities includes, but is not limited to:

• Coordinate and oversee field activities related to literacy implementation and research activities in schools across northern Benin.
• Support monitoring activities to assess implementation fidelity and identify methods to improve project activities.
• Work closely with technical staff from AIR headquarters to adapt literacy activities to improve project effectiveness.
• Support in overseeing and managing the local team, operations, and budget.
• Lead engagement with project stakeholders through reflection workshops, in-service and pre-service teacher training events, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews.
• Prepare written reports on project activities for donors, implementing partners, and other project stakeholders.
• Support in providing oversight for literacy research activities.
• Support in project quality assurance efforts.
• Maintain a good rapport with key government and stakeholder agencies, especially the Ministry of Primary and Preschool Education (MEMP) and the national teacher training institute (INFRE).

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• At minimum Master’s degree or equivalent in a related area such as Education, Developmental Psychology, or Cognitive Psychology (focus on reading/literacy, early childhood, or elementary education).
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in the implementation of international development programs with demonstrated expertise in education and literacy.
• Understanding and experience working in bilingual environments.
• Experience implementing or evaluating projects related to early grade reading, literacy, or education.
• Experience managing detailed and complex projects and teams.
• Well-established knowledge of Beninese education system.

 Skills:

• Fluency in French and English.
• Demonstrated proficiencies in writing, conceptualizing, analyzing, and consulting.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team with individuals from diverse backgrounds and at all levels.
• Ability and willingness to live in Parakou with frequently travel to remote areas.

Disclosures:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

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