Program Overview:    

FPSP, also referred to as the ‘Platform’, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment, will contribute to the delivery of Fiji’s national development priorities, in line with the Australia’s International Development Policy, the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership and the Development Partnership Plan. 

The Platform will deliver key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities will identify and address climate risks, promote climate action, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs.

The Platform has three functional Outcomes: 

1. The Platform has delivered its sector program outcomes, including through supporting strategic coherence, planning, partnerships management, data and learning across the portfolio of investments.
2. The Platform has prioritised gender equality, disability-inclusive development, and climate and disaster resilience, in its systems and practices. This includes in how it undertakes sector programming and its engagement with selected Government of Fiji (GoF) agencies.
3. The Platform administers timely and efficient programming that is: value for money; maximises use of local supply chains; and supports good governance, and public diplomacy, effective decision making and risk management.

The Platform implements over fifty percent of Australia’s bilateral development support to Fiji across a range of sector programs in education, health, Australia Awards, disaster response, cyclone recovery, social infrastructure and technical assistance to improve public sector governance in Fiji.   

The Platform integrates cross-cutting themes, including gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate and disaster resilience, across sector programs. In particular, the Platform seeks to strengthen program outcomes by better addressing the needs of targeted populations including those who are often marginalised. 

AFEP Overview:

The Australian Government is supporting Fiji’s education sector through the Australia Fiji Education Program (AFEP, the Program) working with the Ministry of Education (MoE). 

The objective of the AFEP is “to work with the Government of Fiji under the Vuvale Partnership to catalyse quality education delivery for all Fijian children”. 

The changes expected by the end of the five-year program are: 

• EOPO 1: Schools, particularly trial schools, have improved student literacy and numeracy outcomes, supported by enabling policies, plans and data from the Ministry of Education.
• EOPO 2: Heads of schools and teachers, supported by enabling policies and data from the Ministry of Education, provide a safe, resilient and inclusive learning environment for all students, particularly in trial schools. 

Four intermediate outcomes will provide pathways to meet these end of program outcomes in priority areas, like implementation of the revised literacy and numeracy curriculum in primary and secondary schools, professional development interventions, analysis and improvement of the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS), as well as GEDSI and student wellbeing.  

The funding for the program is approximately AUD45 million over 9 years (5 years, with an option to extend for a further 4 years) and delivered through a range of activities to achieve the program’s objectives. Implementation modalities include technical advice, procurement of technical services and goods, minor works and infrastructure upgrades, capacity building and training support, support to Ministry led initiatives and innovations, and grants to civil society organisations (CSOs). 

Position Summary: 

In coordination with the Curriculum Advisory Unit (CAS) of the Ministry of Education, the Secondary Mathematics Teaching & Learning Officers (TLO) will support the rollout of the Revised Secondary Mathematics Curriculum (RSMC) across Focus schools on each of the nine education districts.

TLO will work with Secondary Mathematics Heads of Department (HOD), Heads of School and teachers (School Staff) and students to support implementation of the RSMC and related changes to classroom pedagogy through direct training, in-classroom mentoring, and the provision of professional development support.

Additionally, TLO will administer pre and post assessment according to a set evaluation plan and collaborate with Secondary Mathematics Team and CAS to develop an inclusive Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Plan for their assigned schools. TLO will also participate in the revision of secondary mathematics curriculum. 

TLO will support Focus School Staff by modelling lessons, team teaching and planning to improve the teaching and learning of the RSMC. Furthermore, they will assist Focus Schools in supporting  other schools in their clusters and engage in professional development activities based on teacher feedback, observations and data. 

Each TLO will be based within a District Education Office, reporting to the Senior Education Advisor (SEA) and AFEP Maths Coordinator. The expectation is that they will be working either directly or online with schools for  most of the time. 

TLO will work collaboratively with Divisional and District Education officers (Senior Education Advisor and Education Advisor), School Staff and students in schools throughout Fiji. Full training will be provided to ensure that all TLO understand the coaching model, the RSMC, the pedagogies, and the teaching strategies required for the revised curriculum. TLO will need to demonstrate a commitment to their role as change agents within the education sector 

Key Responsibilities: 

The Secondary Mathematics TLO will:

• Coaching/mentoring School Staff and students to become competent, engaged stakeholders in using the RSMC and related teaching and learning approaches.
• Collaborating with the CAS Secondary Mathematics Team to develop and model practical units and lessons based on the RSMC’s teaching strategies.
• Supporting School Staff in the development of teaching and learning resources that are contextually appropriate with real life connections.
• Providing professional development and supporting School Staff to provide professional development for school staff, as required.
• Supporting SEA and District Education Advisors (EA) in their monitoring and oversight of delivery of secondary school mathematics
• Collecting and evaluating data  – including applying PM Benchmark assessments and Mathematics Diagnostic during pre and post assessments (training will be provided).
• Assisting School Staff to understand, plan and implement differentiated teaching and learning strategies through their planning and practice -including students that are at-risk, those with a disability and those that are gifted.
• Communicating with stakeholders, the CAS Secondary Mathematics Team and respective CAS Officers.
• Performing other duties as required by the Mathematics Coordinator (Secondary) and SEA within the parameters of this Terms of Reference

Key Deliverables: 

• Supporting Focus Schools to build mathematics department teaching capacity for improved learning outcomes
• Supporting Focus Schools for leading cluster professional development activities for secondary mathematics
• Developing positive working partnerships with School Staff, SEA, EA, the CAS Secondary Mathematics Team and relevant MOE staff.
• Supporting the design and delivery of high-quality teaching resources and training
• Acting as a trusted adviser in building knowledge and capacity of counterparts

Key Working Relationships:

• The Secondary Mathematics TLO will be accountable to the Coordinator Mathematics Curriculum (Secondary).
• Curriculum Advisory Services (CAS) Maths Specialists  
• District SEA and EA
• Heads of Schools, Heads of Department (HODs)
• Relevant teachers within the Ministry of Education (MOE)

Selection Criteria:

Qualifications

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in education with a major in Mathematics or a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a secondary education teaching diploma, or equivalent

Experience 

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of student-centered pedagogy is a requirement
• Comprehensive understanding of teaching and learning for children across a variety of abilities across secondary education years
• Capacity to model and present confidently in classroom situations and in working with teaching staff.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build positive relationships
• Computer skills for planning, communication and recording data
• Fiji Teachers Registration Authority (FTRA) registration is a requirement
• At least 3 years school experience as a teacher in secondary schools
• Recent experience in the past 5 years of teaching mathematics is desirable

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of numeracy teaching and learning strategies and procedures and how to apply them effectively in the classroom.
• Understanding of teaching and learning for children across a variety of year levels and with diverse learning needs.
• Understanding of how to work in a child safe and child friendly environment.
• Understanding of cultural sensitivity, gender equity, violence against women, people with disabilities, child protection, environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and share a vision and deliver strategic approach.
• Sensitivity to other cultures and the ability to act appropriately in the context of Fijian culture and the workplace
• Ability to work according to agreed principles and model the Abt/Platform’s principles including transparency, accountability, fairness, and collaboration.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Committed to coaching, mentoring and a team player.
• A demonstrated commitment to child protection and the prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) and a robust fraud control and anti-corruption environment.
• Ability to plan and organise work systematically and meet deadlines.

Abt Global is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtglobal.com.

Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply for this position.

We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.