Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Education Officer

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a passionate and dynamic Education Officer to be the driving force behind our educational initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will design, implement, and manage impactful learning programs that empower our target communities. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, dedicated to fostering positive educational outcomes and building strong relationships with stakeholders. You will be responsible for the entire program lifecycle, from initial needs assessment and curriculum development to monitoring impact and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our educational mission.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Teacher / Educator
Program Coordinator / Assistant
Community Outreach Specialist
Instructional Designer

Advancement To:

Senior Education Officer
Education Program Manager
Head of Education / Director of Learning
Education Policy Advisor

Lateral Moves:

Learning & Development Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist
Policy Analyst (Education)
Curriculum Development Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, develop, and implement innovative educational programs and curricula that are aligned with organizational objectives and meet the specific needs of diverse learner groups.
Manage the full lifecycle of educational projects, including strategic planning, budget allocation, resource management, execution, and post-program evaluation.
Conduct comprehensive needs assessments and situational analyses within target communities to identify educational gaps, challenges, and opportunities for intervention.
Establish and nurture strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including schools, government bodies, non-profit partners, community leaders, and funding agencies.
Develop and deliver high-quality, engaging training sessions, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives for teachers, community facilitators, volunteers, and staff.
Create, review, and adapt a wide range of educational and training materials, such as lesson plans, facilitator guides, digital learning modules, and assessment tools.
Lead the implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework for all education projects, systematically collecting and analyzing data to measure progress, impact, and learning outcomes.
Prepare comprehensive, high-quality narrative and financial reports for internal management, donors, and partners, clearly articulating program achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
Oversee program budgets, ensuring responsible financial management, accurate expenditure tracking, and compliance with organizational and donor financial policies.
Represent the organization professionally at national and international conferences, workshops, and coordination meetings to share best practices and build strategic networks.
Provide expert technical input for the development of compelling funding proposals and grant applications to secure resources for new and existing educational initiatives.
Ensure all educational programming is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and accessible, adapting content and delivery methods for individuals with diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
Stay abreast of current trends, pedagogical research, and emerging technologies in the education sector to drive continuous improvement and innovation in program design.
Coordinate all logistical aspects for educational events, workshops, and field activities, including venue procurement, material distribution, and participant management.
Provide ongoing technical support, coaching, and mentorship to field staff, teachers, and partners to ensure high-quality program implementation.
Develop and execute communication strategies to promote educational programs, celebrate successes, and engage a wider audience through various media channels.
Ensure all program activities strictly adhere to national education policies, child protection standards, and other relevant legal and ethical guidelines.
Facilitate participatory workshops and focus group discussions to ensure community engagement, ownership, and long-term sustainability of educational outcomes.
Analyze both qualitative and quantitative program data to generate actionable insights that inform evidence-based decision-making and strategic adjustments.
Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and day-to-day management of program volunteers, interns, or junior staff members.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc requests for program data, impact stories, and situational analysis for communications and fundraising teams.
Contribute to the organization's broader education strategy and policy development initiatives.
Collaborate with other departments (e.g., communications, finance, advocacy) to ensure cohesive and integrated program delivery.
Participate in cross-functional working groups and organizational planning sessions to represent the education portfolio.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Curriculum Design and Development
Project and Program Management Methodologies
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Frameworks
Budgeting and Financial Management
Training Facilitation and Public Speaking
Proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Grant Writing and Proposal Development
Data Analysis and Reporting (Excel, SPSS, etc.)
Instructional Design Principles (e.g., ADDIE)
Stakeholder Engagement and Management

Soft Skills

Exceptional Written and Verbal Communication
Interpersonal and Cross-Cultural Competency
Leadership and Team Collaboration
Strategic and Critical Thinking
Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Creativity and Innovation
Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity
Negotiation and Influencing Skills
Strong Organizational and Time-Management Abilities

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

Education
International Development / Relations
Social Sciences
Public Administration
Non-Profit Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of progressive experience in the education, non-profit, or international development sector.

Preferred: Direct experience managing education or community-based development programs from conception through evaluation. A proven track record of curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, and securing program funding is highly desirable. Experience working in cross-cultural settings is a significant asset.