• Position title: ADEA Executive Secretary
• Grade: EL5
• Position N°: 50069726
• Reference: ADB/13/138
• Publication date: 20/09/2013
• Closing date: 22/10/2013

The Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) is a forum for policy dialogue, composed of all the Ministers of Education in Africa and 14 development partners.  Established in 1988 initially as a framework for better coordination among development agencies, it has come to represent a genuine partnership between African Ministries of Education and their development partners. It has also developed into a network of policy-makers, educators and researchers, and, based on its capacity to foster policy dialogue, a catalyst for educational reform. Since its inception, ADEA has acted on processes that have had a profound impact on policy-making in Africa through policy dialogue supported with research and analytical work, capacity building, advocacy and networking.

ADEA works in different areas of education, including higher education, technical and vocational skills development (TVSD), early childhood development (ECD), non-formal education, teaching profession, information and communication technology (ICT), books and learning materials, education statistics covering education management and policy support, peace education, education for sustainable development, and communication for education and development. ADEA is recognized as a pan-African organization that has a continental voice in education development, and the capacity to bring together the major players of the continent on policy issues in education. ADEA is an independent forum hosted by the African Development Bank, an international financial institution having its headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire and currently operating from its Temporary Relocation Agency in Tunis, Tunisia.   

ADEA is seeking to recruit for the challenging yet exciting and highly rewarding position of Executive Secretary to head its Secretariat. The ADEA Secretariat is the operational organ of the organization and provides technical, financial and administrative services to members of ADEA - the Steering Committee, Bureau of African Ministers, development agencies, Working Groups and Inter-Country Quality Nodes.

For reasons of convenience for, and to assist the functioning of, ADEA, the Executive Secretary will be reporting administratively to the Vice President, Sector Operations II (OSVP) of the African Development Bank, and operationally to the ADEA Steering Committee. The Executive Secretary will be required to carry out the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in the implementation of the Strategic Medium-Term Plan (2013-2017) as well as in the follow-up to the 2012 Triennale recommendations;
• Provide leadership in facilitating dialogue among and between ADEA partners and stakeholders in education – African Ministers of Education and Training, development agencies, multi-lateral development organizations, NGOs, professional organizations, Working Groups and Inter-Country Quality Nodes;
• Strengthen existing partnerships and expand or attract new partners and players to ADEA;
• Put in place a viable strategy for (i) the mobilization of financial resources, taking cognizance of the ever-competing needs and changing priorities of donors; and (ii) the management of relationships with existing and potential donors;
• Provide leadership in effectively implementing the information and communication strategy, and updating the communication tools so that ADEA’s authorizing environment is provided with adequate and timely information to facilitate their decision making and support;
• Set the agenda for annual operational activities of the Secretariat and working groups, based on approved budget by the Steering Committee, manage implementation and provide the Steering Committee with annual reports of accomplishments and utilization of budgetary resources;
• Consult with the Executive Committee and Steering Committee in proposing agendas for their respective meetings and the Triennale, and ensure the implementation of the decisions/resolutions of these committees; and
•  Provide the intellectual, professional and managerial leadership required for the maintenance, progress and development of the ADEA Secretariat and networks.

Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience

ADEA is seeking a highly motivated individual who will bring vision, dynamism, high-energy, maturity, and ability to work and find solutions in challenging situations.  To succeed in this position, the individual must have:

• A proven track record of achievements;
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with African Ministers and development agencies;
• Strong negotiating, diplomatic and persuasive skills;
• Proven ability to raise funds; resourceful, result-oriented, self-directed, and capable of multi-tasking and able to project a credible image of the Association to partners and stakeholders;
• Strong leadership and managerial skills;
• A minimum of a post-graduate degree in education or related disciplines;
• At least 15 years of relevant, rich and diverse professional experience in a senior-level position in a multilateral development institution, bilateral cooperation agency, or in an African ministry of education;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French.
• If you are committed to the transformation of education in Africa, and desire a visible leadership role, you will find this position highly exciting and rewarding.

If you are committed to the transformation of education in Africa, and desire a visible leadership role, you will find this position highly exciting and rewarding.

This advertisement is being posted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) on behalf of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA).  The post advertised is a for ADEA and not the AfDB, and does not offer any expectation of recruitment as a staff member of the AfDB.

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ADEA Executive Secretary (102 KB)

Apply for this position

To apply for this position, you need to be national of one of AfDB member countries.

• Submitted by: Amir Zahir, Division Manager, CHRM.1
• Approved by: Joseph Oluwafemi Badaki, Director, CHRM

Only applicants who fully meet the Bank's requirements and are being considered for interview will be contacted. Applicants will only be considered if they submit an online application, and attach a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV). The AfDB President reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level. The African Development Bank is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply: www.afdb.org/jobs