Teacher Policy Lead
Provide overall technical direction and stakeholder support for teacher policy and workforce reform.
Overview
Provide overall technical direction and stakeholder support for teacher policy and workforce reform.
You have:
- Master’s degree in education policy, teacher education, education leadership, public policy, or related field.
- Minimum 12 years of experience in teacher policy reform, educator workforce systems, or education governance.
- Demonstrated experience supporting reforms related to teacher licensing, appraisal, professional standards, or career pathways.
- Experience supporting ministry-level education workforce reform initiatives.
- Experience with donor-funded education systems strengthening projects required; MCC experience preferred.
- Experience in the Caribbean and/or small island developing states preferred.
- Strong facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and policy dialogue skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
FHI 360 is a global development organization, with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our team of professionals includes experts in education, health, nutrition, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from over 60 offices with more than 4,000 employees in the United States and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions.
We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Teacher Policy Lead to provide overall technical direction and stakeholder support for teacher policy and workforce reform for an anticipated MCC-funded education quality assurance activity in Belize.
This position will be based in Belize and is contingent upon FHI 360 receiving the award.
Project Description
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of Belize (GOB) have signed a $125 million, 5-year Compact that aims to address the binding constraints of low-quality education and high electricity costs. The Quality Assurance activity is expected to support the Government of Belize to strengthen accountability for student learning through development and implementation of an educational quality assurance system, strengthening of the Belize Education Management Information System (BEMIS), and reform of teacher and school leadership policies and systems.
Position Description
The Teacher Policy Lead will support the development and/or reform of the policies and regulations regarding the licensing, hiring, appraisal and promotion of teachers, school leaders, and counselors. This includes establishing a career pathway for teachers, school counselors and school leaders linked to performance standards; revising a teaching licensing process to improve rigor and ensure minimum standards and competencies for teachers and school leaders; revising an appraisal system for teachers and school leaders and a performance-based incentive system to promote school improvement and student achievement; and establishing a system for dual subject certification for secondary school teachers.
The Teacher Policy Lead will provide technical leadership for workforce policy reform, educator standards development, and teacher and school leadership accountability systems.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
Lead technical implementation related to teacher and school leader policy reform.
Support development and reform of systems and policies related to:
Teacher licensing and certification
Teacher and school leader competency frameworks
Career pathways and promotion systems
Appraisal and performance management systems
Performance-based incentive systems
School leadership standards
Dual subject certification systems
Workforce planning and governance
Ensure alignment between teacher policy reforms and broader education quality assurance systems.
Systems Strengthening and Institutional Support
Support government counterparts in development, validation, and implementation of teacher policy reforms.
Advise on institutional arrangements and governance structures supporting educator accountability and workforce management.
Facilitate policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement processes.
Stakeholder Coordination
Coordinate closely with MoEYSC departments, teacher training institutions, managing authorities, unions, and other education stakeholders.
Support consultation and consensus-building processes around sensitive policy reforms.
Quality Assurance and Technical Oversight
Review technical deliverables, policy drafts, implementation frameworks, and guidance materials.
Ensure technical quality, feasibility, and contextual appropriateness of workforce reform interventions.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in education policy, teacher education, education leadership, public policy, or related field.
Minimum 12 years of experience in teacher policy reform, educator workforce systems, or education governance.
Demonstrated experience supporting reforms related to teacher licensing, appraisal, professional standards, or career pathways.
Experience supporting ministry-level education workforce reform initiatives.
Experience with donor-funded education systems strengthening projects required; MCC experience preferred.
Experience in the Caribbean and/or small island developing states preferred.
Strong facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and policy dialogue skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
The expected hiring salary range for this role is BZD 88,000 - 100,000 annually for basic salary. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, market pay, and budget.
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.
FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email CareerCenterSupport@fhi360.org.
FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.
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Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with teacher policy reform? | The interviewer wants to understand your direct involvement and expertise in education policies. | Discuss specific projects and outcomes you've contributed to. |
| How have you facilitated stakeholder engagement on sensitive topics? | This assesses your skills in diplomacy and stakeholder management. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use for successful policy implementation? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Tell us about a time you navigated a challenging educational reform initiative. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you stay informed about current trends in education policy? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a successful collaboration with government authorities on education policies. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What are the key elements of an effective teacher appraisal system? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you address resistance from stakeholders during policy reforms? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |