About Company
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC delivers life-saving care to people affected by conflict and disaster. In Kenya, the IRC has been implementing various programs since 1992, focusing on health, nutrition, livelihoods, protection, and education in emergencies and post-conflict recovery. Our work in Turkana County is critical, addressing the unique challenges faced by communities, including access to quality education. We are committed to fostering learning environments that empower children and youth, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary for a brighter future. Join a team dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations and become a part of our global mission to help people affected by crisis.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Secondary School Teacher Subject Expert to join our dynamic education team in Turkana County, Kenya. This pivotal role involves delivering high-quality, engaging instruction in a specified subject area (e.g., Mathematics, English, Sciences, Humanities) to secondary school students within IRC’s educational programs. The Subject Expert will be responsible for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, developing comprehensive lesson plans aligned with the Kenyan Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and assessing student progress effectively. Beyond direct teaching, this role requires a proactive individual who can mentor junior teachers, contribute to curriculum development, and integrate critical life skills, peacebuilding themes, and psychosocial support into daily lessons. You will work closely with community leaders, parents, and other IRC staff to ensure holistic student development and address educational disparities, aiming to improve learning outcomes for vulnerable youth. This is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute significantly to the educational empowerment of youth in one of Kenya’s most challenging yet rewarding environments, making a lasting impact on their future trajectories.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver engaging, high-quality lessons in a specific secondary school subject (e.g., Mathematics, English, Biology, History, Geography, Chemistry, Physics) in alignment with the Kenyan Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and IRC educational standards.
- Prepare comprehensive lesson plans, teaching materials, and diverse assessment tools that cater to various learning styles and abilities, ensuring all students can access and understand the curriculum.
- Assess, monitor, and report on student progress and academic achievement regularly, providing constructive feedback to students and collaborating with parents/guardians on student development.
- Manage classroom dynamics effectively, fostering a positive, inclusive, disciplined, and safe learning environment conducive to active participation and intellectual growth.
- Provide mentorship and professional guidance to less experienced teachers and support staff, contributing to their capacity building and professional growth.
- Actively participate in curriculum review and development workshops, contributing subject matter expertise to enhance overall educational quality and relevance.
- Integrate cross-cutting themes such as peacebuilding, gender equality, life skills, environmental awareness, and psychosocial support into daily teaching and extracurricular activities.
- Collaborate closely with school administration, parents, community stakeholders, and other IRC program staff to support student welfare, academic success, and address any barriers to learning.
- Participate in regular professional development sessions, team meetings, and training programs to continuously improve teaching practices and stay updated with educational trends.
- Maintain accurate student attendance records, academic progress reports, and contribute to program reporting as required by IRC and donor standards.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Education or a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant subject area with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
- Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated, hands-on experience teaching at the secondary school level, with a preference for experience in humanitarian or rural settings.
- Valid Teachers Service Commission (TSC) registration and a valid teaching certificate in Kenya.
- Proven expertise and strong command of a secondary school subject (applicants MUST clearly specify their area of specialization in their application).
- Excellent pedagogical skills, including innovative lesson planning, dynamic instructional delivery, and effective student assessment techniques.
- Strong classroom management abilities and a demonstrated commitment to creating a positive, respectful, and stimulating learning atmosphere.
- Fluency in English and Swahili (both written and verbal) is absolutely essential for effective communication and instruction.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse groups of students, colleagues, and community members.
- Cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a strong understanding of community dynamics and challenges specific to Turkana County.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for lesson preparation, record keeping, and reporting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree in Education or a related specialized field.
- Extensive experience working with and implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) framework in Kenya.
- Prior experience working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or international organizations in an educational capacity.
- Knowledge of local languages spoken in Turkana County (e.g., Turkana) is a significant advantage and highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor or provide capacity building for other educators and teaching staff.
- Experience in integrating innovative teaching methodologies and educational technology in the classroom to enhance learning outcomes.
Perks & Benefits
- A competitive salary package commensurate with experience, qualifications, and the demanding nature of the role.
- Comprehensive medical insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, ensuring peace of mind regarding health.
- Generous leave policy, including annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave, supporting work-life balance.
- Extensive opportunities for continuous professional development, training programs, and career advancement within a global organization.
- A supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment where your contributions are valued.
- Housing allowance or support for relocation, depending on location and project needs, to assist with settling in.
- The profound satisfaction of making a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of young people and their communities in Turkana County.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply online by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your resume/CV and a compelling cover letter clearly highlight your subject matter expertise, extensive teaching experience, and alignment with IRC’s mission. In your cover letter, kindly specify the secondary school subject(s) you are an expert in and have taught. Only shortlisted candidates who meet the specified criteria will be contacted for an interview. The International Rescue Committee is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.