Literacy Disability and Inclusion Specialist 

USAID RWANDA TLM PROJECT 

2023 – 2026 

Job Location: Rwanda

Open to applicants from: Rwanda

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Start date: September 2023

Project Description 

The primary purpose of the 3-year, USAID-funded Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) Supply Chain cooperative agreement in Rwanda, is to strengthen the market system for teaching and learning materials and increase the quantity, quality, affordability, and accessibility of books and other reading materials (physical and digital) in schools, homes and communities, contributing to improved reading outcomes.

This proposed activity uses a market systems development approach to bring together stakeholders, identify points of leverage, and optimize the market’s functionality to strengthen the book supply chain in Rwanda and address the “business side of literacy.”

To become literate, children and families need access to reading materials; yet there is limited availability and irregular supply of reading materials in Rwandan schools and communities. This activity builds upon evidence and experience from USAID, the Global Book Alliance in Action (GBAIA), and the World Bank’s Results in Education for All Children (REACH) Trust Fund projects at the country level.

The Opportunity 

Room to Read (RtR) is a global non-profit organization focusing on primary school literacy and gender equality in education. We are seeking a Disability and Inclusion Specialist for the anticipated three-year, $6 million USAID- Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) Supply Chain cooperative agreement in Rwanda.

The Disability and Inclusion Specialist reports directly to the Book Supply Chain Technical Expert and leads activities to support the Rwandan private sector in producing Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) that reflect gender inclusion and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, including Braille and Rwandan Sign Language (RSL)-adapted materials.

What You’ll Do  

  • Conduct research and analysis of national trends of inclusive TLMs that reflect gender inclusion and UDL principles, including Braille and Rwandan Sign Language (RSL)-adapted materials.

  • Co-develop a plan of action alongside the activities team to address gaps in development and production of high-quality materials ensuring disability and gender inclusion and UDL principles, including Braille and Rwandan Sign Language (RSL)-adapted materials.

  • Improve private sector capacity to develop, publish, print, and distribute high-quality and inclusive TLMs of all types in collaboration with the activities team.

  • Build capacity of the publishers, printers, and other key players to make digital TLMs available on government platforms and the Global Digital Library.

  • Work alongside the Business Development Support Services Specialist, and the Private Sector Capacity Development Specialist to improve the private sector capacity to access innovative forms of financing to produce specialized accessible, inclusive, and especially related to Braille and RSL materials.

  • Work with Rwandan umbrella associations like the Rwandan Organizations of People with Disabilities and related consultants to ensure that quality inclusive materials are made accessible to all learners.

  • Act as a focal point person to ensure a systematic approach to the work on disability and inclusion while sharing best practices and lessons learned in the activity.

  • Identify key areas of improvement around the private sector’s capacity on all types of TLMs and communicate this to the activity’s leadership.

  • Provide technical support to the implementation of the USAID activity, including contributions to different thematic areas, strategies, and knowledge management.

  • Support and coordinate effective data-collection on newly developed and adapted inclusive materials and reports appropriately.

  • Participate in relevant network meetings and work inclusively and collaboratively with key stakeholders and partners to support materials development initiatives.

  • Prepare written thought leadership content for various purposes, i.e., case studies, briefs, and related knowledge products for wider dissemination, as needed.

  • Contribute to communications and knowledge sharing across the private sector, government, and key stakeholders.

  • Contribute to the activity’s workplans, progress reports, and other reporting requirements.

  • Collaborate with Education Development Centre (EDC) and Room to Read teams to ensure success of the inclusive TLMs production activities.

What You’ll Bring 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Development Studies, Disability Studies, Education, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

  • Minimum 5-8 years of relevant experience working with persons with disabilities on their rights and inclusion in a range of development settings is required.

  • Experience in the Rwandan or East African publishing context is required.

  • Demonstrated expertise in book supply chains, market systems development and private sector engagement.

  • Experience conducting research and data analysis.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with the private sector, government institutions, and communities, etc.

  • Ability to adhere to the requirements of working in a USAID funded program, including compliance with USAID policies and procedures.

  • Experience working with monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, resource mobilization, and capacity development.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to cultivate and maintain productive working relationships across cultures.

  • Excellent leadership, organizational, and facilitation skills.

  • Strong analytical, research, report writing, and presentation skills.

  • Strong project management skills.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; fluency in Kinyarwanda is required.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

To be successful at Room to Read, you will also:  

  • Have passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact a dynamic nonprofit organization.

  • Be a proactive and innovative thinker who achieves results and creates positive change.

  • Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.

  • Embrace diversity and a commitment to collaboration.

  • Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment.

Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled 

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