Chance for Childhood
Terms of reference of recruiting Inclusive Education Specialist at Chance for Childhood in Rwanda.
Deadline: June 20th, 2025
Job Description
Realizing Inclusive and Safe Education Project (RISE)
Job title: Inclusive Education Specialist
Reporting to: Project Manager
Job type: Fixed term, Full time of 5 days a week (35 hours)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Kigali with frequent travel to 3 Districts (Gicumbi, Gakenke and Burera)
Positions: 1
ABOUT US
At Chance for Childhood (CFC), we believe that no child should have to fight for a safe & happy childhood. We exist to ensure that every child can thrive from their early years through to adulthood. Together with partners, supporters, children and their communities, we protect, educate and create lasting change for every child threatened by violence, neglect and conflict.
We specialise in ensuring access to inclusive education and safe spaces so that children in Africa can play, grow, learn and thrive. We have staff and offices in the UK, Rwanda, Ghana and Uganda as well as community partners across East and West Africa.
In Rwanda, we are seeking for an outstanding Inclusive Education Specialist to as a deliver technical support to NESA and offer guidance to support the implementation of our Rwanda Interventions in the areas of inclusive education and safer spaces.
PURPOSE
The Inclusive Education Specialist will work hand in hand with the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA). He/She will support NESA in transforming its inspection and assessment systems to be fully inclusive. Additionally, the Specialist will work with the Rwanda Education Board (REB) to develop and implement strategies aimed at integrating inclusive education practices into the daily routines of schools nationwide.
In summary, the Inclusive Education Specialist will be responsible for designing and/or reviewing inclusive education training materials, building the capacity of education personnel, ensuring alignment with national and international policies on inclusive education, fostering collaboration among key education stakeholders, supporting and advising special needs education coordinators, conducting needs and impact assessments, and promoting sustainable and scalable inclusive education practices across the education system.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
- Overall, Purpose of the Role
The Inclusive Education Specialist will work closely with the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) and Rwanda Basic Education Board to ensure that all its activities, policies, and outputs are inclusive and responsive to the needs of learners with disabilities and/or special educational needs. The Specialist will provide technical support to promote inclusion across the education system, particularly in the areas of school inspection, curriculum implementation, teacher development, and national assessments.
- Key responsibilities
- Institutional Collaboration and Technical Support
The Inclusive Education Specialist will work directly with NESA and REB staff and departments to embed inclusive education principles across all activities. This includes collaborating with education policymakers, technical staff, curriculum developers, assessment experts, and inspectors to ensure all tools, frameworks, and practices are inclusive by design.
- Inclusive Policy and Practice Alignment
The Specialist will ensure that NESA’s work aligns with national and international inclusive education frameworks such as:
- Rwanda’s Special Needs and Inclusive Education Policy
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
- Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC)
He/She will support the revision of policies, guidelines, assessment tools, and inspection frameworks to reflect inclusive best practices.
- Needs Assessment and Inclusion Audits
In collaboration with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer and NESA departments, the Specialist will conduct internal assessments and inclusion audits to identify existing gaps, systemic barriers, and opportunities for promoting equity and accessibility in school inspection, teacher professional development, and examinations.
- Capacity Building and Training
The Specialist will design and deliver tailored training to NESA staff, inspectors, and teacher trainers on inclusive education principles, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accommodations in assessments, and effective support for learners with special educational needs.
- Inclusive Program and Tool Development
In collaboration with the RISE project team and NESA’s, the Specialist will contribute to the development of inclusive educational tools, inspection criteria, assessment accommodations, and teacher support materials. All resources will aim to reduce learning barriers and support all learners to thrive up to their full potentials.
- Data Interpretation and Evidence-Informed Practice
Support the analysis and interpretation of education quality data with an inclusion lens identifying trends, gaps, and recommendations. Work closely with MEL teams to monitor progress on inclusion indicators at institutional and school levels.
- Awareness Raising and Advocacy
Collaborate with NESA and REB communications teams and the RISE community mobilizer to design and implement awareness campaigns that promote inclusive education and reduce stigma against children with disabilities and other marginalized learners.
- Strategic Partnerships and Networking
The Specialist will liaise with relevant Ministries, development partners, OPDs, local NGOs, and international agencies to share NESA’s inclusive education efforts and learn from global best practices. Represent NESA and the RISE project in technical working groups and policy forums related to inclusive education.
Other Responsibilities
- Serve as a technical advisor on inclusive education to NESA leadership when required.
- Document lessons learned and contribute to the evidence base on inclusive system strengthening.
- Carry out any other duties assigned by the line manager to support inclusive education advancement within NESA and the broader education sector.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- At least a bachelor’s degree in special need and/or Inclusive education or related field with proven experience working in similar positions
- At least 5- years working experience in similar roles
- Experience working with NGO or Development Agency within the education sector is most preferred.
CANDIDIATE PROFILE
- Core values and competences
- High level of integrity and honesty.
- Knowledgeable and competent in applying active training methodologies.
- Proven ability to provide high-level technical advice and guidance to government institutions on inclusive education policies and practices.
- Ability to design and deliver training and expertise in managing dynamic groups.
- Analytical skills with the ability to assess training impact and make evidence-based recommendations.
- Empathy and Emotional Intelligence with the ability to engage diverse audience and coordinate sensitive discussions.
- Acts with transparency, honesty, and accountability in all professional interactions and decisions.
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent in written and spoken English, Knowledge of French is an added value,
- Ability to prepare different reports, present findings to stakeholders, and communicate with project staff and partners.
- Experience in instructional design, inclusive and special needs learning principles.
- Problem-solving skills
- Organizational skills with high level of ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
- Strong commitment to personal learning, development and improvement.
Persons with disabilities and female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your CV and a letter (maximum one A4 page) outlining your suitability for the role to apply@chanceforchildhood.org. Not later than June 20th, 2025, at 9:00 am. Please ensure you add the job reference – InSpRW2025 – to your email subject line.
SAFEGUARDING
Chance for Childhood is committed to safeguarding everyone.
We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any abuse, neglect, and exploitation of all people. Everyone that works with us is required to share and uphold this commitment through signing and complying with our Global Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.
Pre-employment checks are undertaken to ensure high standards are maintained, including a police check (or equivalent) and references.