EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC) is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. Established in 1958, EDC designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. Our services include research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale national and international initiatives.

Project Description 
The Opportunity 2.0, a 5-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to strengthen second-chance education programs for vulnerable out-of-school youth (OSY) in the Philippines. Opportunity 2.0 (O2) collaborates and works with national and local systems to provide 180,000 youth with the skills and opportunities to improve their education, employment, and livelihood outcomes.

Achieving this vision requires a multi-faceted, systems-strengthening approach that aligns the formal education system, markets, and youth “sub-systems” at the regional levels. This is achieved by providing experienced project personnel embedded in government departments; further aligning the input of technical assistance; and maximizing opportunities to bring together the respective stakeholders to identify and refine synergies and transition pathways for youth, particularly between Department of Education (DepEd)’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) program and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). A key cross-cutting element of the program is the engagement of universities through involvement in teacher professional development, curriculum development, private sector engagement, entrepreneurship bootcamps, scholarships and grant programs.

Position Description 
The Youth Development Officer – Valenzuela (YDO), under the supervision of the Youth Development Coordinator (YDC) will assist the YDC in implementation of activities in Valenzuela City - NCR, ensuring fidelity of implementation and quality assurance. The YDO’s key activities will focus on field visits, daily monitoring of training activities and provide one-on-one support to YDAs, local service providers and partners and other relevant key stakeholders.

Essential Functions
The Youth Development Officer’s specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Assist the Youth Development Coordinator (YDC) in planning and conducting activities to strengthen the system’s service delivery, such as engaging local universities in ALS teacher professional development and, continuing education and career guidance for ALS learners, as well as, developing a pre-service ALS teacher training curriculum program for leading teacher education institutions.
- Assist the YDC in planning, implementation and facilitating logistical support to a blended professional development training program for master trainers and ALS implementers, in close coordination with DepEd.
- Assist the YDC in testing of flexible delivery modalities for ALS program to meet the needs of diverse out-of-school youth populations.
- Assist the YDC and Private Sector Officers (PSO) in providing technical assistance to the Youth Development Alliances (YDA) to support their capacity improvement in a) information-gathering regarding employer demand and self-employment opportunities; and b) continuous relationship-building with prospective local employers and local industry players.
- Support the YDC and PSO in providing technical assistance to the Youth Development Alliances (YDA) in conducting their annual region-specific labor market assessments (LMA) and using the results to inform programming and ensure alignment of youth skills development with local employer and industry needs.
- Provide support and logistical assistance for the implementation of a pilot program that combines the Work-Based Learning (WBL), Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) curriculum with savings groups (SILC) and entrepreneurship accompaniment.
- Provide programmatic and logistical assistance to the YDC for the training of all stakeholders involved in the YDAs to understand, implement and measure progress against a holistic approach.
- Serve as the alternate Opportunity 2.0 liaison with city/municipal LGU officials, and other local partners in his/her area of responsibility to ensure close collaboration in all aspects of Opportunity 2.0 technical programming.
- Actively contribute to the project communications plan by regularly providing, through the YDC, documentation of significant events, success stories, and other similar materials to feature in USAID weekly highlights, EDC newsletter, and for press releases.
- Support the preparation of work plans and activity reports.
- Provide feedback on youth service providers’ activities and other implementation concerns at the field level. 
- Actively participate in fostering a collaborative environment between technical teams in the field and Admin, HR, and Finance departments.

Organizational Relationships and Employment Status
Reports to Youth Development Coordinator
Based in Metro Manila
Available for travel to other O2 project sites
Regular, Full-time employee

Education
A Bachelor’s degree in education, social development, or related field from a reputable educational institution. Specialized training in non-formal and/or technical vocational education or related or similar fields would be an advantage.

Skills and Experience
- At least two (2) years relevant work experience in a project or projects similar to Opportunity 2.0, with progressively increasing levels of responsibility.
- Of the above, at least one (1) year in a similar LGU/multi-stakeholder coordination role.
- At least one (1) year experience in ALS, livelihood and entrepreneurship training, technical-vocational/workforce development programs.
- Experience in working with LGUs in Opportunity 2.0 regions, or similar socio-economic-cultural context would be a distinct advantage.
- Able to work independently and in a team environment.
- Demonstrated capacity for coordination, networking and task management.
- Excellent people skills at all levels, cultural sensitivity and the ability to work in a multicultural work environment.
- Working knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel and preparing effective power point presentations.
- Willingness to work and travel in all project areas.

Language
Fluency in English, Filipino, and working knowledge of local language and dialect(s). 

Due to the volume of applications submitted, only finalists will be notified. No phone calls, please. Open to Filipino Nationals only. 

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring a highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits.