Teacher Policy Lead

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.