Coach, Mathematics Curriculum (Secondary) - Australia Fiji Education Program

Job Description

Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP)

• Locally Engaged Employee - 12-month contract with possible extension
• Five positions open for recruitment
• Coaches will be based regionally to cover one or more Education District: Suva, Nausori, Nadroga/Navosa, Lautoka/Nadi/Yasawa, Ba/Tavua, Ra, Macuata/Bua, Cakaudrove, Eastern.
  
  

Program Overview:

FPSP, also referred to as the ‘Platform’, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment, will contribute to the delivery of Fiji’s national development priorities, in line with the Australia’s International Development Policy, the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership and the Development Partnership Plan.

The Platform will deliver key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities will identify and address climate risks, promote climate action, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs.

The Platform has three functional Outcomes:

• The Platform has delivered its sector program outcomes, including through supporting strategic coherence, planning, partnerships management, data and learning across the portfolio of investments.
• The Platform has prioritised gender equality, disability-inclusive development, and climate and disaster resilience, in its systems and practices. This includes in how it undertakes sector programming and its engagement with selected Government of Fiji (GoF) agencies.
• The Platform administers timely and efficient programming that is: value for money; maximises use of local supply chains; and supports good governance, and public diplomacy, effective decision making and risk management.
  
  

The Platform implements over fifty percent of Australia’s bilateral development support to Fiji across a range of sector programs in education, health, Australia Awards, disaster response, cyclone recovery, social infrastructure and technical assistance to improve public sector governance in Fiji.

The Platform integrates cross-cutting themes, including gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate and disaster resilience, across sector programs. In particular, the Platform seeks to strengthen program outcomes by better addressing the needs of targeted populations including those who are often marginalised.

AFEP Overview:

The Australian Government is supporting Fiji’s education sector through the Australia Fiji Education Program (AFEP, the Program) working with the Ministry of Education (MoE).

The objective of the AFEP is “to work with the Government of Fiji under the Vuvale Partnership to catalyse quality education delivery for all Fijian children”.

The changes expected by the end of the five-year program are:

• EOPO 1: Schools, particularly trial schools, have improved student literacy and numeracy outcomes, supported by enabling policies, plans and data from the Ministry of Education.
• EOPO 2: Heads of schools and teachers, supported by enabling policies and data from the Ministry of Education, provide a safe, resilient and inclusive learning environment for all students, particularly in trial schools.
  
  

Four intermediate outcomes will provide pathways to meet these end of program outcomes in priority areas, like implementation of the revised literacy and numeracy curriculum in primary and secondary schools, professional development interventions, analysis and improvement of the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS), as well as GEDSI and student wellbeing.

The funding for the program is approximately AUD45 million over 9 years (5 years, with an option to extend for a further 4 years) and delivered through a range of activities to achieve the program’s objectives. Implementation modalities include technical advice, procurement of technical services and goods, minor works and infrastructure upgrades, capacity building and training support, support to Ministry led initiatives and innovations, and grants to civil society organisations (CSOs).

Position Summary:

In coordination with the Curriculum Advisory Unit (CAS) of the Ministry of Education, the Secondary Mathematics Coaches (Coaches) will support the rollout of the Year 9 & 10 Revised Secondary Mathematics Curriculum (RSMC) at 40 pilot schools.

Coaches will work with Secondary Mathematics Heads of Department (HODs), Year 9 and 10 teachers, Heads of School, and teachers (School Staff) and students to support implementation of the RSMC and related changes to classroom pedagogy through in-classroom training and support, and the provision of professional development.

Additionally, coaches will administer pre and post assessment according to a set evaluation plan and collaborate with Secondary Mathematics Team and CAS to develop an inclusive Coaching Plan for their assigned schools. Coaches will also participate in the revision of the Year 9 curriculum.

Coaches will support School Staff by modelling lessons, team teaching and assisting with planning to improve the teaching and learning of the RSMC. Furthermore, they will monitor progress in teaching and learning within their assigned schools, in collaboration with the Secondary Mathematics Team and engage in professional discussions based on observations and data.

Each Coach will be based within a District Education Office. The expectation is that they will be working either directly or online with schools all week, except when participating in trainings or feedback Talanoas with the Secondary Mathematics Team.

Coaches will work collaboratively with Divisional and District Education officers, Education and Senior Education Officers, School Staff and students in schools throughout Fiji. Full training will be provided to ensure that all Coaches understand the coaching model, the RSMC, the pedagogies, and the teaching strategies that will form the basis for this pilot. Coaches will need to demonstrate a commitment to their role as change agents within the education sector.

Key Responsibilities:

The Secondary Mathematics Coach will:

• Actively engage in professional training/induction package and ongoing online training.
• Coaching School Staff and students to become competent, engaged stakeholders in using the RSMC and related teaching and learning approaches.
• Collaborating with the CAS Secondary Mathematics Team to develop and model practical units and lessons based on the RSMC’s teaching strategies.
• Supporting School Staff in the development of teaching and learning resources.
• Providing professional development and supporting School Staff to provide professional development for school staff, as required.
• Data collection and evaluation – including applying PM Benchmark assessments and Mathematics Diagnostic during pre and post assessments (training will be provided).
• Assisting School Staff to understand, plan and implement differentiated teaching and learning strategies through their planning and practice -including students that are at-risk, those with a disability and those that are gifted.
• Communicating with stakeholders, the CAS Secondary Mathematics Team and relevant CAS Officers.
• Other duties as required by the Mathematics Curriculum Specialist (Secondary).
  
  

Key Deliverables:

• Develop positive working partnerships with School Staff, the CAS Secondary Mathematics Team, and relevant MOE staff.
• Support design and delivery of high-quality teaching resources and training.
• Act as a trusted adviser building knowledge and capacity of counterparts.
  
  

Key Working Relationships:

• The Secondary Mathematics Coaches will be accountable to the Coordinator Mathematics Curriculum (Secondary).
• Curriculum Advisory Services (CAS) Maths team, Education Advisers and Senior Education Officers,
• Divisional and District Officers
• Heads of Schools, Heads of Department (HODs)
• Relevant teachers within the Ministry of Education (MOE).
  
  

Selection Criteria:

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a major in Mathematics or equivalent for Secondary teaching.
  
  

Experience

• Advanced knowledge and experience of student-centered pedagogy is desirable.
• Comprehensive understanding of teaching and learning for children across a variety of levels and abilities.
• Capacity to model and present confidently in classroom situations and in working with teaching staff.
• A passion for education and the ability to inspire this in others.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build positive relationships.
• Computer skills for planning, communication and recording data.
• Fiji Teachers Registration Authority (FTRA) registration.
• At least 2 years school experience as a teacher in secondary schools, including recent experience teaching in the last 2 years is desirable.
• Demonstrated capacity to plan and deliver training workshops is desirable.
  
  

Skills And Knowledge

• Knowledge and experience of numeracy and student-centered pedagogies.
• Knowledge of numeracy strategies and procedures and how to apply them in the classroom.
• Understanding of teaching and learning for children across a variety of year levels and with diverse learning needs.
• Experience teaching at the primary level is desirable.
• Understanding of how to work in a child safe and child friendly environment.
• Understanding of cultural sensitivity, gender equity, violence against women, people with disabilities, child protection, environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and share a vision and deliver strategic approach.
• Sensitivity to other cultures and the ability to act appropriately in the context of Fijian culture and the workplace.
• Ability to work according to agreed principles and model the Abt/Platform’s principles including transparency, accountability, fairness, and collaboration.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Committed to coaching and mentoring others.
• A demonstrated commitment to child protection and the prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) and a robust fraud control and anti-corruption environment.
• Ability to plan and organise work systematically and meet deadlines.
• To maintain specialist expertise within the Ministry of Education, applications from existing MoE staff would only be considered if they have written approval from the Permanent Secretary.
  
  

How to apply:

Applications close on Monday 19 May 2025 6:00 pm 

Please apply online by submitting a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of this role and up-to-date comprehensive CV.