Job Description

Role Purpose

Save the Children International in Cambodia (SCI) is seeking an experienced Foundational Learning Lead (FLL) to provide technical leadership across all outputs of the ASEAN SAGE programme, a three-year regional education programme funded by the UK FCDO. The postholder will lead the design of evidence-informed foundational learning pilots in priority countries and support the Team Leader in their implementation. In addition, the role will provide foundational learning expertise across the full programme portfolio, ensuring coherence between pilot design, technical assistance, capacity building support, evidence generation, partnerships, and regional engagement.

The FLL will ensure that all programme outputs are aligned with country-specific priorities, mutually reinforcing, and clearly anchored within the programme’s Theory of Change. The role will work closely with country teams, EdTech and Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) advisers, delivery partners, and regional stakeholders, and will oversee the pilot component to ensure it directly supports foundational learning objectives and pathways to scale.

The Foundational Learning Lead (FLL) will provide technical leadership and quality assurance across the following programme outputs:

• Evidence-informed foundational learning interventions designed and implemented in priority countries, with clear and realistic pathways to scale
• Technical assistance and capacity building to support the design, testing, implementation, and scaling of foundational learning interventions
• Translation of evidence into actionable programme and policy recommendations, tailored to national and regional contexts
• Strategic partnerships brokered to mobilise additional funding, expertise, and delivery capacity for scaling effective approaches
• Regional engagement and learning exchanges to promote collaboration, peer learning, and uptake of evidence-based practices across ASEAN

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly, such as participating in the emergency response team and carrying out responsibilities outlined in the ERT Operation Platform and/or assigned by the line manager.

Note: This position is contingent upon donor approval and funding.

Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in Education, international development, public policy, or a related field

Experience and Skills

Essential

• Deep technical expertise in foundational learning including programme design in literacy and numeracy
• Demonstrated experience translating research and evidence into practical, scalable education interventions
• Strong understanding of ASEAN education priorities and frameworks
• Experience working across multiple countries and education systems, ideally in Southeast Asia
• Proven ability to manage technical teams and coordinate specialist inputs
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in complex, multi-stakeholder environments

Desirable:

• Prior experience designing or supporting education pilots or innovation funds
• Familiarity with adaptive programming and learning-focused pilot design
• Experience engaging ministries of education and regional education bodies
• Understanding of GEDSI considerations in foundational learning programmes

Contract length: 1 year with the possibility of extension. Full or part time. Subject to Funding

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV in PDF as a single document and apply as below link.

SCI offers a competitive remunerative package, including both cash and non-cash benefits as below:

• International mentoring and professional development to support your growth and career aspirations
• Group personal accident insurance for staff member and in-patient health insurance for staff member and their dependents
• Provident fund (10%), seniority indemnity payment, 13th month salary, medical allowance, and phone card allowance
• 26 weeks full pay of maternity leave and 2 weeks full day of paternity leave
• Full Government public holidays and 18 days annual leave
• Working hour is 37.50 per week from Monday to Friday
• Flexible working hours

Save the Children is an equal opportunity employer, and our working environment is inclusive and accessible. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified for written test and interview.

For more information about Save the Children in Cambodia, visit our website: https://cambodia.savethechildren.net/careers

We need to keep children safe so our selection process includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.