Senior Education Advisor, Field Operations and Program

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

SUMMARY                                                                                                  

American Councils’ Field Operations and Programs department administers projects in which all or most all activity takes place in and through field offices with support from D.C. Projects are funded by the U.S. government, international organizations, host country governments, foundations, and local public affairs sections or other US Embassy-based offices. This position will focus on support for programs for Afghans.  The primary program in the portfolio is Education Advising, Supporting Access to Higher Education for Afghans, and the position also supports the Afghan Alumni Engagement Program.

The Senior Education Advisor is an integral member of the team overseeing the efficient and effective management of the programs. The Senior Education Advisor will lead the establishment and delivery of comprehensive educational advising services for Afghan students. This pivotal role involves designing and implementing strategies to enhance access to higher education for Afghan youth, particularly women, through virtual and in-country advising networks. The advisor will develop and manage programs that equip participants with the necessary tools, resources, and support to identify, apply for, and succeed in international higher education programs. The position is based in Washington, DC, reports to the Program Manager for Afghanistan Programs and works closely with country staff and partners, as well as divisions in headquarters that support programming and grants administration. The successful candidate will show strong attention to detail, organizational skills, financial and budget management skills, and ability to collaborate with various stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and oversee a team of educational advisors operating in Afghanistan and other countries, ensuring alignment with program goals and objectives.
• Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to the advising team.
• Foster collaboration and information-sharing among advisors to enhance the consistency and effectiveness of advising services.
• Monitor the performance of advisors and provide regular feedback to maintain high-quality program delivery.
• Design and develop course content and curriculum tailored to the unique needs of Afghan students, with a focus on pathways to higher education and scholarship opportunities.
• Create educational materials and resources for workshops, webinars, and advising sessions, ensuring accessibility and cultural relevance.
• Continuously evaluate and update course content to reflect current higher education trends and student needs.
• Provide group and one-on-one advising sessions to USG program participants and broader Afghan audiences.
• Deliver workshops and resources covering standardized testing, scholarship opportunities, financial aid, academic pathways, and other higher education processes.
• Establish and manage peer mentorship programs connecting participants with alumni and fellow students for guidance and community-building.
• Foster a sense of belonging and support among participants pursuing higher education.
• Build and sustain partnerships with local universities, international academic institutions, and relevant networks to expand program reach and impact.
• Work with diverse stakeholders, including USG-funded program participants, Afghan educators, and community leaders, to ensure inclusivity and program success.
• Prepare comprehensive monthly and quarterly narrative and financial reports to track progress, challenges, and outcomes.
• Regularly assess and report on program progress, providing actionable recommendations for improvement and updating the PMP.
• Document success stories, lessons learned, and recommendations for program improvement.
• Other duties assigned by the Program Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, international development, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in developing and delivering advising services tailored to diverse and underserved populations, with a focus on women.
• Strong understanding of the Afghan education landscape and cultural context.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and relevant local languages
• Ability to work effectively in complex and dynamic environments, including virtual and in-person settings.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills in consultative and cross-cultural environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including higher education institutions and private sector partners.
• Excellent time management, strategic planning and implementation, analytical, and computer/internet skills
• High level of attention to detail and skills in budget management, spreadsheets, and maintaining organized files.
• At least 3 years of experience in education advising, program management, or international education, with a focus on serving diverse and underserved populations.
• USG alumni status is preferred but not required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

American Councils is committed to taking affirmative steps to enhance employment opportunities for minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities, and strives to ensure that meaningful employment and promotional opportunities are maintained for everyone. American Councils’ commitment to equal employment opportunity is based not only on federal requirements, but also on a longstanding commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce reflective of the communities in which we operate.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.