The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. With operations in more than 80 countries, Plan International tackles the root causes of poverty and gender inequality. Our vision is a just world that promotes children’s rights and equality for girls, where every child can learn, lead, decide, and thrive. We prioritize inclusive, safe, and high-quality learning, focusing on girls and marginalized learners, and drive evidence-informed education policy across Southeast Asia.

The Opportunity

Plan International is seeking an experienced and passionate Education Technical Advisor to provide high‑level technical leadership for the ASEANUK Supporting the Advancement of Girls’ Education (SAGE) Phase II Programme—the UK Government’s flagship regional education partnership with ASEAN.

Phase II (2026–2029) will sharpen its focus on foundational learning, deepen engagement in priority countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Timor‑Leste), and expand evidence‑based approaches that improve literacy, numeracy, and inclusive learning outcomes. You will play a pivotal role in shaping, improving, and supporting national and regional education systems to deliver meaningful, lasting change.

In this pivotal role, you will, among other things:

• Provide technical leadership on foundational learning, designing and assuring high‑quality interventions grounded in global evidence and early‑grade learning best practice.
• Offer specialist technical assistance to Ministries of Education and partners on pedagogy, assessment, inclusion, and the effective use of EdTech and AI for learning.
• Strengthen evidence use and research uptake, translating data (including SEAPLM) into policy recommendations, tools, and guidance.
• Lead policy dialogue with ASEAN bodies, SEAMEO, national institutions, and development partners to align with regional education priorities.
• Facilitate regional knowledge exchange, communities of practice, and cross‑country learning to scale effective approaches.
• Ensure quality, compliance, safeguarding, and value for money in all technical deliverables, supporting adaptive management and donor engagement.

Do You Have What It Takes?

To succeed in this role, you will need, among other things:

• A relevant degree in Education, International Development, Public Policy, or related field.
• At least 10 years of technical experience in education programming, with strong expertise in foundational learning and inclusion.
• Proven ability to work with Ministries of Education, regional bodies (ideally ASEAN), and multilateral partners.
• Demonstrated experience translating evidence into policy and practice, supporting governments to adapt and scale effective interventions.
• Strong understanding of FCDO‑funded programmes, MERL frameworks, and value for money principles.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and partnership‑brokering skills; fluency in English is essential.
• Desirable: experience with EdTech/AI for learning, regional programme delivery, SEAPLM, and Smart Buys evidence

For a detailed job description which includes the full list of accountabilities and requirements, please click on the following link:  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/h66km9h4zpybttbeymkhm/Sage-2-Education-Technical-Advisor.pdf?rlkey=5adiiqo7pf2lbm8pxsoyijzhd&st=4zeticyy&dl=0

Location: Thailand, Laos, or Timor-Leste

Length of Role: Fixed-term appointment from April 2026 to March 2029

Reports To:   Sage Phase II Team Leader

Closing date:  28 Feb 2026

Early applications are encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

This role is contingent on a successful bid

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy.

As an international child centred community development organisation, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realisation of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for. Our organisation is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We will provide equality of opportunity and will not tolerate discrimination on any grounds. We foster an organisational culture that embraces and exemplifies our commitment to gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion while supporting staff to adopt good practice, positive attitudes and principles of gender equality and inclusion.