The Organisation
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances childrenโs 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 childrenโs 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 highโlevel technical leadership for the ASEANUK Supporting the Advancement of Girlsโ Education (SAGE) Phase II Programmeโthe UK Governmentโs flagship regional education partnership with ASEAN.
Phase II (2026โ2029) will sharpen its focus on foundational learning, deepen engagement in priority countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, TimorโLeste), and expand evidenceโbased 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 highโquality interventions grounded in global evidence and earlyโgrade 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 crossโcountry 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 FCDOโfunded programmes, MERL frameworks, and value for money principles. Excellent communication, facilitation, and partnershipโbrokering 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, girlsโ rights and inclusion while supporting staff to adopt good practice, positive attitudes and principles of gender equality and inclusion.