Education Senior Officer - Beirut

Job Overview:  The Education Senior Officer, part of the Dirasa project in partnership with UNICEF, will provide projects’ implementation support, and will be responsible for monitoring of the activities and delivery of quality education services in project locations, with technical oversight and support of partner activities and implementation in the Beirut and Mount Lebanon governorates. S/He will be responsible for the management of the Education Officers and will work closely with the Education Manager, and Monitoring and Evaluation team. The position will be under the supervision of the Education Manager.

Major Responsibilities:

Projects Implementation:

• In coordination with the Field Education Manager, Education Officers and partner staff, prepare and follow up on monthly activity plan in accordance with project goals.
• Provide direction and monitor staff in their implementation of the workplan and quality of technical activities and share relevant information and direction to improve quality and achieve timelines.
• Ensure deliverables and targets are met in coordination with Education Manager, Education Officers and implementing schools to ensure high-quality education is provided.
• Conduct field visits to project implementation locations to make sure they are well equipped and respond to quality education standards.
• Coordinate with Education Technical Manager on curriculum, schedule, and report on gaps with recommendations for corrective measures.
• Facilitate trainings and workshops on education topics where needed.
• Work in coordination with IRC’s Early Childhood Development, Child Protection and Health departments to ensure proper integration, coordination and referral of services.
• Establish and maintain productive work relationships and coordinate activities with other education actors (local and/or international).
• Follow up on the implementation of the Community Engagement and Social and Behavioral Change Components.
• Lead and follow up on the implementation of the Digital Learning component (training, equipment, reporting, etc..) in coordination with the Education Officers, IM focal point, and UNICEF Digital focal point.
• In coordination with the Inclusion Officer, ensure that children with disabilities enrolled in the program will benefit from specialized assessments, services and individual assistive devices based on need.
• Attend and effectively contribute to education working group in Beirut and Mount Lebanon.
• In coordination with the Field Education Manager, Officers, prepare and follow up on procurement plans, PRs, delivery services and logistical preparations for trainings.
• Work closely and coordinate with logistics and finance to ensure timely and compliant program activities and expenditures, including active participation in internal meetings.
• Any other task as assigned by the Education team serving the project overall.

Technical support to schools:

• Explore with partners potential capacity strengthening support, in coordination with the Technical Manager.
• Lead timely and effective programmatic monitoring of sub-award partners, identifying appropriate follow up actions, and provide completed reports.
• Promote partner participation in decision making with respect to the program, including any program adaptation based on program data.
• Ensure that supported partner programs abide by Child safeguarding, humanitarian principles and sector principles and standards.
• Support the review of the performance of the partner, including successes, challenges and lessons learned, fostering ongoing partnerships beyond the sub-award cycle.
• Follow up with the partner with continuous feedback to ensure proper qualitative performance management.

Data collection and reporting:

• Collect data needed for monthly and quarterly reports using dedicated monitoring tools.
• Submit weekly and monthly reports/updates as needed.
• Ensure the quality of data collection in the assigned locations and provide feedback on challenges in data collection processes and tools.
• Ensure all monitoring activities are fully documented, including systematic and timely data collection as required under the grant and for internal M&E purposes.
• Produce/contribute to internal and donor reports as per set schedules (monthly, quarterly, and annually) on grant activities, indicators, and achievements.
• Ensure that the program is implemented according to schedule and budget and that project objectives are met.

Staff Supervision & Development:

• Effectively supervise the Education Officers, including ongoing technical and operational support.
• Plan/coordinate and oversee staff work plans, and staff training/development activities.
• Maintain accessible and professional support with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Identify staff performance issues- if any- and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Mentor and support staff’s professional development and foster a positive team spirit to encourage innovative and quality programming.
• Ensure timely completion and submission of monthly timesheets, probations reviews and annual performance reviews.

Job Requirements:

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of working experience in the education sector, including teaching, teacher training and coaching.
• Experience in working with refugee communities in Lebanon.
• Knowledge of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon governorates context is a must.
• Previous experience leading teams in educational programming is a must.  
• Experience in working in partnerships is a plus.
• Work experience of minimum 4 years in NGOs and/or INGOs is a must.
• Experience facilitating trainings and workshops on education topics.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Facilitation and capacity building experience and skills.
• Good communication skills
• Team management skills
• English reporting skills
• Expertise, strong understanding and knowledge of context and key stakeholders in Beirut and Mount Lebanon governorates.

Language Skills: Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English mandatory; fluency in French is a plus.                                                                                                                       

Education / Certificates or Licenses: University degree in social science, education, pedagogy, or related field.

Preferred experience & skills:

• Autonomy and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Expertise, strong understanding and knowledge of context and key stakeholders in Beirut and Mount Lebanon governorates.
• Flexibility, commitment, work ethics and team spirit.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications.
• Positive and professional attitude, including ability to lead and work in a team setting.
• Strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
• Comfortable attending and facilitating meetings and representing education issues.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity, and flexibility.

Working Environment:

The position will be based in Beirut, with regular filed visits to different areas across Lebanon.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.