Program Manager (Education)

Program Management (Implementation and Reporting)

• Provide Strategic direction and overall supervision and successful implementation of the project(s); act as the primary point of contact with regards to the implementation and overall management matters. This includes, but is not limited to, empowering and supporting staff to make decisions within their level, taking leadership to resolve issues at the level of a Program Manager, and collaborating with Program Director for resolution of issues at a higher level or if assistance is requested.
• Develop clear project mobilization and work plans with specific timeframes and ensure they are properly communicated with the Program Director and team members in order to provide needed guidance.
• Ensure timely drafting and follow up to finalize required Quarterly Reports and/or other project performance reports to the donor on a quarterly basis.
• Provide progress reports to the Program Director on a monthly basis while highlighting risk areas which might affect deadlines or quality of tasks, and provide needed solutions to ensure effective and efficient program supervision and implementation relevant for each project.
• Ensure satisfactory management of project budgets. This will require a monthly meeting with the in-country head of Finance to go over the BVA and update spend-down plans for each project on a monthly basis. Updated spend down plans are expected within 10 working days of the BVA release and are ultimately the responsibility of the in-country head of Finance, but it is required of the Program leads to ensure availability to meet with the in-country head of Finance to facilitate this.
• Ensure compliance to RI’s and Donor’s regulations as it applies to the projects within the job-holder’s purview, and work closely with other departments to facilitate and provide needed advice accordingly.
• Prepare and ensure submission of all required reports to external stakeholders as required.
• Ensure direct liaison with Education focal points regarding project deliverables as relevant.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and tools to support implementation and monitoring.

• Ensure the development of "Success Stories" to be shared with RI Global Communications and donor.
• Ensure high quality closeout of projects.
• Ensure that all project files are regularly updated and properly filed on Box.
• Work closely with other departments in RI-Lebanon (Finance, HR and Operations) to ensure grant compliance in accordance with RI and Donor policies and regulations.

Technical Direction

• Review the short and long range plans for delivery of project services, and provide guidance to the RI staff and/or local partners to improve planning, management and delivery.
• Implement monitoring systems and record keeping methods that support routine country-level and donor reporting as appropriate.
• Analysis of program databases to report on key indicators.  Advise on improved methodologies when applicable. 
• Propose and implement capacity building activities aimed at enhancing skills of local staff and/or partners in delivery of education activities.

Contribute to Program Development

• The job holder is expected to contribute to Program development initiatives as requested and whenever needed to do so;
• Assess Education needs of populations affected by the conflict;
• Stay up to date with all country-specific response plans by donors active in the Education sector, and other key actors;
• Provide technical input, writing and budgetary input for new program design.  Writing of proposals is an essential requirement of this position; 
• Interface with key donors regarding Education programs;

Internal and External Coordination       

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with local partners, local authorities and vendors.
• Keep Program Director and relevant Lebanon-based staff well-informed regarding developments and emerging issues related to the implementation of the project, including participation in Interdepartmental meetings, and regular follow up with Program Director.
• Stay updated regarding relevant Education policies and guidelines; and communicate necessary updates to all relevant staff while ensuring the presence of appropriate improvement or changes in implementation accordingly.
• Attend education Working Groups and technical meetings intended to build technical and managerial capacity, and other relevant meetings as needed or requested by the Program Director; and maintain a positive, continuous and visible presence for RI 
• Participate actively in Inter-Departmental Meetings on a bi-weekly basis as scheduled, coming prepared to the meeting to maximize usefulness for project implementation.
• Participate actively in Country-level Senior Management Team meetings as scheduled.
• Ensure positive field visits from donors, government, or other important external stakeholders, including ensuring a well-organized visit and responsiveness to any questions.

Team Management and Employee Supervision

• Closely follow up on the recruitment of project staff within the relevant projects in cooperation with HR.
• Manage the staff of the program teams, including but not limited to: employee relations, task delegation, capacity building, teamwork and collaboration, completion of performance evaluations in a comprehensive and timely manner for all staff; and leaves’ management. Issues faced in any of the above mentioned tasks should be reported to the HR Manager and all decisions taken should be in alignment with RI’s policies and procedures.
• Plan and organize training and orientation activities in developing capacity for project staff.