Education Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees delivers lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The IRC began working in Niger in 2013, responding to the Malian refugee crisis in the Tahoua region. Since then, the IRC has expanded its programs to address the evolving needs of vulnerable populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters, including in Tillabery, Diffa, and Agadez regions. The IRC’s programming started in the Protection, Environmental Health, Health and Nutrition, and Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) sectors, before expanding into Education, Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRM) and assistance to returning migrants.

Scope of work
The IRC seeks an Education Specialist for an anticipated five-year USAID Non-Formal Education Activity/ IPL Increasing Pathways to Learning in Niger. The overall objective of this $25-$30M project is to increase safe and equitable non-formal learning opportunities for out-of-school youth, with a tailored approach for girls, to develop the foundational or vocational skills needed to transition into formal education or employment. The activity will target out-of-school youth ages 9 – 18 in the regions of Maradi, Tillaberi, Zinder and Dosso.

The Education Specialist will be responsible for supporting the Deputy Chief of Party (D-COP) and provide technical support and guidance to the project components. The Education Specialist will lead capacity building efforts in teacher training, parents and community engagement with special attention to monitoring and evaluation coordination. The Education Specialist will support activity implementation and takes a supportive role in coordination among USAID and key stakeholders. The position is based in Niamey, Niger.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and guidance to the project components, with a focus on interventions aimed to increase safe and equitable access to quality learning opportunities.
• Ensure project delivery meets best practice standard operational policies and procedures for impact and compliance.
• Lead capacity building efforts in teachers training, parents and community engagement with special attention to monitoring and evaluation coordination.
• Contribute to optimum use of resources through sound budgets, consistent financial tracking, and timely submission of reports to the donor.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with consortium partners, national government, relevant institutions and other stakeholders.
• Support project staff by creating and maintaining a work environment that promotes teamwork, trust, mutual respect, and empowers staff to take responsibility.
• Support reporting to USAID through annual and semi-annual reports, formal and informal debriefings, etc.
• Represent the project and the organization within coordination mechanisms and ensuring the dissemination of information about project achievements and lesson learned.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Education, or a Master’s Degree in another relevant field and experience in girls education, conflict sensitive education, and positive youth development.
• 8 years of experience in relevant technical aspects of education projects.
• Extensive knowledge of Niger education policies, practices, and educational system is preferred.
• Experience with developing and implementing non-formal education programs.
• Experience with building Ministry of Education capacities, and recovery of education systems preferred.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to develop relations with local counterparts, local governments, teachers’ and parents’ organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience scaling up activities of similar scope and in similar contexts.
• Demonstrated success incorporating participatory, flexible, and gender-sensitive programming into project implementation.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• The candidate must be fluent in French.
• English is highly desirable.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.