Job Purpose

The overall purpose of the job is to lead the implementation of a 5-year Leave No Girl Behind (LNGB) project, funded by DFID. Other responsibilities include ensuring that robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) information is used to inform quality programming. Technical support is to be provided to all other sectors in relation to education activities and improving the livelihoods of project beneficiaries.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Project Design and Planning

• Conduct situational analysis technical support/advice from Education Coordinator and prepare comprehensive report and submit to the management for further action
• Assess/review project proposals of the existing program which is implemented by Concern and provide technical support and advice.
• Prepare proposal document as per the government format and program implementation agreement for the signing of project agreement based on donor approved proposal document.
• Work closely with sectoral managers at Kombolcha office to ensure that program quality is maintained
• Responsible to prepare annual plan of action based on government format and submit at the begging of the year.

Project Implementation

•  Ensure linkages, synergy and complementary with other Concern sector programs through joint planning, monitoring and evaluation with the Education coordinators and teams of other sector programs;
• Develop plans and implement teacher training initiatives, particularly around the needs of out of school girls, adult literacy and TVET;
• Implement with TVET institutions on short term training revision/development as per market driven income generating scheme
• Develop capacity building strategies (for partner and Concern staff) to ensure partner support;
• Ensure that issues of gender, equality, safe learning (with a focus on school-related-gender-based-violence), accountability, risk and vulnerability are addressed and monitored;
• Ensure project staff have strong community facilitation and coaching skills, and have a good understanding of participatory and child centered learning methodologies;
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of instructional strategies for students with disabilities, and girls out of school..
• Prepare implementation guideline and other modalities in consultation with Education Coordinator for the program.
• Provide technical and supportive supervision to Concern field staff to implement the activities with standard quality.
• Provide appropriate training and orientation to field team on the objective, strategies, target group, etc.
• Lead emergency response in the program area, if the situation demands.
• Prepare detail and comprehensive activity, implementation and procurement plans and detailed budget in collaboration with Education Coordinator with clear timeframes for the Education program as per Concern WW standards.
• Responsible to lead overall project implementation in the target woreda

Gender Equality

• Ensure that program/project staffs have a strong understanding of gender mainstreaming and that gender mainstreaming tools are effectively implemented across all programs/projects
• Coordinate with Area Gender Equality officer in planning, allocating and implementing a program budget for gender mainstreaming
• Ensure that programs have a thorough gender mainstreaming design and plan from the conceptualization stage
• Ensure that gender mainstreaming is effectively implemented and monitored throughout the project cycle management process
• Ensure that gender sensitive indicators and M & E plans are in place and that they are effectively monitored
• Ensure quality reporting on gender mainstreaming in all program reports
• Ensure all staff who report to this post have included gender equality objectives as part of their performance Development Review (PDR) are held accountable to this effect.
• Ensure program/project staffs consistently use Concern’s Gender analysis tools.
• Ensure program/project staffs at all level are clear about how to integrate gender equality in their respective programs and projects.
• Ensure partners receive trainings on gender equality.
• Ensure Concern’s Gender Equality policy and strategy has communicated to project stakeholders at woreda and zonal level
• Ensure the respective programs/projects are integrated which can address gender issues in all phases of the project cycle.
• Design and implement appropriate methods/ways to mainstream all cross cutting issues like accountability, gender, inequality, HIV/AIDS, and DRR in line with Concern Worldwide guidelines

Networking and Collaboration

• Represent (or coordinate representation of) Concern at district and zonal and regional education meetings, while coordinating with NGOs and other organizations to ensure Concern’s work is linked into all levels (Woreda to Region)
• Work cooperatively with other component managers to plan education services integrated with health, livelihood, nutrition, parent involvement, and social services;
• Link with the government at the district and zonal levels to ensure that programming is jointly planned and that the sustainability of the interventions is maximized;
• Ensure positive linkages with other agencies within the Education Consortium to maximize coordination and learning. Ensure Concern’s policy and strategy framework are represented within the Education Consortium program;
• Enhance program integration and efficiency in targeting the poorest, through liaising and planning with coordinators of the other sector program;
• Design, develop and implement working modalities to integrate the programme activities with Woreda sector offices and other government agencies.
• Participate in various networks and collaboration fora with government and other relevant organizations related to the program for learning and experience sharing.
• Support learning and experience sharing among partner organizations and stakeholders to ensure quality in implementation

 Monitoring & Evaluation Program

•  Strengthen the monitoring and evaluation systems for the Education Program; ensuring the program M&E plans are implemented and revised as necessary, all staff and partners understand their roles related to M&E, and all program documentation is based on robust data;
• Ensure that Concern’s Program Cycle Management System (PCMS) and M&E guidelines are followed throughout program development and implementation;
• Ensure program data is used for program learning and revision, where applicable;
• Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation is in line with Concern policies, and uses standard and approved tools to measure impact and ensure efficiency against program indicators;
• Support the team and partners to analyze data collected and to use the information to inform programming;
• Ensure M&E is incorporated into all education program plans;
• Support the development of downward accountability mechanisms as an integrated part of the planning and evaluation cycles;
• Design and develop appropriate databases in collaboration with MEAL department and Education Coordinator and properly collect, document and share the appropriate information.
• Take lead in regular monitoring and evaluation activities of the program.
• Prepare monitoring checklist, schedule, and share with MEAL Department, Education Coordinator and sectoral managers on time.
• Plan and undertake regular technical and supportive supervision field visits and ensure the implementation of planned activities is in line with program documents and standard quality.
• The program indicators are clearly established and an effective MEAL plan is developed as well as systems that ensure effective data collection;
• Actively participate and orient program team and stakeholders when consultants undertaking studies, surveys and evaluations.

Reporting

• Ensure that proper data/information collection and documentation of the program implementation is maintained
• Produce high quality program reports and share a monthly, quarterly report, plus an annual of the Education program, which highlighting key progress, achievements and challenges based on Concern Worldwide, government and Donor requirements/formats and deadlines.
• Build report writing capacity/skill of staff through providing technical assistance or/and providing/facilitating relevant training.
• Conduct Participate in the writing of surveys reports, technical reports or other reporting related to the different components of integrated program;
• Clear reporting responsibilities and timeframes established within the team allowing timely production of reports on expenditure and –in-kind support;

Financial Management

• As the project manager regularly follow education program budgeting expenditure tracking and all aspects of financial management of the program in Consultation with Area coordinator and education coordinator
• Participate in all budget planning, projections, monitoring and financial reporting exercises with regular liaison with the area Financial team
• Prepare budget plan for education Program in consultation with education coordinator and area coordinator in line with financial policies and procedures.
• Prepare and submit monthly cash request for the education Program
• Check/follow-up the monthly Management Account from Finance team and ensure that the financial utilization report is correct and in line with the narrative activity report and planned budget, and provide feedback accordingly.
• Ensure that all program related disbursements are in line with the budget line and project agreement.
• Maintain the responsibility of the education program budget management ensuring adherence to Concern Worldwide and donor rules & procedures and time tables for financial reporting;
• Ensuring strict adherence to Concern Ethiopia Financial Procedures and Fraud Policy and remaining within the boundaries of these policies at all times;
• Responsible to control and ensure proper utilization of the budget allocated to each sector of the education program and ensure that activities are implemented according to quality required as per agreed plans;
• Ensure that the education program budget are responsive to cost and value for money;
• Responsible to do education program budget revision in collaboration with education coordinator as per the Concern Worldwide and donors time frame and communicate on timely manner

  HR

• Assist in identifying training needs for staff and provide (or coordinate) the training necessary for the delivery of a high quality education program. In particular, build the capacity of staff involved in the program through the provision of technical support, training and advice;
• Work closely with Support and System staff in HR development and management, including setting objectives and conducting performance reviews of staff under her/his supervision, identifying training needs and supporting implementation of training and development plans.
• Actively participate on program staff recruitment and management offor the respective woredas.
• Properly manage field staff in line with Concern Worldwide HR manual.
• Ensure that staff are aware of Concern HR policies and procedures and they adhere to those policies and procedures.
• Provide regular technical and supervision support or coach field staffs to build their capacity to perform their assigned roles and responsibilities;
• Provide regular technical support and coach field staff to build their capacity to perform their assigned roles and responsibilities effectively.
• Strive to create a favorable working environment and ensure that good team spirit is created and developed among staff members
• Support staff with regular visits to the field to complement the information garnered through reports and discussions.
• Regularly assess staff health, safety and security issues, provide briefing to staff and report any issues to senior area Coordinator.
• Participate in and support Management Team in strengthening coordination and collaboration within teams and across all teams, maintain and ensure constructive communications, contribute to a positive working environment.
• Facilitate and ensure that new recruits received appropriate induction before starting working
• Prepare and review PDR for staff regularly as per Concern Worldwide HR manual.
• Perform any other task as assigned by the management

Emergency response

Concern is committed to responding to emergencies efficiently and effectively in order to help affected people meet their basic needs, alleviate suffering and maintain their dignity. To this end, when emergencies strike and the Ethiopia Programme is to respond, all staff are required to actively participate in the response, regardless of location and contribute to the efforts aimed at achieving the humanitarian objective of the organization.

Accountability 

In line with Concern’s commitments under the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS): 

• Actively promote meaningful community participation and consultation at all stages of the project cycle (planning, implementation, M&E);
• Work with relevant colleagues  to ensure that the Complaints and Response Mechanism (CRM) is functional and accessible, that feedback and complaints are welcomed and addressed;
• Work with relevant colleagues  to ensure that information about CRM, safeguarding and expected staff behaviour is disseminated among programme participants and communities. 

Gender

• Ensure that programme/project staffs have a strong understanding of gender mainstreaming and that gender mainstreaming tools are effectively implemented across all programmes/projects
• Coordinate with the Gender Equality Coordinator in planning, allocating and implementing a programme budget for gender mainstreaming
• Ensure that programmes have a thorough gender mainstreaming design and plan from the conceptualization stage
• Ensure that gender mainstreaming is effectively implemented and monitored throughout the project cycle management process.
• Ensure that gender sensitive indicators and M & E plans are in place and that they are effectively monitored
• Ensure quality reporting on gender mainstreaming in all programme reports  

Job Requirements

Person Specification:

Essential:

• BA/BSc in education, development studies/economics, social science and other related discipline with a combination of relevant experiences
• Minimum three years’ experience working overseas in education, women economic empowerment and development programs
• Experience in linking education promotion with livelihood development through local institutions is essential
• Experience in results based management and M&E (including quantitative and qualitative methodologies, Base line/Conceptual analysis etc.)
• Technical understanding related to adult literacy and girls’ education and interventions, including SRGBV is essential ;
• Experience on DFID projects management is an advantage
• Experience of coaching, training and building the capacity of staff
• Experience in budget management
• Empathy with Concern’s vision, mission, goal and objectives and commitment to capacity building, protection and participation. 

Competencies

Desirable:

• Experience working in girls’ Education programs in a project manager role
• Assist in building good relations with national authorities, international organizations, donor governments and other organizations
• Experience and awareness of Safeguarding including, in particular, being sensitized to areas of sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment and trafficking of adults and children
• Demonstrate a person centered approach
• Commitment to Concern’s values such as equality, dignity and respect
• Commitment and strong understanding of cultural context and security risks in location
• Maintains and understands the importance of confidentiality
• Network skills to build and utilize contacts and relationships
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience working in large consortia

What we offer

• A competitive salary and benefit package
• Excellent medical benefits (100% cover including dependents)
• 20 days annual leave
• 26 weeks (paid) maternity leave, 18weeks(unpaid) parental leave

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send non-returnable C.V., application letter outlining how their experience and education fit with this vacancy via: ethiojobs.net

• Please note that no need to submit your supporting documents at this stage
• Only short listed candidates will be contacted

Safeguarding at Concern: Code of Conduct and its Associated Policies

Concern has an organisational Code of Conduct (CCoC) with three Associated Policies; the Programme Participant Protection Policy (P4), the Child Safeguarding Policy and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organisation, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organisation to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in the day-to-day conduct in their workplace in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Staff Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their contract of employment. By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies. Additionally, Concern is committed to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults and children in our work. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work or volunteer with vulnerable adults and children are recruited by us for such roles. Subsequently, working or volunteering with Concern is subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.