Job Description

Job Purpose

Play Matters –Emergency Response Mechanism (PM-ERM) is a one year EiE project funded by Lego Foundation, managed by IRC and implanted by Concern Worldwide. The purpose of the role is to oversee the and ensure partnership, collaboration and timely implementation of the project activities in the project intervention areas: (South Wollo zone, Amhara region, Dessie Zuria, Legambo woredas and Dessie town) to the required standards of the PM-ERM program to respond to barriers to access and promote safe and secure learning opportunities for children from 3-12+ through play based teaching approach. She/he ensures the implementation of project activities and maintain documentation of best practices.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Project Design and Implementation

• Assess the situation of emergency crisis affected schools and contribute in the development of appropriate and quality PM-ERM project planning

• Prepare detail implementation project plan and ensure its effectiveness according to the overarching strategy and project agreement made with the donor

• Participate in designing of education intervention projects in collaboration with Education program coordinator and other relevant sectors at regional and HO level 

• Collect and manage data relevant to the implementation of the project consistently to ensure such information is used for effective programme decision making.

• Design and deliver training programs for teachers and community members including caregivers on EiE methodologies including Lego Foundation’s  PM@Home packets in collaboration with Education Program Coordinator and EIE project officers.

• Work closely with EiE officers, Child Protection officer, hygiene promotion officer and MEAL officer to ensure that the planned activities are implemented on timely manner and with the required quality and review the status on a monthly basis

• 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.

• In collaboration with other INGo & UN system, identify the appropriate and cost-effective school feeding program and ensure proper management of the school feeding program in the selected schools

• Ensure linkages, synergy and complementary with other Concern sector programs through joint planning, monitoring and evaluation with the Education program coordinator and teams of other sector programs;

• Develop plans and implement teacher training initiatives, particularly around the needs of students in emergency situations

• 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 Learning through Play(LtP), Social & Emotional Learning  

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of instructional strategies for students in emergencies and students with disabilities,

• Prepare implementation guideline and other modalities for the project  in consultation with Education program  Coordinator.

• 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 timeframe for the project as per Concern Worldwide standards.

• Responsible to lead overall project implementation in the target Woredas

Gender Equality

• Ensure that program/project staff have strong understanding of gender mainstreaming and that gender mainstreaming tools are effectively implemented across all programs/projects 

• Coordinate with gender and community development senior officer  in planning,  allocating and implementing budget for gender mainstreaming

• 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 the 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 project staff consistently use Concern’s Gender analysis tools.

• Ensure program/project staff at all level are clear about how to integrate gender equality in their respective programs and projects.

• 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

• Liaise with government authorities at woreda zone and region level to ensure compliance with government and subnational education cluster coordination’s (regional/zonal and Woreda level education cluster coordination)

• Represent Concern Worldwide in Education coordination meetings of agencies and government in playing a leading role (clusters, task force meetings, networks and other platforms at emergency response coordination and ensure timely sharing of information collected within Concern Worldwide)

• Overall representation of Concern worldwide in EiE in project in particular in South Wollo zone

• Work in close collaboration with other sectors within Concern such as WASH, Health and nutrition, Gender coordinator and emergency coordinator and other partners to ensure that emergency interventions build upon, link in to longer term programming and ensure comprehensive response.

• Provide regular updates to Area Coordinator and Education Program Coordinator on a weekly and monthly basis on progress, priorities and constraints. 

• Coordinate with other EiE partners to maximize the utilization of resources and also avoid duplication of efforts.

Monitoring & Evaluation Program

• Strengthen the monitoring and evaluation systems for the EiE Project; ensuring the project 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;

• 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 and Documentation

• Ensure high quality reports are submitted in a timely manner and in accordance with the donor and Concern Worldwide requirements by collecting evidences and case stories from target schools.

• Monitor the impact of PM-ERM and promote learning by documentation of best practices for future emergency response works

• Provide necessary information to the Education Program Coordinator and North Area Coordinator HO and Sub National Education Cluster to ensure sustainability of project response (when appropriate)

• Assist on the documentation of best practices and challenges to generate materials for strategic direction of further implementations of life skills education and EiE programming

Resource Management

• Manage operating budget of the assigned to the project including procurement, cost for the materials purchase and any other expenses incurred for PM-ERM project

• Contribute to the selection of pre-qualification and bidding of local suppliers and contractors for logistics availability, and items and service purchase

• Liaise with NGOs/UN agencies in the field to ensure coordination of inputs and resources for project activities

• Regularly track budget versus actual together with EiE officers, field finance and take timely corrective action on irregularity.

• Manage project budgets according to the plan and provide accurate and timely information on the status of expenditure.

• Closely follow up project financial management (cash flow, field financial report review, monitoring, site visits, audit etc).

 Human Resource

• 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 project staff recruitment and management of 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.

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

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. 

Job Requirements

Person Specification

Essential:

• MA/BA degree in Educational planning and Management, pedagogy, curriculum and instruction and other relevant social science field.

• Strong planning, monitoring, reporting   and documentation of lessons learned

• Strong experience in collaborating and partnering with the government and other EiE partners

• Proven operational level experience

Required Experience:

• Experience in leading the project implementation especially in education in emergency program

• Minimum five years’ relevant field experience in emergency or post-emergency settings, IDP and returnees & refugee setting experience is preferable and 4 years in the field of education.

• Technical experience in managing education program in both emergency and development, teaching methodology, need assessment, planning and facilitation skill is an asset

• Demonstrated understanding of the Ethiopian education policy and Education in Emergency programming

• Experience in PSS, Social &Emotional Learning, life skills and community capacity enhancement, etc.

• Experience in results based management and M&E (including quantitative and qualitative methodologies, Base line/Conceptual analysis etc.)

• Empathy with Concern’s vision, mission, goal and objectives and commitment to capacity building, protection and participation. 

Competencies:

Desirable:

• Experience working  EiE a project manager role

• Assist in building good relations with national authorities, international organizations, donor governments and other organizations

• Experience and awareness of Safeguarding, child protection School WASH

• 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

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send non-returnable C.V., application letter outlining how their experience and education fit this vacancy via THIS LINK or in person at our Kombolcha Coordination Office

• Please note that no need to submit your supporting documents at this stage

• Only short listed candidates will be contacted

Note: This post is contingent upon donor’s approval of the proposal

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.

Women and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply