The Organization

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years, and are now active in more than 75 countries.

ROLE PURPOSE

The main purpose of the position holder is to provide leadership and oversight in the implementation and  management of all ECCE and the primary education component of the education child protection, project activities in the specific Plan International Ethiopia Program Unit. He/She will provide technical inputs into project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; assess the outputs, outcomes and impact of program interventions and activities; and provide operations and financial management to the program. He/She will have direct responsibility for ECCE project management at PU level, in coordination with the Programme Area’s program support team. He/She will be reporting to the project manager.

Typical Role and responsibilities:

• Provide leadership at PU level into the project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; assess the  outputs, outcomes and impact of program interventions and activities in the program unit.

• Development of annual and quarterly implementation plans and budgets

• Lead and manage performance of ECCE and education project , with the project staff at PA level

• Lead the technical design of project interventions and development of technical guidance and tools for PA and partner staff.

• Ensure effective and efficient management of financial resources, including review and check project budgets, monitoring expenditures, and implementing cost control measures at PU level.

• Represent the PA and the project externally with partners, government and other agencies at regional level.

• Prepare and share quality project reports as per donor requirements and the project monitoring & evaluation plan to the project manager at CO level,

• Ensure all PA level project documentation is filed and organized for accountability purposes.

• Ensure project learning and achievements are documented and disseminated widely in the region.

• Support in ensuring project evaluations take place.

• Manage project resources efficiently and effectively in accordance with Plan International Ethiopia policies and guidelines.

• Ensure the project is implemented in compliance with donor/grant requirements.

• Organize regular performance review meetings to assess progress but also to agree on and communicate any changes in strategy with the key project stakeholders.

• Ensure adequate stakeholder consultation and participation at all stages of the project implementation.

• Organise training and coaching for PA and Partner staff on ECCD and Education.

• Foster collaboration and support in the PA to develop plans for integrating ECCD and education with other thematic areas.

• Ensure Plan’s Child Protection Policy and Guidelines are adhered to in project implementation.

• Ensure M&E and learning in close collaboration with the M&E team.

• Ensure mainstreaming of CP, GE & Inclusion and DRR in the program area.

What does the post holder oversee?

• Adherence to Plan’s and donor policies and requirements in project implementation.

• Efficient use and management of financial resources.

• Assurance of efficient and effective delivery of the project.

Policy engagement and networking

• Serve as a principal representative to regional education thematic networks and clusters to promote effective program implementation, to create collaborative and positive partnerships and alliances, and to influence policy that maximizes the impact of the country program.

• Establish links and good relationships with relevant government authorities, NGOs, academic and research institutions and the media, in the area of education to draw information and knowledge for program efficiency and effectiveness.

• Makes follow up and proper documentation of regional government policies, strategies and plans with respect to education.

Partnership development and strengthening

• Periodically collect information on organizations working within the region to gain institution knowledge of the environment.

• In support of the regional manager, manage the partnership in a holistic and reciprocal manner.

• Seeks opportunities for different kinds of partnership for enhanced quality program implementation.

• Provide support to partner staff, coaching for results and support to the education thematic area team as well as in their individual development and performance management.

• Facilitates communication and interaction between partners/collaborators and Program Unit finance team.

Dealing with Problems:

The position involves resolving many challenges which typically occur in education programme management at the PA level. The post holder will demonstrate the ability to solve problems, while introducing innovations as needed to meet the demands of a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable operating environment while ensuring Plan systems and policies are adhered to.

The post holder will coordinate the ECCE program portfolio at PA level to ensure the highest level of project quality and its link with the overall country program. This will encompass strengthening accountability, planning, management, adherence to policies and procedures, and promoting a culture for delivery of results, both short and long term.

Communications and Working Relationships:

To maximize overall program impact through the optimized contributions of others, the post holder will be required to initiate, develop and maintain a range of working relationships, including with government counterparts, implementing partners and other development organizations with the region.

Effective working relationships within the program unit are also essential. The job holder will have frequent communication with, Plan staff and various internal staff networks. 

Job Requirements

Qualifications and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor degree or M.A in Psychology ,Education, Early Childhood Care and Development or its equivalent,

• At least 5 years’ experience for B.A and M.A respectively after graduation in implementing Early Childhood Care and Development or Education projects including in emergency/ fragile contexts.

• Experience of working with vulnerable children and gender equity and inclusion is an advantage.

• Extensive experience in community –based programming and working with partners

• Knowledge of current environment and effective practices and policies on Early Childhood Care and Development and Education.

• High level coordination, facilitation and negotiation skills.

• Demonstrable abilities and experience in project planning, budgeting and reporting.

• Excellent communication skills, both in written English and in face-to-face presentations

• Willingness to undertake extensive travel to communities (50%)

How to Apply

The closing date for the application is September 16, 2022. Qualified candidates should submit their application with the links provided below.

• For Amhara applicants: -  Link

• For Afar applicants:- Link

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia.

Please note that: 

• Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• We are not accepting CVs that are not sent through the indicated links.

• Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

• Female candidates are highly encouraged to Apply

More information about Plan International can be found on http:// plan-international.org

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required.

As an international child centered community development organisation, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realization of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.