Early Childhood Development Expert

Program Objectives

The Program Development Objectives are to promote equitable access, enhance quality of learning, and strengthen the systems in Lebanon’s education sector in response to the protracted refugee crisis. The key results are as follows:

1. Increase in the proportion of school-aged Lebanese and non-Lebanese children (3–18) enrolled in formal education;
2. Increase in the proportion of students passing their grades, and transitioning to the next; and
3. Improve MEHE’s capacity to review, evaluate, and update the Program implementation.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the S2R2 Program, the Center for Educational Research and Development (CERD) is looking for an Early Childhood Development Expert to undertake program design and capacity building.

Below are the main tasks and responsibilities:

1. Work closely with CERD’s Heads of Departments, namely the Joint Academic Department (CERD-JAD) to support and initiate the development, design, alignment, and validation of the curriculum standards of the Early childhood development/Early Childhood Education;
2. Coordinate with the Curriculum Development Expert (CDE) and Curriculum Development Coordinator (CDC) in securing the optimal conditions for the ECD/ECE curriculum revision kick-off, namely from content relevant and content design perspectives;
3. Develop and implement coordinated and integrated Early Childhood Development/Early Childhood Education Structure and Policy;
4. Work closely with CERD’s Heads of Departments, namely the Joint Academic Department (CERD-JAD) to enhance managerial capacity, on evidence-based planning, budgeting and monitoring;
5. Define Early Childhood Development/Early Childhood Education quality standards;
6. Develop a plan to align the quality standards of different systems.
7. Develop Early Childhood Development/Early Childhood Education monitoring framework, standardized tools and system;
8. Draw on the latest trends in instructional methods, educational technology in the Early Childhood Development/Early Childhood Education;
9. Develop national criteria for children to transition from one educational stage to another

10. Liaise with CERD’s Heads of Departments, FPs and other stakeholders to ensure consultations and cross-collaboration at all levels supporting ECD/ECE curriculum revision and development;
11. Contribute to building the capacity of CERD designated staff and FPs, namely within CERD-JAD. A capacity building plan for the transfer of knowledge and skills, shall be approved by CERD S2R2 Steering Committee and co-constructed with the respective CERD heads of entities;
12. Provide technical support for the development of Early Childhood Development/Early Childhood Education’s staff motivation mechanisms, system and processes;
13. Prepare periodic reports, and presentations as needed, to showcase progress on the agreed deliverables, flag any pending matters and recommend mitigation plans;
14. Perform other tasks related to the program objectives as assigned by CERD President or S2R2 Steering Committee.

Previous Experience

4. Minimum 10 years of professional work experience in a similar role ideally Early Childhood Development Expert with public administration;
5. Proven experience with donor-funded projects is strongly preferred;
6. Solid Knowledge and experience ECD, including nurturing care framework and care for child development approach;
7. Solid knowledge and experience in Preschool Learning Foundations, and Curriculum Frameworks;
8. Solid Experience of ECD/ECE programs in national and international context;
9. Proven experience with public sector is a plus.

Behavioral Skills      

10. Ability to think proactively and prioritize work;
11. Strong organizational and time management skills.
12. Ability to multi-task and to work under pressure;
13. Ability to demonstrate commitment to achieving the end result;
14. Ability to maintain a professional relationship with colleagues and stakeholders.

Technical and Computer Skills

Digitally savvy with advanced knowledge of MS Office.