Expression of Interest - ED Tech Specialist - TA to MEHE

1. Introduction

About The Project:

Technical Assistance (TA) to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) is a critical initiative funded by the European Commission under contract NDICI-GEO-NEAR/2022/440-883. This project aims to build a more resilient education system that delivers quality, inclusive, and safe education for all children in Lebanon, even in the midst of ongoing crises including war and other challenging circumstances.

This EOI invites qualified professionals to express their interest in the position of Ed Tech Specialist to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise in digital transformation and IT governance initiatives at MEHE.

2. Description of the Assignment

The Ed Tech Specialist will serve as the principal technical advisor for establishing and operationalizing a Digital Transformation Office (DTO) at MEHE. This role requires working at the highest levels of MEHE leadership, providing expert guidance on IT governance, digital transformation challenges, and leading systemic reforms to enhance institutional effectiveness through modernized IT infrastructure and services.

Key Responsibilities:

The selected expert will be responsible for delivering the following outputs:

• Digital Transformation Office Establishment: Design and launch DTO structure, staffing, mandate, and governance framework with documented policies and accountability mechanisms
• IT Policy and Governance Framework: Develop comprehensive IT governance covering data protection, cybersecurity, infrastructure management, vendor accountability, and digital inclusion practices
• Standard Operating Procedures: Create comprehensive SOPs for network management, backup & disaster recovery, cybersecurity, procurement, end-user support, and digital literacy protocols
• Capacity Building and Training: Establish mentoring programs, deliver training modules, and create train-the-trainer components for long-term sustainability of IT functions within MEHE structures

3. Qualifications and Requirements

Educational Requirements:

• Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in IT, Information Systems, Educational Technology, Public Administration, or other directly relevant fields
• PhD qualification would be considered an advantage

General Professional Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in IT governance and digital transformation, preferably in public/education sector
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with senior government counterparts
• Proven experience in digitalization of administrative processes and digital transformation in public entities

Specific Professional Experience:

• Leadership experience in at least 5 IT governance or digital transformation projects
• Solid track record in drafting IT governance frameworks and SOPs for large organizations
• Extensive experience in institutionalization of IT functions and change management
• Hands-on experience in capacity building, coaching, and mentoring of public sector staff and senior officials on IT governance and digital operations
• Experience in education sector reform, organizational change management, and educational technology integration (highly desirable)
• Familiarity with international frameworks (NIST, ITIL, ISO/IEC, UNESCO ICT Competency) and EU development cooperation procedures
• Experience with other donors (World Bank, UN, bilateral agencies) is an asset
• Regional expertise in the Middle East, particularly Lebanon, with ability to work in politically sensitive and challenging environments
• Fluency in Arabic and English (French is an asset)