Senior Education Manager - Beirut - For National Candidates Only

Background/IRC Summary:

The International Rescue Committee is an international organization specializing in emergency and humanitarian programming. Since the fall of 2012, the IRC’s Education program has provided Education support to Syrian refugees in various locations in Akkar and Beqaa Governorates. The IRC’s education programming includes BLN, Remedial Support and Community Engagement initiatives in support of Lebanese schools.

In addition to Education programming, the IRC also has robust programs in Women’s Protection and Empowerment, Economic Recovery and Development, Child Protection, Education, and Protection.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Eucation Senior Manager will support the program coordination in the planning, oversight and execution of all program operational, administrative, procurement and financial processes related to program implementation. The position plays a key role in ensuring operational and program management processes, support programmatic implementation and achievement of strategic objectives. This position will also support education partners in building their capacity when it comes to operations and procurement in coordination with Operations unit and coordinator. The Senior Manager will deputize for the Education Coordinator when needed. Overall support is inclusive of:

1. Lead in regular tracking and analysis of spending and grants execution and providing justifications to finance/Grants as needed and advise for opportunities for efficiencies/realignments within the portfolio under the leadership of the Education Coordinator.
2. Support and co-lead with the Education Coordinator in budget development / realignments.
3. Preparation and oversight of overall payment processes (teachers, locations, procurement, cash forecast);
4. Collaborate with sub-award partners on the development and implementation of procurement plans and financial review of reports.
5. Preparation and oversight of logistic requirements and procurement plan, follow-up on execution at Beirut and field level;
6. Lead in Salary mapping according to current and pipeline funding under the leadership of the Coordinator.
7. Liaise regularly with the Education Field Managers and with relevant IRC departments (Finance, HR, Grants, Supply Chain, Sector Programs), both in Beirut and Field offices to allow smooth program implementation;
8. Ensure that program operational tracking, filing and documenting systems are in place and regularly updated;
9. Provide technical and financial support to partner NGOs in coordination with the partnership team as planned. 

Major Responsibilities:

Education program operational management

• Lead on compiling, monitoring and keep updated the Education yearly operating budget under the leadership of the Education Coordinator.
• Lead on the monthly salary mapping of the education team to allow for full funding coverage of the team, while maximizing opportunities to leverage grants portfolio flexibility to allow for cost efficiencies and effective budget management

Oversight of administrative and payment processes

• Supervise monthly payment of  Remedial and BLN educators and facilitators through ATM cards;
• Supervise timely payment of program consultants and service providers;
• Prepare monthly payments (cash request; mobile phone bill; card loading);

Oversight of logistics and procurement processes

• Summary review of sub-award financial reports to ensure expenses match activities, and provide feedback as appropriate
• Collaborate with supply chain to plan any procurement to be conducted by IRC on behalf of partners at the onset of an award; initiate the procurement according to the partner procurement plan, and then coordinate with supply chain to ensure timely procurement for partners as set out in the sub-award agreement
• In coordination with Field Managers and program Coordination, lead the preparation and execution of the program yearly and monthly procurement plan;
• Coordinate and harmonize procurement needs and requests between field offices and Beirut;
• Communicates with the field managers to ensure delivery times are met and follows up on the interruptions to the orders.
• Act as focal point with Supply Chain department for tender processes , technical reviews and any program’s requirement covering Beirut , Akkar and Beqaa offices
• Act as focal point in supporting  the logistic arrangements for trainings, workshops and for program visitors as required;
• Lead the preparation of program’s vehicles’ type selection in coordination with the Education Coordinator.
• Conduct field visits to Beqaa and Akkar on regular basis in collaboration with the field teams the purpose of checking the quality of the learning centers and of delivered goods and coordinate. Debrief the finding to Education Coordinator and concerned departments for needed improvements and feedback on the quality of procured services.
• Coordinate, communicate and follow up with Operations/logistics department at Beirut/field level and program field offices about Education rented buildings.

Support in the planning and oversight of grants implementation

• Participate in program design and proposal development to inform budget development.

• Monthly analysis of BVA, spending, accuracy of transactions and recoding requests and feedback to the coordinator on spend to date progress to action relevant follow up;
• Focal point for sharing budget codes for petty cash and other types of expenses which includes checking budget availability and flexibility.
• Verify accuracy of petty cash tracking and field procurement against budgets;
• Focal point for identifying underspending/overspending in budget lines with support from Coordinator.

Human Resources Management:

• Build capacity of the team under his/her supervision, providing ongoing coaching and support to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions;
• Take responsibility for discussing job expectations, performance, and objectives on an informal, quarterly basis as a part of the annual Performance Review and Planning Process;
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit, oversight and advice;
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures;

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Position Reports to: Education Coordinator

Position directly supervises: Administrative Assistant

Internal: Beirut and Field Managers, Grants Department, Finance Department, Supply Chain Department, Human Resources, Partnership Department, Other program coordinators, Qitabi 2 Project Manager

External: N/A

• University Degree in Education, social sciences, international development, Business Administration or other related field;
• Minimum of 3 years professional experience in administrative or supply chain management and Education programming.
• Experience working in emergency settings or insecure environments; regional or in-country experience preferred;
• Strong organizational and result oriented skills;
• Proven track record in working with teams, showing high performance in a multi-cultural environment, demonstrating flexibility, and able to handle pressure with professional grace;
• Fluency in Arabic and English required; spoken French an asset.