SEL Specialist - Full time position

Scope: The UNICEF-funded Dirasa and Makani Programs aim to provide multiple, flexible learning pathways for out-of-school children, tailored to meet each child’s unique educational and developmental needs. Implemented in private and semi-private schools, as well as community centers, these programs seek to reintegrate out-of-school children into formal education while enhancing student retention and engagement among those currently enrolled. The SEL Specialist will contribute to these objectives by embedding social and emotional learning principles and practices within program design, implementation, and monitoring to promote holistic, inclusive, and equitable learning environments. Objective: The SEL Specialist will play a key role in ensuring the effective integration of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) within the Dirasa and Makani programs. The Specialist will align all SEL training materials with the National SEL Framework, deliver and facilitate capacity-building sessions, and provide technical expertise to strengthen the quality and consistency of SEL implementation. Responsibilities include developing SEL guidelines, integrating SEL into lesson plans and learning materials, ensuring adequate resource allocation, and contributing to the continuous improvement of SEL interventions. The Specialist will also collaborate closely with project teams and partners to ensure coherence, sustainability, and impact across all SEL components. Primary Responsibilities: The SEL Specialist will report to the Senior Project Manager. The primary role will be to lead and provide technical guidance on the various strands of SEL activities within the Dirasa and Makani programs, ensuring quality implementation, coordination with partners and stakeholders, and systematic documentation of outcomes and progress. The Specialist will also provide advanced technical input on SEL content development, policy alignment, and measurement tools. Key Tasks and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Leading the coordination and integration of the different SEL components across program activities in collaboration with relevant partners and stakeholders. • Providing technical oversight and quality assurance for all SEL-related interventions, materials, and activities. • Guiding and supporting research and monitoring processes related to SEL, including reviewing tools, methodologies, and progress reports. • Designing and facilitating capacity-building sessions for project and partner teams on SEL approaches, implementation, and best practices. • Overseeing the documentation and dissemination of outcomes, lessons learned, and success stories under SEL components. • Leading the development and review of SEL-integrated content across various subject areas to ensure contextual relevance and alignment with program objectives. • Reviewing and ensuring the quality of SEL content received from implementing partners and consultants. • Conducting advanced literature reviews and contributing to the drafting and refinement of technical papers, frameworks, and policy documents related to SEL. • Leading the development and contextual adaptation of SEL tools and measurement methodologies. • Preparing and delivering high-quality presentations and reports for government counterparts, partners, and other stakeholders in both English and Arabic. • Representing the project in relevant technical meetings, workshops, and coordination platforms with partners and government stakeholders. • Providing expert advice and support to the project team on any other tasks or assignments related to SEL as required. Required Qualifications: • Master’s degree in Education or a relevant field (e.g., Psychology, Social Work, Pedagogy, Counseling, or related disciplines). • 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in education programming, preferably with a focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) or related thematic areas. • Demonstrated experience in program design, implementation, and capacity building within the NGO or development sector. • Strong technical expertise in social and emotional learning, human and child development, holistic learning approaches, and contextual factors influencing learners’ well-being and performance. • Proven ability to provide technical guidance, develop and review educational content, and coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including government partners and implementing agencies. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead trainings and represent the organization in technical discussions and coordination forums. • Fluency in Arabic and excellent command of English (both written and spoken) required; proficiency in French is an asset. • Ability and willingness to travel across Lebanon for meetings, trainings, school visits, and other field-related activities. • Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to evolving project needs.