Education Finance Expert

Background The British Council creates opportunities for people worldwide by helping societies achieve change in education, skills, the public sector, civil society and justice. Working closely with governments, donors and businesses, we deliver value for money solutions that are both effective and sustainable.   Project Overall Objective Our consortium is currently preparing to tender for the management of DFID’s new education sector technical assistance programme in Lebanon “Support to Reaching All Children through Education II” (SR2). The objective of the Government’s RACE II strategy is to scale up access to quality education for refugees and vulnerable Lebanese children. RACE II’s focus is on improving equitable access through both formal and non-formal routes, enhanced quality of teaching resources and teacher training, and strengthened systems of governance and managerial capacities. DFID’s SR2 will support the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) and the Centre for Educational Research and Development (CERD) with on-demand access to high-quality technical assistance to support its drive to improve public sector service delivery and strengthen capacity within the formal education system.   About the role: We are currently seeking long-term consultants with extensive Technical Assistance experience in public sector education service delivery, preferably in the Middle East, for the following full-time role which will be embedded in the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Beirut.   Description of Qualifications/Skills and Experience Requirements   Education Finance and Budgeting Expert.  Extensive working experience in the technical areas below required: Education finance and budgeting : Financial analysis of the education system Public sector financial management, Budget analysis and monitoring Public investment planning and budgeting Simulating models for prospective analysis in the education sector Capacity building   Essential A Master’s-level degree in education, economics, or a relevant field, from an accredited university is essential Significant experience in implementing education programmes in complex education systems – experience in the Middle East and at international level would be an asset. Minimum 10 years of experience in education financing and budgeting, PFM, budget analysis; Experience working in a technical capacity in the areas listed above in a project management or leadership role. Experience of navigating complex political structures as part of technical support provided. Experience in training and capacity building of high-level officials; Oral and written fluency in Arabic, English or French (possession of at least two of these languages would be an asset). High level of interpersonal skills, flexibility, experience working on a team and across different levels within the government bodies in Lebanon.   Desirable Experience working with systems that support refugee children in the education system of middle or high income countries or underprivileged children would be an asset.