Deputy Early Childhood Development Coordinator

Job Overview:

Under the guidance of the Integrated ECD Coordinator, the Deputy ECD Coordinator will lead the ECD program implementation at field level, managing and overseeing the activities associated with supporting, adapting and expanding the provision of ECD services across Lebanon. This includes:

• Ensure timely and quality implementation of ECD activities
• Provide management and technical support to field teams;
• Liaise with sub-national governmental and non-governmental partners and stakeholders;
• Support the Integrated ECD Coordinator in identifying programmatic opportunities and expanding  strategic priorities such as partnerships where possible;

The Deputy ECD Coordinator is responsible for overall management of ECD field staff, providing any and all support necessary to ensure successful implementation of ECD programming. The position plays a key role in ensuring programmatic strategies and best practices are shared across field teams, building the capacity of key National Staff. The Deputy ECD Coordinator will also support the Integrated ECD Coordinator in internal and external representation activities, communication and knowledge management initiatives, as well as budget management, donor reporting and program development opportunities as required. 

Major Responsibilities:

Program Implementation

• Supervise field-based ECD teams, ensuring accountability to IRC policies and donor rules and regulations;
• Support the preparation of workplans with clear objectives and achievement benchmarks, long-term and short-term priorities, in line with programmatic vision and strategies;
• Work with the Integrated ECD Coordinator to ensure the vision and direction of the ECD program correspond to field realities and needs;
• Provide direct support to management of grants at the field-level – including financial planning and tracking, procurement planning, and reporting;
• Oversee implementation of ECD activites, services, and research components across governorates, in collaboration with the relevant team members;
• Oversee and harmonize work approaches and best practices across governorates and teams;
• Ensure that program initiatives address the needs adequately and cost-effectively;

Human Resources Management

• In collaboration with the HR, support recruitment of program staff as needed;
• In collaboration with the Senior Quality, Training, and Capacity Building Officer to build the capacity of the team under his/her supervision in the different selected program methodologies, and provide ongoing coaching and support of staff to ensure high-quality program implementation;
• Take responsibility for discussing job expectations, performance, and objectives on an informal, quarterly basis with all staff and as a part of the annual Performance Review and Planning Process;
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions;
• Adhehe to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures;

Grants management and business development

• Work closely with the Grants section to achieve overall grant activities, deliverables, and budget compliance within donor guidelines;
• Support the Integrated ECD Coordinator in identify gaps in existing ECD programming and work with the team to develop innovative approaches and mechanisms to address them;
• Work closely with the Integrated ECD Coordinator in the design and development of new and potential funding opportunities for ECD programming in line with IRC Lebanon’s Country Strategy;
• Support the Integrated ECD Coordinator in producing high quality donor reports and other materials as required;

Technical Quality

• In coordination with the ECD TU and the Senior RMEAL Manager, oversee the maintenance of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, including quality control and reporting systems;
• Identify technical assistance needs of field implementing staff, and arrange for the provision of needed assistance;
• Work closely with the Senior Quality, Training, and Capacity Building Officer to provide clear technical support, supervision, training and mentoring to the ECD team, including training needed to build specialized skills;
• Ensure that ECD staff and services adhere to best practice, professional standards and principles;
• Stay well-informed of developments in the IRC ECD Technical Unit and global working groups related to new tools and guidelines;

Coordination, Representation and Advocacy 

• Actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, government actors, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and other relevant actors;
• Develop strategic partnerships with local organizations, wherever possible;
• Maintain productive working relationship with ECD Coordination structures;
• Ensure key field concerns are brought to relevant stakeholders;
• Liaise and coordinate with Regional and HQ ECD staff members as needed, for knowledge sharing on best practices of implementation across Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Integrated ECD Coordinator

Position directly supervises: ECD field officers

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Grants Department, ECD Technical Unit, Supply Chain, HR, Research Evaluation and Learning Technical Unit, Regional Advocacy Department, Other program coordinators, Regional ECD programs staff.

External: ECD stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels, Sesame Workshop, New York University, Government, donors.

 Job requirements: 

• Master degree in social sciences, international development, or other relevant related field;
• At least 3 years of professional experience in implementation of ECD or ECD-related programming in Humanitarian or Development contexts;
• At least 4 years of professional experience in management;
• Strong program technical and management skills;
• Solid demonstrated experience with planning, reporting, monitoring and evaluation;
• Thorough understanding of gender-based violence response protocols and service provision;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Strong representation and liaison with external parties;
• Must be capable of applying skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct implementation, advisory functions, training, and transfer of technical knowledge and management skills to others;
• Demonstrated track record in working with teams, showing high performance in a multi-cultural environment, demonstrating flexibility, and ability to handle pressure;
• Fluency in Arabic and English written and spoken.

Preferred:

• Spoken French;
• Prior international experience working in emergency settings or insecure environments;
• Regional or in-country experience.

Working Environment:  

The position is based in Beirut, and expected to travel to Mount Lebanon, Tripoli, Akkar, and the Bekaa.