Education Core Competency Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization is committed to providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of people each year, focusing on protecting the rights of displaced individuals and advocating for increased humanitarian funding and engagement. NRC's mission is to ensure that displaced people can access essential services and rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Education Core Competency Specialist position at NRC is a critical role aimed at setting the strategic direction and ensuring quality assurance and control for the Education Core Competency (CC) in Nigeria. The specialist will be responsible for mentoring and training staff and local partners, developing the education portfolio, and establishing minimum standards and relevant tools and procedures. This role also involves significant responsibilities in fundraising and donor relations, as well as representing NRC at relevant forums. The specialist will report directly to the Head of Programme (HoP) and will play a key role in shaping the educational landscape for crisis-affected children and youth in Nigeria, ensuring that their educational needs are met amidst ongoing challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Education Core Competency Specialist include: developing the Education CC strategy and technical guidance aligned with regional and global priorities; contributing to fundraising efforts by developing and revising funding proposals, budgets, and donor reports; identifying trends and ensuring compliance with contractual commitments within the Education CC; providing technical direction and support for project implementation; ensuring that key learnings from Education CC implementation are integrated into staff development processes; and maintaining high technical quality and synergies in project execution. The specialist will also be responsible for building the technical capacity of staff and local partners, ensuring that education programs are effectively implemented and aligned with NRC's overall mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Education Core Competency Specialist position must possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as social sciences or related disciplines, with an advanced academic qualification being an added advantage. A master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in a technical expertise area within a humanitarian or recovery context, with a proven track record of managing complex education programs, including implementation, program development, fundraising, and budget management. Technical expertise in education, particularly in youth programming, is essential, along with documented results related to the position's responsibilities. Candidates should also demonstrate strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the IASC humanitarian architecture.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as social sciences or education, with a master's degree or equivalent being highly desirable. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of education in humanitarian contexts and for developing effective strategies and programs that address the needs of crisis-affected populations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the education sector, particularly within humanitarian or recovery contexts. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile environments, managing education programs, and demonstrating a successful track record in fundraising and program development. Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives, including remote coaching and mentoring, is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Nigerian context may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and is offered on a fixed contract basis. The role involves approximately 30% travel within Nigeria to support program implementation and capacity-building efforts. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC's grade 9 salary scale, which includes comprehensive terms and conditions. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization fosters a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility in their roles.