Program Director

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian and development organization that has been operational since 193

• With a mission to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster, the IRC works in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities. The organization aims to assist individuals in surviving, recovering, and gaining control of their futures. In Syria, the IRC has been active since 2012, providing essential services and life-saving assistance to communities affected by the ongoing crisis. The IRC's programs encompass health, protection, economic recovery, and education, and it collaborates with local actors to bolster resilience and support sustainable recovery for vulnerable populations. Currently, the IRC is expanding its engagement with national institutions and system-level stakeholders to enhance education systems and institutional capacity development.

Job Overview:
The Program Director will play a pivotal role in the design, delivery, and oversight of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Sector Coordination Grant (SCG) in Syria. Reporting directly to the Country Director and under the supervision of the IRC Syria Country Program Leadership, the Program Director will lead a team of education technical experts and consultants to achieve the key deliverables of the SCG within the established timeframe. This position requires the Program Director to serve as the primary technical advisor to the Syrian Ministry of Education (MoE), ensuring strong relationships and effective collaboration with various departments. The Program Director will also be responsible for driving policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement within the education sector, maintaining close working relations with the GPE secretariat, the Coordinating Agency, and other relevant stakeholders. The role demands outstanding leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex projects in a high-risk environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Director's responsibilities include leading the design and implementation of the SCG in coordination with the MoE and GPE, serving as the primary technical advisor throughout the SCG lifecycle, and ensuring alignment with national priorities. The Program Director will oversee all technical contributions related to SCG priorities, including updating the Enabling Factors Analysis, strengthening operational and financial planning processes, and enhancing sector coordination. Additionally, the Program Director will manage a multi-disciplinary team, make strategic resourcing decisions, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders. The role also involves identifying and managing risks related to SCG implementation, ensuring compliance with GPE policies, and maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (master's or PhD) in education policy, international development policy, social sciences, public policy, or a related field. They should have demonstrated experience in high-level representation for an organization or major program, with a proven ability to engage effectively with government counterparts, donors, and diverse stakeholders. A minimum of 8 years of experience in a senior management role of donor-funded programs focused on capacity building or systems strengthening is required, along with direct experience managing diverse teams. Familiarity with GPE’s model of education system transformation and experience in applying safeguarding, ethics, and conflict-sensitive principles are also essential. Excellent analytical, communication, and writing skills are necessary, along with the ability to influence stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree, either a master's or PhD, in fields such as education policy, international development policy, social sciences, public policy, or other related disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education systems and the challenges faced in fragile contexts like Syria.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in senior management roles, particularly in donor-funded programs that focus on capacity building and systems strengthening. Experience working in Syria or the MENA region is highly desirable, along with a strong understanding of the current geopolitical landscape and the education system in Syria. The ability to lead and direct multi-disciplinary teams in complex environments is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in both Arabic and English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess strong written and spoken communication skills in both languages, as effective communication with diverse stakeholders is a key aspect of the role. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Damascus, Syria, and reports to the Country Director. The role involves internal coordination with various IRC units, including Early Childhood Development, Grants, Partnerships, and Finance. The IRC adheres to professional standards and values, emphasizing integrity, service, accountability, and gender equality. The organization is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions and offers benefits that support women's participation in the workforce. IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.