Education Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to help those in need, and it emphasizes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Education Project Manager is tasked with overseeing the implementation of education projects and activities specifically in North-Eastern Ukraine, aligning with NRC’s strategic objectives and operational standards. This role involves comprehensive team management, project cycle management, and capacity building, ensuring that programming is integrated and coordinated effectively with key stakeholders. The Education Project Manager will report directly to the Area Programme Manager and receive technical guidance from the Education Specialist. The position is critical for managing the North-East area Education team and ensuring that educational initiatives are effectively executed to meet the needs of the affected populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Education Project Manager include contributing to the development of country, area, and core competency strategies, initiating and participating in the development of relevant education projects, and identifying new programming opportunities. The manager will coordinate and manage the implementation of education projects, including emergency education activities, budget management, procurement processes, and project documentation, ensuring compliance with proposals, strategies, donor requirements, and NRC policies. Regular progress reports will be provided to the Area Programme Manager and the Education Specialist, and the manager will lead the development of mid-year and annual donor reports, ensuring high-quality content and timely submission. The role also involves ensuring that projects target beneficiaries most in need of protection, exploring new ways to assist, and promoting the rights of displaced individuals in line with NRC’s advocacy strategy. The Education Project Manager will provide leadership and support to the education team, manage project budgets in collaboration with Education Coordinators, and ensure the implementation of NRC’s Safe and Inclusive Schools Programme, guaranteeing adherence to gender and protection mainstreaming criteria.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of experience in a senior-level project implementation role within a humanitarian or recovery context, particularly in complex and volatile environments. Technical expertise in education and familiarity with minimum education standards, as well as knowledge of humanitarian standards such as INEE and Sphere, are essential. Applicants should have experience in shaping and scaling education in emergencies projects, including conducting assessments and developing response strategies. Familiarity with partnership-based approaches, coordination, and holistic program designs is also required. Knowledge of the humanitarian context in Ukraine, experience working with local authorities, humanitarian actors, and displaced populations, as well as proficiency in applying ICT tools for assessments, analysis, documentation, and reporting, are important qualifications. Strong report writing skills, experience in developing proposals, budgets, work plans, and monitoring and evaluation, along with team leadership and capacity building experience, are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires a technical education background, with a focus on education-related fields. Candidates should have relevant academic qualifications that align with the responsibilities of managing education projects in humanitarian contexts. Specific degrees or certifications in education, social sciences, or related fields are preferred, as they provide the foundational knowledge necessary for effective project management and implementation.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of experience in a senior-level project implementation role, specifically within humanitarian or recovery contexts. This experience should include working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating the ability to adapt and respond to challenging situations effectively. Candidates should also have a proven track record of managing education projects, leading teams, and collaborating with various stakeholders in the humanitarian sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in Ukrainian is required, and knowledge of the Russian language is considered an asset. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with team members, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Kharkiv, Ukraine, specifically within the North East Area Office. The contract duration is set for 12 months, with potential travel requirements of up to 30% to field locations. The salary and benefits are classified under Grade 8 on NRC's grading structure. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative thinking and provides employees at all levels with opportunities to contribute ideas and take responsibility. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Ukraine, as NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this position. It is important for candidates to attach copies of their academic and professional certificates when applying.