Education Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that has been operational since 1946, dedicated to helping 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 assistance and long-term support to millions of displaced individuals each year. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring they receive the necessary aid and support to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to promote human dignity and advocate for the rights of those affected by crises, making it a vital player in the humanitarian sector.

Job Overview:
The Education Project Manager is tasked with leading the implementation of NRC’s education programs in North Darfur, Sudan. This role is crucial for ensuring that educational services are delivered effectively and in accordance with both organizational strategies and donor requirements. The manager will oversee the design, implementation, and quality assurance of education programming, ensuring that assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations. This includes managing project staff, budgets, and activities, while also building team capacity through training and mentoring. The position requires close coordination with various stakeholders and partners, supporting program development and innovation, and ensuring compliance with reporting and advocacy efforts for displaced populations. The Education Project Manager will play a key role in enhancing educational opportunities for youth and ensuring that the programs are responsive to the needs of the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Education Project Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Line management of project staff, ensuring effective team dynamics and performance.
• Contributing to the development of country, area, and education strategies, and initiating relevant education projects.
• Coordinating and managing the implementation of education projects, including activities, budgets, and documentation, in alignment with proposals and donor requirements.
• Implementing technical direction and ensuring high technical quality across all education projects.
• Providing regular progress reports to the Area Manager and the Education Specialist.
• Ensuring that projects target beneficiaries most in need of protection and exploring new ways to assist them.
• Developing and managing project budgets in cooperation with Core Competencies and ensuring coordination across different competencies.
• Building the capacity of project staff and transferring key skills through training and mentoring.
• Liaising and collaborating with local authorities and other key stakeholders to promote the rights of displaced people. 1
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and procedures, particularly regarding functions policies and procedures. 1
• Overseeing the implementation of education grants, including the development of appropriate tools and guidance. 1
• Conducting local market analyses for educational inputs and services, and supporting market-based programming. 1
• Collaborating with NRC’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Team to conduct assessments and analytical activities. 1
• Leading narrative reporting on activities delivered in the area of operations, in collaboration with education staff and partners. 1
• Attending relevant education-specific meetings and representing NRC within the limits set by the Area Office. 1
• Ensuring that accountability mechanisms are culturally appropriate and that safeguarding standards are upheld.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in education programming within humanitarian or recovery contexts, with at least 2-3 years in a coordination or management role. They should have demonstrated international experience in humanitarian contexts, preferably in complex emergency or conflict-affected settings. A proven track record of results delivery, including managing projects at scale and achieving outputs in challenging environments, is essential. Candidates should also have strong technical expertise in education programming, including design, implementation, and adaptation in emergency contexts. Experience in start-up or scale-up operations, particularly in refugee or displacement settings, is highly desirable. Strong coordination and representation skills, including engagement with clusters, partners, and local authorities, are required. A solid understanding of donor compliance and reporting is also necessary, along with demonstrated leadership and team management skills.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in education, social sciences, international development, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in education programming or humanitarian response may be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in education programming, particularly in humanitarian or recovery contexts. This experience should include at least 2-3 years in a coordination or management role, demonstrating the ability to lead teams and manage complex projects effectively. Experience in high-risk environments and a strong understanding of the challenges faced in such contexts are also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Working knowledge of Arabic is strongly preferred, and knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is in North Darfur, Sudan, specifically in Tawila. The contract duration is for 1 year on a fixed-term basis, with travel requirements estimated at 30-40%. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, encouraging applications from individuals regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization offers a supportive work culture that empowers employees to share ideas and take responsibility, along with opportunities for professional growth and development.