Education Project Manager (EPM)

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. NRC has been operational for several decades and has a strong presence in various countries, including Nigeria, where it plays a crucial role in addressing the humanitarian needs of displaced populations. The organization is committed to providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC operates in multiple countries, focusing on areas affected by conflict, climate change, and other crises. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and fosters a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and innovation among its employees. NRC is recognized for its effective humanitarian response and its commitment to safeguarding the dignity and rights of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Education Project Manager (EPM) is tasked with the direct implementation of the Education Core Competency (CC) project within the context of ongoing humanitarian crises in Northeast Nigeria. This role involves providing regular technical support and conducting monitoring visits to ensure that the interventions align with international best practices and effectively meet the needs of participants in target communities. The EPM will represent NRC at various coordination forums, as delegated by the Area Programme Manager or Area Manager, and will be a key member of the Extended Area Management Group. The position requires a proactive approach to project management, ensuring that educational initiatives are effectively coordinated and implemented in line with established strategies and donor requirements. The EPM will also be responsible for developing and managing project budgets, ensuring adherence to NRC policies, and promoting the rights of displaced individuals in accordance with the organization's advocacy strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Education Project Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Line management for project staff, ensuring effective team dynamics and performance.
• Adherence to NRC policies, guidance, and procedures throughout project implementation.
• 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 project documentation, in alignment with proposals and donor requirements.
• Implementing technical direction and ensuring high technical quality of projects.
• Providing regular progress reports to the Area Manager and the Education PDM/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 coordinating across them.
• Ensuring capacity building of project staff and transferring key skills. 1
• Liaising and collaborating with relevant local authorities and other key stakeholders. 1
• Promoting the rights of displaced people in line with the advocacy strategy.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Education Project Manager position should possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of three years of experience in a senior-level project implementation role within a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Proven experience working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.
• Technical expertise in education, with documented results related to the responsibilities of the position.
• Strong leadership skills and a clear understanding of personal leadership profile.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is required.
• Context-related skills, knowledge, and experience, particularly regarding NGO operations and humanitarian sector dynamics in Borno State, are advantageous.
• Familiarity with major humanitarian donors and their requirements.
• Previous experience in emergency preparedness and response, as well as managing and capacity-building multicultural teams.
• Experience in partnerships with local governments and community-based organizations (CBOs), providing capacity building, coaching, and collaborating on project design and implementation. 1
• A willingness to travel and work in hard-to-reach areas under strenuous conditions, along with good cultural awareness and sensitivity. 1
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, public speaking, and strategic planning skills are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background that supports their role as an Education Project Manager. This typically includes a degree in education, social sciences, international development, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in education or humanitarian response may be preferred, as they provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in managing educational projects in crisis contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of experience in a senior-level project implementation role within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating their ability to adapt and respond effectively to changing circumstances. Experience in managing multicultural teams and collaborating with local governments and community organizations is also essential, as is familiarity with the dynamics of the humanitarian sector in Borno State.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Strong report-writing skills are also required. While English is the primary language of communication, knowledge of local languages spoken in the region may be considered an advantage, as it can enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Maiduguri, Nigeria, with a contract duration of six months, which may be extended based on performance and funding availability. The salary is classified as Grade 8 on NRC’s National salary scale. NRC is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization encourages innovative ideas and provides employees at all levels with opportunities to take initiative and be heard. Additionally, NRC emphasizes safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contribute to a safe environment, and report any incidents of exploitation or harassment.