Deputy Project Director for Content and Delivery

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein. Its mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The IRC operates in multiple countries, particularly in the MENA region, which includes Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen. The organization focuses on providing integrated programs that improve health and safety, prioritize children's education, foster economic wellbeing, and empower communities to regain control over their lives. The IRC has a significant workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders to deliver effective humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Project Director for Content and Delivery plays a crucial role in providing senior strategic leadership across the Early Childhood Development (ECD) technical, content, and digital work within the MENA ECD portfolio. This position is responsible for ensuring that the content quality, program delivery, and digital innovation are strategically coherent and aligned with the overarching ECD goals for children and caregivers in the MENA region. The Deputy Project Director will oversee and mentor two senior functions: the ECD Technical Lead and the Digital Portfolio Senior Manager. The role requires a strong focus on integrating content and digital strategies, ensuring that they are informed by field realities and user insights. The Deputy Project Director will also be responsible for driving innovation in content and delivery approaches, ensuring that the ECD initiatives are scalable and sustainable, particularly for those affected by crisis and conflict.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide senior strategic direction for MENA’s ECD Arabic content development, program delivery, and digital portfolio, ensuring integration and alignment with program goals.
• Set the strategic vision for content delivery across various modalities, including in-person, remote, hybrid, and digital.
• Drive innovation in content and delivery approaches, fostering a culture of evidence-based experimentation.
• Ensure high-quality ECD content development and program delivery support across MENA.
• Oversee the strategic direction of content adaptation and new content development.
• Ensure alignment between IRC’s ECD content and national ECD standards.
• Provide strategic oversight of the Digital Portfolio Senior Manager and ensure the growth and performance of the ECD digital portfolio.
• Ensure that technical and digital support is responsive to field needs and that lessons from country-level implementation inform regional strategies.
• Serve as the senior regional point of contact for country ECD teams, ensuring effective translation of regional strategies into country-level implementation. 1
• Represent IRC’s ECD content and digital work in strategic forums and contribute to proposal development and donor reporting.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in Early Childhood Development (ECD), education, or a related field, with a strong track record in technical content/program leadership and digital programming.
• Demonstrated experience in a senior leadership role overseeing multiple functions or teams.
• Deep knowledge of the ECD field, including current research and evidence-based program models.
• Strong familiarity with digital technology in an ECD or education context, including EdTech trends.
• Experience in design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and technical quality assurance for large-scale programs in humanitarian or development settings.
• Proven ability to integrate and align cross-functional teams around a common strategic vision.
• Strong knowledge of the MENA regional context, with experience working in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, or Palestine preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in education, child development, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in Early Childhood Development or related areas are preferred.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in ECD or education, with a strong emphasis on leadership and program management. Experience in managing digital programs or products is considered an asset, as is familiarity with the MENA region's specific challenges and opportunities.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral Arabic and English is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the MENA region is considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in the IRC Regional Office in Amman, Jordan, and involves standard office work with approximately 15% travel to country program offices across the MENA region. The role is full-time and may involve engagement with national and local government partners, ensuring alignment with national ECD priorities. IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to professional standards and values.