Senior Education Consultant Pool

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises. Founded in 1933, IRC has been dedicated to helping people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. The organization operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. IRC's 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 organization focuses on various sectors, including health, education, economic wellbeing, and protection, and works closely with local partners to ensure effective and sustainable interventions.

Job Overview:
The Senior Education Consultant Pool is designed to support the Ministry of Education in Syria as part of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) System Capacity Grant (SCG). The consultants will engage in short-term assignments aimed at strengthening the leadership of education sector reform in Syria. The role involves providing technical assistance in various areas such as education sector analysis, planning, financing, monitoring, and institutional development. The consultants will be expected to produce high-quality analytical and policy products that inform decision-making and support the implementation of the Emergency and Strategic Education Plan (ESEP). The assignments will take place between September 2026 and May 2028, and the consultants will work closely with government institutions and other stakeholders to ensure effective education sector reform.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Senior Education Sector Analysis: Conduct comprehensive education sector analysis and GPE Enabling Factors Analysis, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and provide evidence-based recommendations for sector reforms. Deliverables include analytical reports and presentations to the Ministry of Education.
• Senior Education Sector Planning Adviser: Assist in the preparation of the ESEP, including strategic priorities and operational planning. Expected outputs include an ESEP framework and implementation roadmap.
• Senior Education Finance and Public Financial Management Adviser: Strengthen education financing and public financial management, analyze budget cycles, and develop financing scenarios. Deliverables include budget analysis reports and recommendations for improving financing systems.
• Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Results Adviser: Design the ESEP results framework and monitoring arrangements, ensuring evidence-informed decision-making. Outputs include monitoring frameworks and reporting guidelines.
• Senior Institutional Development and Capacity Assessment Adviser: Assess institutional capacities and recommend measures for strengthening organizational systems. Deliverables include capacity assessments and technical assistance plans.
• Senior Technical Advisory Roster: Provide expertise in various thematic areas as needed, including teacher policy and digital transformation. Engage in short-term assignments based on emerging priorities from the Ministry of Education.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in education, public policy, economics, public administration, statistics, social sciences, or a related field. They should have demonstrated experience in delivering comparable assignments for government or education-sector programs, with a proven ability to produce concise analytical and policy products. Experience working with government institutions and a willingness to undertake in-person work in Damascus are essential. Professional fluency in English is required for most lots, while Arabic proficiency is strongly desirable for assignments involving direct engagement with Ministry counterparts.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree is required, preferably in fields related to education, public policy, economics, or social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the education sector and for providing informed recommendations and analyses.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in the education sector, particularly in roles that involve working with government institutions or international organizations. Experience in supporting education sector reforms, particularly in conflict-affected areas, is highly valued. Familiarity with the GPE, UNESCO, or World Bank initiatives will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Professional fluency in English is mandatory for Lots 1-

• For Lot 6, language requirements may vary based on the specific assignment, with Arabic proficiency being strongly desirable for roles that require extensive interaction with Ministry counterparts.

Additional Notes:
The recruitment process consists of two stages: an Expression of Interest followed by a Request for Proposal for shortlisted candidates. Inclusion in the consultant pool does not guarantee an assignment, as engagement will depend on program needs, consultant availability, and funding. Assignments will primarily be based in Damascus, with potential travel to other education directorates as required. IRC will cover travel, accommodation, and per diem expenses in accordance with its policies.