Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, IRC has a mission to help those affected by conflict and disaster to recover and rebuild their lives. The organization operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. IRC's work encompasses various sectors, including education, health, and economic recovery, with a strong focus on empowering communities and fostering resilience. The organization is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all its operations, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.
Job Overview:
The Team Leader for the Syria Education Programme III (SEP III) will be responsible for the overall design, rapid mobilization, and delivery of the program. This role involves leading the Core Delivery Team and overseeing the Technical Assistance (TA) Pool, ensuring that the program is implemented in accordance with the contract, FCDO requirements, IRC policies, and internationally recognized quality standards. The Team Leader will serve as the primary point of contact with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and will work closely with senior Ministry counterparts to provide strategic direction in support of the Ministry's reform priorities. The position requires a strong understanding of the Syrian education system and the ability to navigate a complex political environment while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. The Team Leader will also be responsible for budget oversight, performance management, risk management, and ensuring that the program operates adaptively, using evidence and learning to inform decisions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Team Leader will provide overall strategic leadership for SEP III, ensuring alignment with the Ministry of Education's evolving reform priorities. Responsibilities include leading the six-month inception period, establishing a presence in Damascus, mobilizing the Core Delivery Team and TA Pool, and operationalizing delivery systems. The Team Leader will ensure that the program operates flexibly and applies a 'test, learn, adapt' approach, agreeing on clear reform objectives with the Ministry and documenting adaptation decisions. They will also be responsible for managing relationships with FCDO, the Ministry, and other stakeholders, ensuring high-quality reporting and coordination of efforts. Additionally, the Team Leader will oversee program and budget management, risk identification and management, and ensure compliance with financial and procurement requirements. They will manage program staff, promote teamwork, and ensure effective communication and knowledge management throughout the program.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, public administration, international development, or a related field, with equivalent experience considered. A minimum of 10 years' experience managing large-scale, complex, donor-funded technical assistance or education programs is required, ideally including experience with FCDO-funded contracts. Significant prior experience working directly with government ministries on system-level policy and process reform, particularly in the education sector, is essential. Candidates should have substantial experience in conflict or politically sensitive transition contexts, with a strong understanding of public finance and value-for-money principles. Proven ability to provide strategic leadership and build trusted relationships with government officials and stakeholders is critical.
Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, public administration, international development, or a related field is required. Equivalent experience may be substituted for a graduate degree, indicating that practical experience in relevant fields can be considered in lieu of formal educational qualifications.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years' experience managing large-scale, complex, donor-funded technical assistance or education programs. Candidates should have significant experience working directly with government ministries on policy and process reform, ideally within the education sector. Experience in conflict, crisis, or politically sensitive transition contexts is essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked in Syria or the broader MENA region. Familiarity with adaptive management approaches and evidence-based programming is also important, particularly in leading demand-led technical assistance facilities.
Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, with Arabic language skills strongly preferred. Proficiency in Arabic will enhance communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and government officials, which is crucial for the success of the program.
Additional Notes:
This position is contingent on the outcome of the FCDO procurement and award of SEP III, with the tender publication currently anticipated for January 2027 and award for May 202
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, IRC has a mission to help those affected by conflict and disaster to recover and rebuild their lives. The organization operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. IRC's work encompasses various sectors, including education, health, and economic recovery, with a strong focus on empowering communities and fostering resilience. The organization is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all its operations, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.
Job Overview:
The Team Leader for the Syria Education Programme III (SEP III) will be responsible for the overall design, rapid mobilization, and delivery of the program. This role involves leading the Core Delivery Team and overseeing the Technical Assistance (TA) Pool, ensuring that the program is implemented in accordance with the contract, FCDO requirements, IRC policies, and internationally recognized quality standards. The Team Leader will serve as the primary point of contact with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and will work closely with senior Ministry counterparts to provide strategic direction in support of the Ministry's reform priorities. The position requires a strong understanding of the Syrian education system and the ability to navigate a complex political environment while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. The Team Leader will also be responsible for budget oversight, performance management, risk management, and ensuring that the program operates adaptively, using evidence and learning to inform decisions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Team Leader will provide overall strategic leadership for SEP III, ensuring alignment with the Ministry of Education's evolving reform priorities. Responsibilities include leading the six-month inception period, establishing a presence in Damascus, mobilizing the Core Delivery Team and TA Pool, and operationalizing delivery systems. The Team Leader will ensure that the program operates flexibly and applies a 'test, learn, adapt' approach, agreeing on clear reform objectives with the Ministry and documenting adaptation decisions. They will also be responsible for managing relationships with FCDO, the Ministry, and other stakeholders, ensuring high-quality reporting and coordination of efforts. Additionally, the Team Leader will oversee program and budget management, risk identification and management, and ensure compliance with financial and procurement requirements. They will manage program staff, promote teamwork, and ensure effective communication and knowledge management throughout the program.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, public administration, international development, or a related field, with equivalent experience considered. A minimum of 10 years' experience managing large-scale, complex, donor-funded technical assistance or education programs is required, ideally including experience with FCDO-funded contracts. Significant prior experience working directly with government ministries on system-level policy and process reform, particularly in the education sector, is essential. Candidates should have substantial experience in conflict or politically sensitive transition contexts, with a strong understanding of public finance and value-for-money principles. Proven ability to provide strategic leadership and build trusted relationships with government officials and stakeholders is critical.
Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, public administration, international development, or a related field is required. Equivalent experience may be substituted for a graduate degree, indicating that practical experience in relevant fields can be considered in lieu of formal educational qualifications.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years' experience managing large-scale, complex, donor-funded technical assistance or education programs. Candidates should have significant experience working directly with government ministries on policy and process reform, ideally within the education sector. Experience in conflict, crisis, or politically sensitive transition contexts is essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked in Syria or the broader MENA region. Familiarity with adaptive management approaches and evidence-based programming is also important, particularly in leading demand-led technical assistance facilities.
Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, with Arabic language skills strongly preferred. Proficiency in Arabic will enhance communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and government officials, which is crucial for the success of the program.
Additional Notes:
This position is contingent on the outcome of the FCDO procurement and award of SEP III, with the tender publication currently anticipated for January 2027 and award for May 202
- The contract is expected to begin on 1 July 2027, with a six-month inception period. The role is full-time and requires a commitment to localization, including leading predominantly national teams and working in partnership with national organizations. IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to professional standards, ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.