The Senior Program Advisor (SPA) is the educational technical lead and supervisor of the current Education Program Manager within a large UNICEF-funded Education, Health/Nutrition and SGBV program. The SPA also has the responsibility for ensuring integration of the other program components to create a holistic program which encourages synergy and learning across the various sectors. The SPA will be the focal point for UNICEF on the Education sector. The SPA is responsible for the overall, day-to-day management of the program and its smooth functioning, as well as ensuring that the individual components operate in a coordinated fashion. The SPA may provide overall technical guidance and program direction to the Program Managers of the Health/Nutrition and SGBV components but is expected to delegate significant technical oversight and management to these experts. The SPA should work closely with country management in the support departments, including M&E, Finance, HR and Operations to ensure that the program and its budget stays on track, competent staff and workers are recruited, procurement and logistics are implemented effectively, and data and results are collected, analyzed and used to inform the program’s course. The SPA is also responsible for contributing to RI’s overall strategy and capacity in Education and program integration, and for representing the RI Lebanon program to the donor in coordination with the Deputy Country Director.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide technical guidance and oversight to the education component, including direct supervision of the Education Program Manager, development of training and capacity building for team members, curricula development, and other technical capacities.
- Be responsible for ensuring program reports are submitted to UNICEF.
- Oversee the Hygiene Education team, ensuring that HP activities are integrated through the three components and coordinated effectively.
- In coordination with the CD and DCD, review overall project workplans and budgeting for field activities associated donor requirements and provide guidance to the Education, Health/Nutrition, and SGBV Program Managers in their delivery of those requirements.
- Review project reporting schedules, templates, and requirements, and guide the Program Managers in their fulfillment of these requirements to RI and donor standards in reporting.
- Lead the development of short and long range plans for delivery of project services, and provide guidance to the Program Managers in management of immediate and future strategies for effective project impact.
- Review program monitoring and evaluation systems and record keeping methods that support internal, interagency, and donor reporting. Provide a summary of recommended areas of improvement, and lead an action plan with the DCD, PMs and M&E Department to evolve and make positive systems improvements.
- Provide feedback and mentoring to Program Managers to help them to develop their project management, team leadership, logistics planning, reporting, and systems capacity.
- In coordination with the DCD and CD, Represent RI’s Multisectoral program with donors, partners, and other stakeholders.
- In cooperation with the DCD and CD, lead and coordinate program and proposal development and strategy development efforts.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
This position demands a dynamic individual with a demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast paced environment.
- 7-10+ years of relevant experience leading/managing/directing large multi-sector humanitarian assistance or development programs (with an emphasis on education preferred)
- Graduate degree in relevant field or Bachelor’s degree with commensurate work experience.
- Technical expertise in education is required, including, but not limited to program management and administration; curricula development; training and capacity building; accelerated learning; and education in emergencies.
- Fluency in English, including strong English writing skills, are required, with strong preference for Arabic speaking skills.
- Excellent time management skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and tasks efficiently.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and strategic planning skills with an ability to think critically and creatively.
- Nuanced interpersonal skills, including patience, diplomacy, willingness to listen, and respect for colleagues. Experience directing large teams and empowering others to lead.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, stressful environment. Must be flexible, willing to perform other duties and work irregular hours.
lebanonrihr@ri.org
