Background:

Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to serious humanitarian crises around the world and helps victims to survive and rebuild their lives.

For over half a century, Tanzania has been a country of asylum, hosting one of the largest refugee populations in Africa.  Currently, the country hosts approximately 287,903 Burundian and Congolese refugees, many of whom arrived in 2015 as the crisis in Burundi increased. To date, refugees continue to co-exist with the host communities in Kigoma region expressing multiple reasons and needs. Within this context, IRC provides protection and basic assistance in the areas of Safety (comprises of Protection and Rule of Law, Women Protection and Empowerment, and Child Protection), Health (mental health and psychosocial support services and reproductive health), and Education.

Position Overview:

As an Education Officer, you will work under the direct supervision of the Education Project Manager and play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of education activities. You'll collaborate closely with the Education Manager and other partners to develop and implement plans to make quality education accessible to refugees. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of those seeking education in challenging circumstances.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement delegated education projects according to project plans, donor requirements, and organizational strategies.
• Collaborate with the Education Manager to develop, implement, and monitor project activity plans on a quarterly, monthly, and weekly basis to achieve desired outcomes.
• Contribute to budget preparation and procurement requests to support project activities.
• Assess and analyze project challenges and issues in coordination with the Education Project Manager and take appropriate actions.
• Coordinate planning and capacity-building training workshops for project beneficiaries, including students, teachers, school committees, and parents.
• Foster strong working relationships with project beneficiaries, community leaders, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee training, coaching, and support for teachers, tutors, and learning facilitators to enhance instructional practices.
• Promote and share ideas for technical improvement and innovation.
• Ensure the education department maintains up-to-date and accurate data and utilizes it effectively to meet departmental needs.
• Collaborate with local authorities and key education stakeholders to explore new and improved ways to assist beneficiaries.
• Represent the organization at relevant education forums in a professional manner.
• Ensure the integration and coordination of the education project with other sectors.
• Monitor the timely implementation of education activities and adherence to donor requirements and regulations.
• Collaborate with HR and the Education Protection Officer to ensure proper training on the Teacher Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse for all teachers.
• Work with Education Community Outreach Workers to track student and teacher attendance in schools.
• Ensure timely procurement and distribution of education materials and equipment in accordance with procedures.
• Collect and analyze data to continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of all IRC educational activities.
• Collaborate with the IRC MEAL team to ensure proper and regular data collection and validation.
• Provide timely and high-quality inputs for monthly and donor reports.
• Participate in team reviews and project evaluations when necessary.
• Work with the M&E Manager and officer to undertake assessments in coordination with IRC Burundi, partners, UNHCR, UNICEF, as appropriate.
• Adhere to IRC’s Global HR Operating Policies and Procedures with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, and equal opportunities.

General Responsibilities:

• Attend and participate in trainings as identified or organized by the Education Manager or Coordinator.
• Follow all IRC policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Report any violations of the IRC Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, The IRC Way, and Child Safeguarding Policy.
• Represent IRC at interagency and coordination meetings as assigned.
• Assist in controlling and proper usage of stationery and other items related to work.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Education Manager or Education Coordinator.

Key Working Relationships:

•  Position Reports to: Education Project Manager
•  Position directly supervises: No direct supervisee.
• Other Internal and/or external contacts:  Education Team, program team, clients, and all staff within the country program.

Qualifications

• Degree in education from a recognized institution.
• 2 years of experience working with rural communities is desirable.
• Capacity to plan and manage effective and creative education responses in both immediate and longer-term contexts.
• Ability to summarize and communicate key findings for management decision-making.
• Ability to work independently while seeking the support and decision-making input of senior management.
• Ability to work effectively in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Proficiency in facilitating training and meetings.
• Demonstrated skills in strong organization, interpersonal communication, and written communication.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to challenges.
• Highly collaborative and consultative approach to work.
• Basic IT skills, including knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Language/Travel: Fluent in Swahili and English, both written and oral skills required.

Working Environment: Security level yellow - The situation in most of the country is calm. Some parts of Kigoma region experience insecurity-highway banditry.