Job Description

The Education Program Manager, based in Yola, will be responsible for the overall management of OTL Activities in Adamawa State. S/he will ensure that project activities are delivered per the Project’s Detailed Implementation Plan, contribute to the strategic objectives of the program, and meet global and IRC technical standards for education in emergencies. The Education Program Manager will supervise a team of officers, providing supervision and guidance in line with agreed performance objectives. This position reports to the Program Lead.

Responsibilitises

Program design, delivery, and management

• Manage and supervise daily operations of Opportunities to Learn (OTL) Activity in Adamawa State, ensuring strict compliance with the annual work plan and monitoring progress against detailed Implementation Plans.
• Provide comprehensive coordination of OTL activities, offering technical support to officers for timely and high-quality setup, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and adaptation.
• Direct the implementation of OTL Activity in Adamawa with support from the Program Lead, ensuring evidence-based programs aligned with IRC strategies, international education standards, and national policies.
• Ensure effective delivery of program activities while promoting inclusivity, diversity, transparency, accountability, and integrity.
• Collaborate with OTL Intermediate Result (IR) Leads and Specialists to ensure smooth and timely implementation of OTL Activity aligned with program objectives and donor requirements.
• Identify, communicate, and manage updates and risks for timely interventions and corrective actions, ensuring program success.
• Engage regularly with beneficiaries and community representatives for feedback, Supervise the training, coaching, and ongoing support of educators/learning facilitators to enhance instructional practices in literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL).
• Stay informed about education trends, integrate innovative approaches, and collaborate with external experts and institutions.
• Focus on expanding education access for over-age, out-of-school children through the setup and management of ABEP learning opportunities.
• Prepare and submit timely compelling reports (weekly, monthly, and quarterly) on project activities to the Program Lead as per the agreed schedule., providing accurate information on program achievements, challenges, and Mitigation Measures
• Collaborate with the OTL MEAL team to establish and execute robust data collection systems ensuring that OTL activities are data-driven and that programmatic decisions are evidence-based. This involves assessing program effectiveness, identifying areas for enhancement, and implementing required changes.
• Work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team to ensure proper filing/documentation processes in line with agreed project targets and standards for effective internal and external communications, accountability, audits, evaluation purposes, and reporting.
• Monitor project progress, objectives, and outputs using routine data, spot checks, observation, and other methodologies.

Qualification

• University degree in education; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience with an international or civil society organization, including direct implementation of education programming.
• At least one year of experience in a managerial position with demonstrated capacity in team leadership and capacity building.
• Demonstrated experience in managing the Accelerated Basic Education Program (ABEP) is a must.
• Strong verbal communication skills and effective in representation and liaison with external actors.
• Lead integrated state technical working groups and steering coordination meetings.
• Excellent spoken and technical writing ability in English, including report writing.
• Excellent computer skills in programs including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work under pressure in challenging working and living conditions.
• Strong knowledge of ABEP implementation guidelines, Teaching at the Right Level methodology, Universal Design for Learning, and Social Emotional Learning (Dabaru skills are a must).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in coordinating and training on Teacher Professional Development opportunities for teachers in person and online.
• Experience in managing and mentoring staff, exemplifying good leadership and supervisory skills, team building, and ensuring clear roles and responsibilities within the team.
• Experience contextualizing and adapting program models and tools to the context.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Minimum Standards for Education in Emergencies and evidence-based practices to support the learning and well-being OTL ABEP Learners.
• Experience in effectively dealing with government officials, community structures, and other NGOs; ability to work with a broad spectrum of people, including partners, education sector leaders, and government staff.
• Analytical skills, including the ability to analyze program data, make data-driven decisions, and communicate technical matters effectively.
• Willingness to travel to different field sites for project monitoring and other related activities.
• Demonstrated dedication to a Do No Harm approach, gender equality, and inclusion.

Location: Adamawa, Nigeria.

Apply: EDUCATION MANAGER