Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) Specialist 2 views0 applications

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The IRC began working in the DRC in 1996 to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the east of the country and it has since become one of the largest providers of humanitarian assistance and post-conflict development programming. IRC’s programs in the DRC focus on five integrated areas: governance, health, education, economic well-being and protection. IRC places particular emphasis on the specific needs of women, children and young people aged between 12 and 25 (who represent the majority of displaced people) as well as minority groups. The various projects are implemented using approaches that have a major impact on communities, while respecting while respecting the dignity and protection of clients

Scope of work

The IRC seeks an Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) Specialist for an anticipated five-year USAID Pre-Primary Education Activity in the DRC. The project will promote access to improved pre-primary education at national, provincial and community levels and will focus on the most marginalized and vulnerable populations living in hard-to-reach and rural areas. The USAID Pre-Primary Education Activity will engage families and communities in early childhood education to provide access to quality, safe and inclusive pre-primary education while promoting system strengthening and sustainability in the pre-primary sector.

The ECDE Specialist, in close consultation with the Chief of Party, will have the overall oversight on the technical aspects of the activity implementation. The ECDE Specialist will work closely with diverse stakeholders, including IRC teams, government officials, service providers and local partners. The ECDE will provide technical guidance for the project team spread across multiple technical areas, locations and organizations. The ECDE will provide technical oversight to partners in charge of implementation of interventions and ensure that project initiatives achieve the expected technical standards of the USAID funded Pre-Primary Education Activity in the DRC. This position is contingent on the IRC being awarded funding and is anticipated to begin in September 2025. The position will be based in the DRC, exact location to be confirmed.

Job responsibilities

· Provide technical support and guidance to the project components, including teacher preparation and training, curriculum development, design of the physical environment, material development, and instruction,

· Promote the use of play-based pedagogies to allow children the opportunity to develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through a range of child-centered experiences,

· Provide technical guidance in terms of “school readiness”: readiness of children to attend school, readiness of schools to receive them, and the readiness of families/communities to support their transition and learning,

· Lead capacity building efforts in parent and community mobilization and engagement with special attention to monitoring and evaluation coordination,

· Support activity implementation and takes a supportive role in coordination among USAID and key stakeholders

· Ensure alignment with the DRC’s Ministry of Education policies and plans.

Requirements

· Minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited university in Early Years Education, Education in Emergencies, International Development, or related field, lower degree considered with compensating experience,

· Minimum 6 to 10 years of experience in relevant technical aspects of Education projects,

· Experience working with the DRC Ministry of Education, prior experience with supporting education systems strengthening required

· Extensive knowledge of the DRC’s education policies, practices, and educational system is preferred

· Knowledge of USAID policies, approaches, rules and regulations,

· Previous experience with a USAID-funded programs preferred,

· Experience working in the DRC or within the central Africa region on similar Education programming,

· Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders,

· Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

· Capacity to work well under pressure, and the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively cross‐culturally is critical.

· The candidate must be fluent in English and French.

**Standard of Professional Conduct:**The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.