United States of America: Technical Advisor, Early Childhood Development

Organization: International Rescue Committee
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 24 Nov 2014

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC has worked for over seven decades and today is involved in over 25 areas affected by conflict. We address both the immediate, life saving needs of conflict-affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post-conflict societies.

Scope:

This position provides technical leadership in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of early childhood development programs in countries in conflict, crisis, post-conflict and post-crisis settings across the world. To ensure quality programming towards impacting the lives of young children and their families affected by conflict and crisis through IRC's work, the Early Childhood Development Technical Advisor (ECD TA) will: develop strategies and tools; provide country support; review, use and generate evidence; lead business and partnership development; and raise IRC's profile. The ECD TA will work across the child protection, education and health sectors to ensure a comprehensive strategy that integrates early childhood development and violence prevention.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of strategies, tools and resources for ECD and coordinate the dissemination and use of these. As part of this process, lead the collaboration across the child protection, education and health sectors.
• Provide remote and on-site technical support and assistance in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of ECD programs across country programs in collaboration with other technical advisers, and regional and country teams.
• Lead the development of concept notes and proposals, and partnerships for global and country ECD programs. Identify and pursue funding and partnership opportunities. Build donor and partner relationships.
• Ensure ECD programs are based on the best available evidence and continue to generate evidence. Lead in setting and coordinating progress on a research agenda. Disseminate learning.
• Represent the IRC and its ECD work in outside meetings and forums with academics, donors, other non-governmental organizations, inter-agency working groups, foundations and other practitioners in the field. Represent the IRC on selected Inter-Agency groups.
• Serve as a resource to IRC staff seeking information about ECD programs, including external relations and advocacy departments. Respond to any queries regarding ECD program activities.

Job Qualifications:

• Education: Master's/post-graduate degree in social work, education, social development, or relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Participate in ongoing training courses and share knowledge and skill sets within the unit.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 3 to 5 years of implementing and/or managing ECD programs is required, preferably also within a humanitarian, international development setting. Experience in research and/or policy work in relation to ECD is highly desired. Experience in strategy development and working across sectors or disciplines is highly desired.
• Demonstrated Skills and Competencies: Demonstrated expertise in program design, monitoring and evaluation, with the ability to turn concepts and strategy into measurable action. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated commitment to renewing and maintaining currency with best practices.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in French is desired.
• Working Environment: Up to 40% travel may be required.

How to apply:

Please follow this link to apply: http://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=c3RldmVueS45MzcyMi4zODMwQGlyYy5hcGxpdHJhay...