View Vacancy - Education and Child Protection Advisor

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
Do not use - DFID (Department for International Development)

The British Embassy in Beirut has a vacancy for the position of Education and Child Protection Advisor, Grade – C5 (L).

 

Objective:

DFID Lebanon is looking for an energetic and experienced Education Advisor, with strong technical skills and thorough knowledge of the education system in Lebanon and international aid architecture. DFID Lebanon’s education strategy invests in Government of Lebanon leadership through Reaching All Children with Education in Lebanon plan (RACE II 2016-2021).The post holder will work on DFID Lebanon’s ambitious £160m education portfolio, which spans non-formal education, child protection service and support to formal public education. They will apply their knowledge of the Lebanese context to ensure the programme delivers the best possible results. The role is based in the British Embassy in Beirut and works with other MENA Education Advisors working on Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and inside Syria. The post holder will work with humanitarian and economic teams as well as the Head and Deputy Heads and across the Embassy.

DFID’s education approach in Lebanon

At the London Supporting Syria and the Region Conference in February 2016, the international community agreed all refugee and vulnerable children in host communities should be in education by the end of 2016/17. The UK announced it would provide up to £40m a year for education in Lebanon for the next four years to support this goal. The programme supports delivery of the Government of Lebanon’s own plan, which aims to reach all children in Lebanon with both formal and non-formal education. RACE II is the world’s first five year national education plan and financing framework, integrating refugees, and seeks to manage a protracted crisis, such as that facing Lebanon, in a sustainable way. This is a key element of the UK National Security Council Strategy for Lebanon, aligns behind the Government of Lebanon Syria Crisis Response Plan and the No Lost Generation Initiative (NLGI) launched by the UK and UNICEF in 2013. DFID Lebanon’s education portfolio supports non-formal education and child protection through UNICEF, alongside support to the formal public education sector through a separate programme with the World Bank.

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Generate high quality education analysis and advice to support policy engagement and advocacy

- Provide excellent technical advice to Government of Lebanon, and DFID management and Ministers such as: education public expenditure efficiency and financing; teacher work-force management; learning assessments; improving literacy and numeracy; curriculum reform for formal education and standardisation of non-formal education curricula.

- Strong grasp of gender, child protection and inclusion issues affecting most vulnerable Lebanese and refugee children and how to address these.

- Supporting development of an education sector analysis in Lebanon, with other international partners and Government of Lebanon.

- Produce high-quality analysis for a range of information requirements and audiences. Lead at least one cross-cutting issue affecting the education sector, and drive consensus and action in this area.

- Ensure implementation of active education programmes leads to a positive sector transformation and improved Ministry capability.

- In-depth understanding of political dynamics in Lebanon and how they impact education delivery. Monitor and assess education sector in Lebanon including triggers for conflict/tension/marginalisation. Reflect analysis in evolving policy, strategy and programme priorities. Ensure cross-cutting advisors, managers, Ministers and broader HMG network are informed in a timely manner of evolving risks.

 

2. Applying latest evidence and technical thinking to strengthen DFID’s programme in Lebanon

- Deliver aspects of DFID Lebanon education portfolio, most likely non-formal education and child protection programme, responsible for making sure the programme delivers the best possible outcomes for girls and boys aged 3-18.

- Keep abreast of latest education research and evidence (especially on Education In Emergencies and Education in MENA region) and its applicability for education in Lebanon.

- Work with programme managers to strengthen risk management of programmes and partners.

- Monitor effectiveness of interventions, driving good value for money throughout programmes.

- Ensure programmes have clear logframes with measurable results and proportionate research and evaluation plans.

- Ensure all reporting and compliance tasks are completed as required for the education pillar, including Annual Reviews and Project Completion Reports, and other transparency requirements.

 

3. Managing relationships with delivery partners

- Build strong and effective working relationships with partner agencies in field offices and at HQ/regional level.

- Manage constructive relationships with partners to ensure programmes deliver objectives.

- Address programme blockages/deficiencies, delivering tough messages to partners as necessary.

- Build strong and effective working relationships with DFID teams managing institutional relationships with partners and other donors.

 

4. Contribute and input into wider work of DFID Lebanon

- Contribute to effective team working and wider team delivery, by collaborating with other programmes to share best practice and lesson identified through the team and across DFID.

- Provide high quality and timely input into parliamentary and ministerial deliverables and support high-level visits as required. Manage visits by Ministers, management and UK Government scrutiny bodies to see DFID Lebanon education and child protection programmes, handling these to advance goals of this high profile programme.

- Collaborate with MENA Education Advisors to ensure a joined-up approach on DFID’s NLGI across the region and share lessons identified between Lebanon and other DFID teams.

- Work with the Head of Profession and Research and Evidence Division to make an effective MENA contribution to global education policy, research and cadre lesson sharing.

 

Key Competences required for the job:

1. Generic competency:

• Making Effective Decisions - Effectiveness in being objective; using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.

• Delivering Value for Money - The efficient, effective and economic use of taxpayers’ money in the delivery of public services. Seeking out and implementing solutions which achieve the best mix of quality and effectiveness for the least outlay.

• Delivering at Pace - Delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.

• Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.

 

2. Technical competencies and professional skills:

Advisors must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following primary technical competencies.

• P1 Education Policy - Knowledge/understanding and application of education policy in developing countries.

• P2 Education System Development - Knowledge based on experience of education service delivery in a developing country context including understanding of education systems strengthening challenges.

• P3 Global Education Context - Knowledge/understanding of global education context including the international education architecture.

• P4 Equity in Education - Knowledge/ understanding and application of equity in education.

• P5 Evidence, Innovation and Evaluation - Knowledge/understanding and application of evidence, innovation and evaluation.

 

Advisors are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following shared technical competencies.

1. Design and manage programmes and projects

2. Apply key economic and commercial concepts

3. Understand the potential of digital technology

Essential:
• High level of written and verbal English and Arabic communication skills
• Masters in Education, International Development or similar relevant area.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working on education policy and programming in Lebanon or the MENA region.
• Excellent financial management skills, people management skills and written and oral communication skills.
• Resilience and ability to work under pressure in a busy and sometimes challenging environment.
• Flexibility and willingness to respond to a range of corporate needs.
• Excellent judgement and ability to understand complex issues quickly.
• Excellent IT skills (standard Microsoft applications).

N/A

26 November 2017
Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
40
Middle East & North Africa
Lebanon
Beirut
British Embassy
1
USD
5800
2 January 2018

Working Hours and Remuneration:

Conditioned working hours are 40 hours gross per week. The Embassy is committed to ensuring that you are able to maintain a suitable work-life balance. Leave entitlement is 20 days plus 14 public holidays.

This is a full time, fixed term contract for 1 year with possibility of extension.

Some flexibility in working hours will be permitted subject to negotiation and agreement. The successful candidate will be required to attend set weekly meetings and some internal and external events possibly after working hours.

The British Embassy in Beirut offers an attractive working environment and remuneration package of $ 5,800 monthly for this role.

The embassy offers a competitive remuneration package in line with local labour law (including transport, family, education allowances, and medical insurance coverage). Specific training and mentoring for the role will be provided for the successful candidate.

Application Process:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents when applying online.

1. An updated two page Curriculum Vitae to demonstrate skills, capabilities and achievements

2. A (1500 words) covering letter/statement of suitability including both for generic and advisor competencies outlining the evidence, competence and experience required.

*** (Applications that do not include the above information will be rejected).

 

All applications must be received before 23:55 (Local Time) on 26 November 2017.

 

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

The successful candidate will be subject to a 90 day probationary period. 

Interviews will be held at the British Embassy Beirut Office. Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for assessment/interview will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures.  Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances and reference checks.

Candidates must ensure that they are eligible to work and reside in Lebanon.

 

The British Embassy is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.  Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy is subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local Lebanon employment law.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.