Background of the FCDO Transforming Education in Ethiopia Project:

In Ethiopia, many children are out of school or at risk of dropping out, in particular girls and other marginalised groups. Progress has been made in expanding education access for children across the country - however, since 2019 progress stalled due to conflict, climate-induced shocks, the impact of COVID-19 and other challenges which have exacerbated existing inequalities.

In response and building on its previous support to the Ethiopian Education system, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) aims to improve teaching quality and learning outcomes and increase access to education for girls and marginalised children through the ‘Transforming Education in Ethiopia’ project (2024-2028). The programme will focus on three key aspects:

• Teacher and school leader development:  Improved quality of teaching and learning with a focus on continuous teacher professional development in targeted schools. 

• English Language Teaching and Learning: Selected schools provide better teaching and learning in English Language as a subject, and improved use of English across the curriculum.

• Equity, Inclusion and Girls’ Education: Improved access and retention of the most marginalised children, particularly girls.

Employment Type: Definite period.

Grade: GB7.

Regular travel within Ethiopia and elsewhere as may be required.

Role Purpose:

The Consortium Deputy Team Leader (CDTL) will take a leadership role in day-to-day operations and performance management, ensuring the technical and administration implementation of high impact, proven interventions, while ensuring that the project meets stated goals and reporting requirements. The CDLT will assume the responsibilities of the Consortium Team Leader in their absence. Furthermore, the CDLT will act as a primary liaison point with the Ministry of Education and relevant government ministries. They are expected to have extensive skills in capacity building and networking capabilities with international and national institutions, development agencies and government ministries.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Consortium Team Leader, key Technical Assistance and MEAL staff to develop, oversee and review project workplans and performance plans.

• Coordinate with key staff to carry out activities in accordance with the work plan and timelines for deliverables.

• Support the Consortium Team Leader in the maintenance of efficient systems to support all aspects of the project, including grant management, MEAL systems, in compliance with organisational procedures and donor requirements.

• Liaise with the relevant staff to ensure relevant technical support is provided based on contextual needs of each region.

• Oversee and provide support to project implementation in targeted regions to ensure targets are met. 

• Develop and maintain strong working and cooperative relationships with all relevant key stakeholders, including government representatives, delivery partners, other implementing agencies, and related institutions

• Act as the primary liaison point with the Ministry of Education and other relevant government departments.

• In coordination with or absence of the Consortium Team Leader, represent the project and the organisation in national, regional, and international fora, and share information about project achievements and lessons learned within the organisation and wider development community.

• Contribute to the development of the MEAL plan in partnership with key stakeholders.

• Provide oversight and review of programme written outputs and deliverables including donor and programme reports.

• Support risk management processes by promptly identifying potential issues and risks in programme implementation and ensure that necessary adjustments are made.

• Ensure ongoing quality assurance and continuous improvement of programme management activities.

• Provide line management to 6 - 8 team members located across Ethiopia in accordance with organisational policies and procedures, ensuring good working environment and professional development of team members.

• Ensure adherence/compliance with Concern Worldwide’s Code of Conduct & Associated Policies (including Programme Participant Protection, Child & vulnerable adult Safeguarding, Anti-Trafficking policies), Conflict of Interest Policy, Anti-Fraud Policy, and Modern Slavery Transparency Statement. Uphold and promote Concern’s values – demonstrating leadership on equality, diversity and inclusion, and role modelling a positive safeguarding ethos.

• Promote and ensure accountability to programme participants and wider communities in line with Concern Worldwide’s commitments under the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and Do No Harm principles and ensure high ethical standards throughout programme implementation.

• All managers are responsible for upholding and promoting Concern’s values, demonstrating leadership on workplace equality, diversity and inclusion, and role modelling a positive safeguarding ethos.

• All managers are required to actively participate in any emergency response as and when required.

Emergency response

Concern is committed to responding to emergencies efficiently and effectively in order to help affected people meet their basic needs, alleviate suffering and maintain their dignity. To this end, when emergencies strike and the Ethiopia Programme is to respond, all staff are required to actively participate in the response, regardless of location and contribute to the efforts aimed at achieving the humanitarian objective of the organization.

Gender Equality

• Demonstrate understanding of Concern Ethiopia’s Gender Equality Strategy

• Contribute to ensuring that Concern Ethiopia is a place where men and women are treated equally and with  dignity and respect 

• Demonstrate gender equality awareness and gender sensitivity and an ability to integrate a gender equality perspective into tasks and activities.

Accountability

In line with Concern’s commitments under the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS): 

• actively promote meaningful community participation and consultation at all stages of the project cycle (planning, implementation, M&E); 

• work with relevant colleagues  to ensure that the Complaints and Response Mechanism (CRM) is functional and accessible, that feedback and complaints are welcomed and addressed; 

• Work with relevant colleagues to ensure that information about CRM, safeguarding and expected staff behavior is disseminated among programme participants and communities.

 Safeguarding

• Able to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, and feel confident that they have been understood.

• Understands local safeguarding structures and arrangements.

• Practice in a manner that seeks to reduce the risk of abuse, harm or neglect.

• Identifies and refers to appropriate services any other associated persons including carers, family members and children at risk.

• Able to document safeguarding concerns, and maintain appropriate record keeping, recording the wishes and views of the adult or child at risk, differentiating between fact and opinion.

Job Requirements

• Advanced degree (master’s or equivalent experience) in education, gender, disability, inclusion, public administration, international development or related field.

• Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in a senior management role of large-scale, multi-million-dollar, complex, multi-partner projects.

• Experience and ability to provide leadership and direction and harness the multi-disciplinary skills of the technical personnel and consortium partners.

• Staff and financial management experience, with experience in leading and motivating individuals and teams to deliver high quality products and achieve programme outcomes. 

• Experience and ability to work with and build effective partnerships between a broad range of stakeholders, including government (both at strategic/policy and service delivery levels), civil society, multilaterals, and other donors.

• Prior experience in operating effectively within complex and high-risk environments and managing the needs of multiple stakeholders.

• Experience working in East Africa, ideally in Ethiopia.

• Understanding of education delivery and education systems reform in Ethiopia, as well as the political, cultural context and challenges in Ethiopia.

• Experience in coordinating and working with the government, particularly within the education sector.

• Strong analytical communication and writing skills, with the ability to articulate complex information backed with evidence to promote and persuade influential stakeholders.

• Fluency in English.

Desirable:

• Prior experience in large FCDO commercial contracts or accountable grants.

• Fluency in one or more Ethiopian languages.

Competencies:  

As this is a key leadership position, potential candidates are expected to demonstrate significant ability in the following areas:

Focusing on the most marginalized people 

Communicating and influencing

Managing risk

Leading change

Making decisions

Driving performance

Leading by example

Removing barriers to delivery

Motivating and developing

We encourage all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or origin, disability, political beliefs, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status to apply to become a part of the organization. Concern is against all forms of discrimination and unequal power relations and is committed to promoting equality. 

If this role sounds right for you, please apply with your CV and cover letter. We will respond to every applicant. Please be aware we may offer positions before the closing date. Concern reserves the right to interview and select the chosen candidate before closing date for receipt of applications, so early application is strongly recommended.

Recruitment for this role is contingent upon the successful award of the project, and the final applicant's selection is subject to FCDO approval.

Important information:

Concern has an organizational Code of Conduct with three Associated Policies: The Programme Participant Protection Policy, the Child Safeguarding Policy, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy accessible here. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organizations, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organization to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in their work, in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Staff Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their contract of employment. By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies. Additionally, Concern is committed to the safeguarding and protection of adults and children in our work. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work or volunteer with adults and children are recruited by us for such roles. Consequently, working or volunteering with Concern may be subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking. 

During this job application, you will provide Concern with your personal data. Concern takes its responsibilities towards this personal data very seriously and is committed to complying with all relevant data protection legislation.  

What we offer

• A competitive salary and benefit package

• Excellent medical benefits (100% cover including dependents)

• 20 days annual leave

• 26 weeks (paid) maternity leave, 18 weeks (unpaid) parental leave

How to Apply

Qualified and interested applicants should send non-returnable C.V., application letter outlining how their experience and education fit this vacancy online using THIS LINK 

please note that no need to submit your supporting documents at this stage:   

Only short listed candidates will be contacted

 Safeguarding at Concern: Code of Conduct and its Associated Policies

Concern has an organisational Code of Conduct (CCoC) with three Associated Policies; the Programme Participant Protection Policy (P4), the Child Safeguarding Policy and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organisation, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organisation to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in the day-to-day conduct in their workplace in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Staff Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their contract of employment. By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies. Additionally, Concern is committed to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults and children in our work. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work or volunteer with vulnerable adults and children are recruited by us for such roles. Subsequently, working or volunteering with Concern is subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking. 

 Women and people with disability applicants are highly encouraged to apply