Mali: Education in Emergency Specialist
Country: Mali
Closing date: 10 Sep 2013
THIS IS A 6 MONTHS CONSULTANCY CONTRACT
This position is responsible for assessment, response analysis, design and implementation of the education components of Plan’s emergency response. S/he will need to co-ordinate with other Emergency Response team members and Plan staff, especially Implementation Management, protection and other relevant technical sectors, to ensure a rapid, proportionate and effective response. S/he will need to ensure response to immediate child education issues with simultaneous consideration of longer term needs and possible scenarios. The specialist may be expected to take a very active role in technical co-ordination, support and advocacy with the country specific education Clusters and other stakeholders and technical agencies relevant to the sector.
Responsibilities and Tasks
Assessment
• Provide sectoral leadership and expertise in the assessment.
• Conduct initial rapid assessment of current situation in collaboration with local specialists and affected population; determine priorities and immediate activities and resources
• Review, assess and update the child protection situation in areas affected by emergency (including, but not limited to the regions of Segou, Koulikoro, Kayes and Mopti)
• Highlight education issues requiring a response – both immediate (less than 2 months) and medium term and make recommendations on specific Plan actions required. Ensure core commitments to children are taken into consideration.
• Represent Plan to child and other protection clusters, stakeholders and Governmental and non-Governmental agencies (and military where present) for the purposes of the protection aspects of the assessment.
• Assess in-country resources, human, material and financial for response with relevant staff and agencies and assist in capacity building of national staff.
• Identify potential partnerships to implement recommendations, assess potential partners where available or make recommendations on how to fill gaps.
Program Design
• Define aims and objectives of the overall emergency education program.
• In collaboration with national and international Education and Child Protection Actors, map current institutional response capacities – including conducting an education specific 4Ws (What, When, Where and Who).
• In collaboration with Education Actors, develop a realistic evidence-based, education program plan, including both programmatic and advocacy activities (results oriented).
• Design most appropriate education interventions based on the outcomes of assessments and the context.
• Ensure that issues of gender, protection, DRR, and conflict sensitivity are factored into the program design.
• Ensure Plan’s guidelines and UN education cluster standards are considered and any departures documented.
• Work in close collaboration with other program specialists to ensure that emergency interventions build upon each other and link in to longer term programming.
• Develop an education Program Plan, concept papers, and proposals in respect of the above.
Response Management and Implementation
• Work closely with the relevant implementation manager(s) to ensure that the implementation of relevant activities are planned and implemented in a phased and prioritised manner in full consultation and co-ordination with all relevant agencies both governmental and non-governmental.
• Provide technical guidance and direction to plan for effective planning, implementation and monitoring of agreed education plans with special emphasis on the most vulnerable children and their families.
• Make frequent field visits to all affected areas to monitor implementation of activities, identify opportunities and constraints and any adjustments needed including additional staffing or staff training or other.
• Design and develop appropriate surveillance, monitoring and evaluation systems for education interventions.
• In coordination with Child Protection staff, support the Monitoring and reporting of child protection concerns and violations of child rights commitments embodied in the UNCRC, resolution 1612 and other legal instruments.
• Ensure early and rigorous implementation of quality and accountability mechanisms.
Response Reporting & Evaluation
• Evaluate the implementation of Plan child protection activities and draft recommendations for improved program design
• Prepare education interventions reports to serve as standalone deliverables or to be included in larger emergency response reports for both donor and internal purposes.
Information and Co-ordination
• Provide regular updates to Emergency Response Manager and emergency team on progress, priorities and constraints – verbally and in writing on an agreed frequency.
• Engage and follow up with relevant implementation manager(s)
• Represent Plan to governmental and non-governmental groups as needed and agreed with the Team Leader.
• Support the implementation of, and represent Plan in, emergency education coordination mechanisms including any relevant cluster.
• Brief updates and reports on sectoral activities/strategies to donors and other stakeholders.
Core Competencies
• Ability to work independently and as a team player
• Well developed written and oral communication skills.
• Works with trustworthiness and integrity and has a clear of humanitarian principles.
• Ability to operate effectively under extreme circumstances including stress, high security risks and harsh living conditions
• Awareness and sensitivity of self and others
• Well planned and organized
• Knowledge of INEE, Sphere and the Red Cross/ NGO Code of Conduct.
• Humanitarian aid experience.
• Fluency in French. English is an asset.
• Multiple language skills desirable.
Technical Competencies required for this position are
• Proven professional experience in education, child protection, psychosocial support, humanitarian affairs, human rights, and related fields.
• Minimum of one successful assignment in an emergency situation/context;
• Have a good knowledge and understanding of DO NO HARM principles and established international child protection standards (especially UNCRC)
• Experience with participatory approaches to education, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, or other related area. Experience in the country of potential assignment is an asset.
• University degree in Education or related field with good knowledge of Protection Principles and Emergency Response
How to apply:
Next Steps
Please forward all applications to: planmali.recruitment@plan-international.org
Your application should include:
• A covering letter
• A comprehensive CV
• Details of 2 referees, one of whom should be your current supervisor
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Plan is an equal opportunities employer, committed to the protection of children and gender equity and our recruitment procedure reflect this.
