The role
In the DRC, at the national level, only 8% of children aged 7 to 14 have a functioning reading level, and 1% can calculate (MICS 2018), while the attendance rate at the provincial level ranges from 57% to 92%. Among all these children, there are disparities in access, quality of education, experiences in and out of school, and demands and risks in communities. Sexual violence, early marriage or childbirth, mine work, and recruitment and use for armed groups are among the most severe risks for children in the DRC.

The Technical Director will lead the programme team on an anticipated five - year USAID-funded Child and Youth Education Response Activity (CYERA) program in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The program focuses on increasing access to responsive education services for crisis- and conflict-affected Congolese children and youth as well as improving the delivery of quality, gender- and crisis-responsive foundational education instruction for communities of Ituri, North, and South Kivu.

The Technical Director is responsible for overseeing the technical delivery of education programming to crisis- and conflict-affected children and youth to increase education opportunities and programs that deliver quality instruction responsible to the social and emotional needs of teachers and educators affected by crisis and conflict. S/he is responsible for ensuring the technical and methodological soundness of activities, and in collaboration with the project technical team and partners, support the design of service delivery strategies. S/he incorporates best practices to ensure program results area achieved.

Qualifications and Experience
* Bachelor’s degree in Education, International Development or related field is required; Master’s degree in Education preferred.
* Minimum five years’ experience with progressively increasing responsibility for designing, managing, and implementing complex education programming in developing countries involving multiple stakeholders and implementing partners
* At least three years of experience providing technical leadership on large-scale USAID funded projects and designing and implementing education programming, preferably in West Africa
* Demonstrated hands-on experience in building Ministry of Education capacity to provide safe education opportunities in formal and non-formal school settings.
* Ability to collaborate and liaise with senior MoE officials, other USAID implementing partners, other relevant education sector programs, and senior members of the donor community
* Proven track record managing a project team composed of technical experts from multi-cultural backgrounds and fostering team work
* Strengths in inspiring and enabling other through training, and capacity building to realize objectives
* Ability to gain support from staff across teams and to build the capacity of others;
* Sound strategic thinking and planning skills, including ability to think creatively and innovate and to set priorities, manageable work plans and evaluate progress;
* Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations
* Creative problem solving skills with the ability to work effectively in resource-constrained environments is important
* Experience with and commitment to approaches of accountability to populations, including children, affected by crises or conflicts.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills in French and English.
* Demonstrated ability to influence change at an operational and strategic level.
* Sensitive to political and cultural issues, and able to demonstrate patience, tact and diplomacy.
* Ability and willingness to be very flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes dangerous working circumstances.
* Commitment to SC goals and principles. A perfect understanding, in particular, of SC's mandate and the priority given to children, and the ability to ensure that it remains at the heart of the assistance we provide

Desirable
* Language skills in Swahili, Nande or other eastern languages of the country are an advantage.
* Knowledge of gender equity and transformative concepts

Contract length: 05 Years

The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
* No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
* All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
* Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:
Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document. Please also include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Applicants are advised that Save the Children International does not require any payment or expense during the entire recruitment process. Any request in this direction should be immediately reported as contrary to the values and practices of our organization.