Organization Overview:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933, IRC operates in over 40 countries, delivering lasting impact by restoring dignity and hope to millions.
Position Overview:
The Project Manager will lead the Playful Education Pathways in Ethiopia (PEPE) initiative, a three-year project in partnership with Luminos Fund, Emmanuel Development Association (EDA), and other actors. The project strengthens cost-effective, government-supported alternative learning pathways for out-of-school children in conflict-affected regions of Amhara and Tigray, emphasizing crisis-responsive, play-based learning and accelerated education models.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee day-to-day management of project activities, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and quality standards
- Supervise and support implementing partners to deliver high-quality community/home-based learning interventions
- Monitor progress against targets and indicators; conduct field visits, data reviews, and reflection sessions
- Coordinate with local education authorities, community structures, and partners to align project implementation with regional priorities
- Manage budgets and ensure compliance with approved work plans and donor requirements
- Facilitate stakeholder coordination, including joint planning, review meetings, and reporting
- Build local ownership by engaging community leaders, caregivers, and volunteers
- Lead team capacity building, coaching, and professional development
- Support crisis response planning and learning continuity during conflicts, displacement, or natural disasters
- Supervise data collection, analysis, and reporting in collaboration with MEAL teams; document lessons learned
- Ensure adherence to IRC policies, donor compliance standards, safeguarding, and child protection protocols
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, or related field
- Minimum 4 years of experience managing education or Education in Emergencies (EiE) programs in humanitarian contexts
- Minimum 3 years’ experience working on alternative learning pathways for out-of-school children
- Experience in project implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and supervision of staff and partners
- Strong team management, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management tools
- Ability to work independently, manage change, and prioritize tasks effectively
- Proficient in English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage
Professional Standards:
All IRC staff adhere to IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct: Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. Policies cover safeguarding, beneficiary protection, anti-harassment, fiscal integrity, and protection from exploitation and abuse.
Gender Equality & Inclusion:
IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions and providing an enabling environment for women, including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits.