CARE is a leading global humanitarian and development organization. In Pakistan, CARE started its operations in 2005 and since then has supported the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to reduce poverty and suffering of the people affected by disasters. CARE’s programs focus on helping Pakistan achieve its Sustainable Development Goals especially in the areas of Health, Education, Women’s Economic Empowerment and Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR). Since starting operations in Pakistan, CARE has responded with life-saving support to a series of large-scale disasters. Through emergency programs, CARE International in Pakistan (CIP) has provided relief, recovery and rehabilitation support to millions of Pakistanis affected by disastrous floods, earthquakes and displacement. CIP works through its local partners and a range of stakeholders for development, as well as emergency response related interventions, which makes collaboration a key component of its work, across the country. We are a nationally inclusive organization that strives to support the most vulnerable communities all over Pakistan, with particular attention to women and girls and youth.

Project Overview:

Education specialist will be part  of the three-year project, the project right now is in it’s 2^nd year; Goal of the project is to improve the well-being of the most vulnerable community children - especially girls and those with disabilities - through the provision of inclusive, equitable and sustainable quality education in a safe and accessible learning environment.

The project is addressing core education improvements for vulnerable communities. It aligns with the National Education Policy recommendations for preparation of future emergencies, school safety, risk assessment, rehabilitation, and disaster management plans for continuation of education services. Furthermore, it is developed in alignment with the objectives of the provincial Education Sector Plans and School Safety Framework by strengthening capacities of teachers, children, and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to mitigate risks in and around schools, and to build school and community level resilience to emergencies. The project  is implemented in 3 districts of KPK and 2 districts of Balochistan.

I. Job Summary:

Provide technical assistance to Education and Education in Emergencies programming of CARE. The role will involve capacity building, adaptation of education manuals, blended approaches, capacity building of teachers and PTSMCs, introduction of new approaches for marginalized children, evidence generation, representation, and coordination in multiple forums. The role will be reporting directly to the Senior Project Manager-EiE.

II. Job Responsibilities and Task

Education Portfolio Management and Quality Assurance

• Implement strategies to enhance the quality of education services, with a focus on improving access, quality, and improved learning outcomes.
• Conduct need assessments and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of education projects to track progress and make data-driven adjustments.
• Provide training and mentoring to project staff, partner organizations, and communities to improve education practices and knowledge.
• Ensure high-quality and timely reporting to donors on the progress and impact of education initiatives.
• Promote gender equity and inclusion throughout education programs, ensuring that women and marginalized groups have a voice in decision-making processes.
• Engage with Project Managers and CO Communications team in documenting lessons learnt and use results for program quality improvement in CIP programs and program partners.

Resource Mobilization and Program Development:

• Proactively establish new partnerships with NGOs, government departments, academic and research institutes, private sector entities. These partnerships should aim to foster innovative project designs that add substantial value to education initiatives.
• Participate in relevant meetings at the national and policy levels within the designated areas of work. Your involvement should contribute to advancing the organization's educational development agenda.
• Network with potential donors to promote CARE's education program solutions and craft competitive project concepts and proposals. The goal is to secure the necessary resources to fund education projects effectively.
• Develop a comprehensive learning agenda and oversee relevant research initiatives. The research should emphasize evidence-based best practices and policy solutions, benefiting both local and national educational contexts.
• Organize external forums, including learning events, conferences, and expert panel sessions. These events should serve as a platform to showcase thought leadership based on the evidence and insights derived from CARE's education programs.
• Work as lead writer for education idea note, concept note and the project proposals for variety for donors

External Relations and Partnership Development:

• Initiate, cultivate, and nurture relationships with donors, government authorities, and partner organizations to facilitate the development and expansion of education initiatives.
• Lead the development of comprehensive and sector-specific proposals and budgets for education projects, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and donor requirements.
• Integrate issues related to protection, gender, livelihoods, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and environmental impact into education program designs. Consider local conditions, resources, customs, and cultural norms to promote program sustainability.
• Represent the organization's work in education and other development projects, as needed, in interactions with local authorities, donors, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate and actively engage with colleagues from technical, operational, and strategic program units to identify funding opportunities for education development work. This includes both current operational areas and new geographic regions.
• Promote the adoption of best practices in education programming and ensure that field teams incorporate these practices into their programs. Enable staff to present these practices at local and global forums to enhance program visibility and impact.

Contribute towards staff development initiatives

• Proactively contribute to CARE’s internal management processes and employee engagement initiatives.
• Support staff capacity building and wellness initiatives.

Representation & Advocacy & Organizational Learning

• Pro-actively identify advocacy opportunities, case studies and research opportunities which link with wider organizational strategic objectives and turn these into action.
• Develop strategic relationship with donor’s organizations and position CARE for multi-sector programming.
• Work and serve as a technical lead for education related  new project designs and technical writing of the new concept note and proposals.

Any other task as assigned by the supervisor.

• Any other tasks or responsibilities based on organizational, and programming need as assigned by Line Manager.
• Safety and Security is everyone’s responsibility within CI through full compliance and accountability (as per Principle of the CARE International Safety & Security Principles).

III. Problem Solving

Levels one and two of problem solving apply to the incumbent. The incumbent will be involved in daily routine activities, s/he also uses interpolative skills to pick and choose the right solution to address given problems.

IV. Qualifications (Know How)

a) Education/Training/Experience

Required

• Advanced degree in education, social sciences and/or a related field. Additional training in curriculum development, adaptation and training teachers is needed.
• Additional experience of teaching is an asset.
• Experience of managing or part of the technical education team for USAID/DOS or FCDO funded project (preferable).
• Recommended a minimum of 5-8 years of relevant technical experience including two years at senior level or administration of an education system or an I/NGO.
• Strong knowledge of international best practices in education and educational policies.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively in diverse and cross-cultural settings.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills.
• Working with children and teachers, education department, curriculum wings is desirable.
• Sound knowledge of protection in humanitarian aid context
• Proven capacity to supervise, and coach staff on education related interventions.
• Experience of designing and managing major donor projects and understanding of donor compliance
• Experience of managing technical aspects of projects implemented by local partners
• Ability to analyse information, evaluate options, and think and plan strategically
• Experience in representing an organization in the coordination mechanism in emergency contexts.
• Experience in working with refugees and returnees
• Ability to write clear and well-argued project reports
• Experience of fund raising, proposal writing is highly desirable
• Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with high levels of ambiguity and able to take decisions independently in fluid context.
• Commitment to CARE values and Safeguarding.

Required:  Essential

d) Competencies:

• Respect, accountability, building commitment, stress tolerance, collaboration, contributing to team success, customer focus and information monitoring.  
• Team work – Able to work effectively with other people within a work group.
• Writing – Able to communicate ideas and information in writing to ensure that information and messages are understood and have the desired impact.

V. Working Conditions and Level of Travel Required

The position is based in Islamabad with around 30% travel to field as per organizational and function requirement.

CARE  participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we hereby request information from candidate’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the candidate left employment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Note: Individuals can apply using Brightspyre or send their resumes directly to [email protected] clearly mentioning the position title in the subject line of the email, before the stated deadline. Please share your current as well as salary expectation along with the CV.