Country: Ireland
Closing date: 25 Apr 2016
About Plan International
Plan International is a child-centred NGO working in 51 developing countries. With an emphasis on long term sustainable development and emergency response, Plan International assists children and their communities across a range of programmes in areas such as education, livelihoods and child protection.
Established in 2003, Plan International Ireland is a dynamic organisation that supports Plan International’s work worldwide. Funding is received from a variety of sources including through the public via child sponsorship, Irish Aid, EU, ECHO, UN bodies, trusts, foundations, trade unions and corporate firms.
Plan International Ireland engages in both long term development and humanitarian work.
General Description of the Role
Plan International Ireland’s strategic plan has identified thematic and cross-cutting areas where it expects to provide leadership and innovation within the Plan International family, and influence the wider development and humanitarian sector in Ireland. The education advisor will be responsible for strengthening our capacity to deliver on this commitment in the area of education.
You will be part of Plan International Ireland’s Technical Team, but with strong links to the Business Development team in relation to proposal design; and the Programme Implementation team with respect to learning, best practice and monitoring & evaluation.
You will dedicate up to 50% of your time on advocacy and influencing, including networking with strategic partners within civil society, government and other stakeholders in Ireland, as well as within and outside the Plan International confederation.
You will be willing to travel regularly, up to 30%, to Plan International Country Offices to strengthen their technical capacity in education, participate and/or support evaluations and proposal development.
Key Responsibilities
Programme support
- Lead on the development of a thematic education programme for Plan International Ireland that maximises learning, innovation and funding opportunities, in close co-ordination with other members of the Development Unit.
- Support our Programme Implementation team in ensuring that our education-related strategies and grants are being implemented to a high standard, and that they adopt and share best practices.
- Provide technical advice and support in the thematic area of education to Plan International Country Offices to support the design and/or delivery of high-quality programmes.
Advocacy, Learning and knowledge management
- Position and represent Plan International Ireland in relevant bodies and seek to influence policy and decision-makers within and outside the organisation
- Shape our policy and research activities on quality education, including developing policy briefs and position papers
- Capture lessons learned and best practices and develop internal and external mechanisms to knowledge sharing on education programming
- Conduct learning events on education methodology and best practice
- Identify funding opportunities, and if possible secure funding for research work and pilots
Other
- Contribute actively to Plan International Ireland’s Development Unit, sharing ideas and experience to ensure the implementation of our Programme strategy and to ensure education programme quality
Essential attributes
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience ideally in related field including at least 2 in a developing country
- Educated to degree level, ideally on a related field
- Proven technical expertise in education programming
- Experience of advocacy/policy on education issues
- Knowledge of programme cycle management, with a specific focus on monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of education programmes
- Experience in application of the Child Rights Based Approach to development
- Prior experience in training, facilitation and capacity-building
- Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills
- Excellent command of written and spoken English
- Willingness to travel to Plan International country programmes
Desirable attributes
- Fluency in French
- Knowledge of working in West Africa and/or Asia.
How to apply:
To apply
Send CV with cover letter, including a response to each filter question (below) to HR@plan.ie. To discuss the role call Emanuela Burello, Development Programmes Co-ordinator on 01-6599601.
Filter Questions
Current remuneration (salary + benefits)
Desired salary / remuneration - please advise of minimum salary required and expected benefits
Notice period (in weeks and/or months)
Applicants should have a valid work permit at the time of applying to enable them to work in Ireland.
Closing date is 25th April 2016
Please note:
- This document is not intended to be an exhaustive job description - it serves only as an overview of the role.
- Plan International Ireland regrets that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted in relation to their application.
- Garda checks and clearance are essential prior to job offer as part of Plan International Ireland’s child protection controls.