Reporting to the ECD Coordinator, The ECD Technical Senior Manager ensures that the design, content, technical implementation and monitoring of the IRC’s ECD programming are in line with appropriate technical guidelines and meet high quality standards. The position is responsible for the integration of Ahlan Simsim content and approaches across a diversity of delivery platforms, oversees the adaptation and development of content, educational materials and training packages, as well as quality execution of capacity building plans. The position plays a key role in ensuring harmonization of best practices across different programmatic components, geographical areas and implementing partners, and in representing the ECD program in technical and sector coordination fora.

The Early Childhood Development Senior Manager is responsible for four key objectives:

1.Development and Adaptation of technical materials: lead the technical review, adaptation and development of curriculums, educational materials and technical tools caregiver and child focused programs.

2.Quality of program implementation: develop benchmarks and standards in coordination with the IRC’s Technical Units, to monitor overall program quality and implementation of caregiver and child focused programs.

3.Training and capacity building: oversee the development of training packages and workshops, and the execution of capacity building plans for staff, ECD facilitators and partner organizations.

4.Representation: Represent IRC and the Ahlan Simsim program at strategic meetings and events, serving as the technical focal point in sector coordination and advocacy fora and activities that require co-design of materials in collaboration with implementing partners and government authorities.

Major Responsibilities:

Development and adaptation of technical materials

• In collaboration with IRC’s Technical Units (HQ, Region), lead the review, adaptation and development of technical materials for IRC and implementing partners programs;
• Directly supervise and structure the work of curriculum development consultants
• Support the development or selection of strategies, technical materials and tools for pilots and initiatives related to cross-sector integration of ECD activities in country;
• Keep abreast of new developments of technical design, strategies and best practices in the ECD field;  

Quality of program implementation

• Develop benchmarks and standards in coordination with the regional and HQ TU, to monitor overall program quality;
• In collaboration with the RMEAL team, ensure efficient monitoring and evaluation of the program’s quality, with lessons learned and feedback loop feeding into adaptations and decision-making;
• Analyze technical gaps and program impact at the community level for quality and content-related activities/services;
• Conduct regular observation and monitoring of activities and share recommendations to improve the quality of program implementation;

Training and capacity building

• Lead on the design, planning and implementation of Training of Trainers (ToT), teacher trainings and capacity building workshops;
• Oversee the adaptation and development of training packages and the execution of capacity building plans for staff, ECD facilitators and partner organizations.·

Representation and communication

• Represent the IRC and Ahlan Simsim program in coordination meetings and events with INGO, NGOs, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders;
• Act as key technical focal point for relevant ECD partnerships, especially the ones involving co-design of ECD educational content and materials;
• Contribute in the design and development of advocacy messages and communication materials to increase the visibility and impact of the ECD/Ahlan Simsim program.
• Contribute to high quality and timely donor reports in collaboration with ECD colleagues and other relevant IRC departments;

Human Resources Management

•  Build capacity of the team under his/her supervision, providing ongoing coaching and support to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions;
• Take responsibility for discussing job expectations, performance, and objectives on an informal, quarterly basis as a part of the annual Performance Review and Planning Process;
• Identify individual training needs and ensure access to training and professional development resources appropriate to their skill gaps/needs.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit, oversight and advise;
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures;

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Integrated ECD Coordinator

Position directly supervises: 1 Senior Technical and Quality Officer based in Beirut, with technical reporting lines to 3 ECD Quality Officers based in the field. The position also supervises the work of temporary content development consultants.

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Beirut and Field Managers, Senior Officers and Officers; IRC Operations and Support Departments; ECD Technical Units (HQ/Region), Ahlan Simsim Regional Team, IRC Sector Coordinators (Education, ERD, WPE, Protection and Child Protection).

External: Relevant government entities (MEHE, CERD, MOSA, etc.), local NGOs and INGOs, UN agencies, local ECD stakeholders, New York University and donors.