Refugee Education Trust Programme Manager

Reporting lines: under the supervision of the Regional Director based in Nairobi.

Location: the incumbent will be based in Bujumbura, Burundi, with frequent travels to the provinces.

Deadline for applications: November 12th, 2012.

Starting date: February 1st, 2013, depending on approval of the working agreement by the Burundian authorities.

Salary: commensurate with experience, plus housing allowance and international insurance.

Background information:

The RET (Refugee Education Trust), headquartered in Geneva, with offices around the world, was founded in December 2000 by Mrs. Sadako Ogata, then United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in response to a crying but barely addressed need for greater access to and quality of post-primary education for refugees, returnees and the internally displaced. The RET is an independent, impartial, non-partisan organisation, with no religious or political affiliation. In Burundi since July 2005, the RET has implemented a comprehensive support programme for strategically-selected secondary schools in areas of high return in order to accompany the return of students and teachers whom the RET had assisted in refugee camps in Tanzania from 2002 to 2005. Since 2011, the RET also works as UNHCR’s Implementing Partner in the three Congolese refugee camps in Burundi on a project of non-formal education as well as the management of tertiary education scholarships (DAFI). Programme activities planned for 2013 include construction of school latrines and rehabilitation and repair of sanitary facilities in selected of secondary schools, health & hygiene training, peace education, literacy and numeracy training and the provision of educational materials.

Primary responsibilities:

To coordinate and supervise all construction and education activities by following project proposals’ objectives and results, and adhering to the procedures agreed with donors and implementing partners;

To oversee and manage the financial aspects of the programme: bookkeeping of accounting records, ensuring that project administration and financial transactions are always in conformity with the grant’s specific conditions, maintaining an accurate budget monitoring to rapidly identify and report any significant variances in close coordination with the Nairobi-based Finance Supervisor;

To monitor programme progress and quality, and ensure adherence to organisational and internationally recognised standards of implementation (particularly the INEE Minimum Standards for Education);

To identify programme needs and gaps, and write project proposals (narrative and financial) to address the identified needs, in co-ordination with the Nairobi-based Regional Director and Geneva-based Chief, Education Programmes;

To prepare bi-weekly SITREPS and ensure the effective flow of information between operations in Burundi and the RET’s regional office in Nairobi as well as headquarters in Geneva;

To produce quality donor narrative and financial reports in co-ordination with the Regional Director and HQ Senior Management;

To be responsible for recruitment, performance management and staff development. This will include ensuring that all staff members have performance objectives and are managed according to performance;

To build a strong staff team;

To represent the RET towards donors, international and national organisations in Burundi;

To perform other duties as assigned by the Nairobi Regional Office and Geneva headquarters.

Secondary responsibilities:

To enhance the visibility of the organisation;

To organise field visits of the RET Senior Management and occasional other visitors;

Requirements, skills and competences:

Excellent verbal and written skills in both French and English, solid drafting/reporting skills essential;

At least five years experience of managing and developing humanitarian programmes of a significant size and within a chronic conflict or post-conflict environment;

Proven record of good human resources and financial management – including experience of proposal/budget writing and donor reporting, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting and performance management;

Demonstrated experience in community based construction activities as well as non-formal education programmes, in particular peace education programmes;

Strong knowledge of procurement, contract negotiations and administration;

Understanding of donor guidelines and regulations;

Excellent communication, diplomacy and capacity building skills;

Ability to manage processes, maintain focus on objectives rather than problem details;

Excellent organisational skills including the ability to strategically prioritise and meet deadlines;

Ability to work flexibly and under difficult circumstances;

Holder of a valid international driver’s license;

PC proficiency, including word processing (MS Word) and spreadsheets (MS Excel)

To be familiar with and abide by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Code of Conduct, to which the RET is a signatory. The RET considers the Code of Conducts a mandatory part of each employee contract and each implementing partner contract.

How to apply: 

We request applicants to send detailed CVs including name and contact details of three references and a supporting cover letter drawing attention to relevant competencies, successful challenges and experience of the applicant to:retburundirecruitment@gmail.com