PURPOSE OF POSITION: World Vision DRC seeks a Program Manager for the GAC-funded Equality for Girls’ Access to Learning (EGAL) project, serving from January 2020 to December 2022. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in working with various stakeholders to improve girls’ access to education in fragile contexts and be passionate about contributing to a more inclusive, safer future for girls in DRC. Within the context of a nexus framework, bridging emergency response and development scenarios, EGAL is an inclusive, gender-transformative, quality education and learning project. It aims to increase the gender-responsiveness of local, provincial and national education systems in the conflict-affected territories of Rutshuru (North Kivu) and Luiza (Kasai Central) by improving agency, access and educational outcomes, particularly for girls, vulnerable children and young women. In the first pillar, EGAL will increase equitable access to quality, inclusive, safe, secure, gender-transformative and conflict-sensitive education for vulnerable children and youth, particularly girls, in primary and secondary education, with a specific focus on transition from primary to secondary schooling. In the second pillar, EGAL will improve provision by local, provincial and national authorities of quality, inclusive, safe, secure, gender-responsive and innovative education and learning services, including GBV prevention/response and conflict resolution, for vulnerable girls, children and youth in conflict-affected communities. Built into both project pillars is a research agenda and establishment of an evidence base about barriers and enablers to education for girls in conflict, and activities advocating for changes that will improve the lives of girls and women. WV will conduct research with academic partners to understand the social changes taking place in conflict contexts, which impact girls’ access to education and their learning outcomes. Based on findings from the study, EGAL will recommend policy and program solutions that mitigate barriers to and strengthen enablers of girls’ education. The program manager will be based in Goma, but will be expected to travel frequently (up to 75% of the time) to the field locations of Rutshuru (North Kivu) and Luiza (Kasai Central). The PM will take the lead on overseeing program implementation and the work of projects officers. The PM will be accountable for supporting the strategic vision and overall leadership to the project team and will be managing the direct on the ground implementation, technical assistance and implementation methodology. S/he will also oversee the relationships with partners and sub-grantees and will be implementing activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, ensuring that all contractual requirements of the award are met. The PM will support the preparation and submissions of technical and financial reports requested by GAC/the donor and will help to coordinate assistance with key governmental counterparts and other critical stakeholders. Key for success in this role is the ability to build staff capacity for program activities, ensure that monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place to improve and measure its direct impact, represent World Vision in national fora and share best practices regarding World Vision’s experiences in increasing access to and quality of basic education, especially for the most vulnerable girls. A commitment to prioritizing gender equality in all aspects of project management, from staff recruitment to project implementation, is of paramount importance. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and lead operational and technical components of the program, including local subcontractors.
• Provide consistent oversight and guidance to project operational and logistical aspects, and manage field-based operations in targeted sub-provinces.
• Manage and oversee the project grants program, ensuring compliance and technical quality throughout the grants lifecycle.
• Collaborate with provincial team leaders and component leads to ensure that program activities are results-oriented, result in high quality deliverables, and meet relevant reporting requirements.
• Oversee adherence to implementation schedule and work plan, ensuring synergies and cohesion between the various result areas and geographic areas.
• Engage in technical meetings, and maintain positive relationships with DRC government officials, partners, and implementing partners.
• Closely monitor zonal level activities, identify challenges and develop appropriate and sustainable solutions with guidance from the Eastern Zone Director and other program staff.
• Develop and modify as necessary the technical work plans and budget.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with district level government ministries, local and international partners and other stakeholders for the smooth implementation of project activities.
• Engage with relevant key technical stakeholders at the national and county level including basic education and professional development for teachers.
• Oversee the development of timely, accurate and appropriate reporting of project activities and results for submission to the donor, including progress and annual reports.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Required:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in education, public/business administration, international relations, other social sciences, or a similar relevant field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience, including at least five years' overseas experience with technical or operational issues related to a mix of education and development, gender-based violence, policy development, decentralization, education in emergencies, and community engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government representatives, for-profit private sector entities, local community organizations, donors, consortium members and other stakeholders, at national and sub-national levels.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in building Ministry of Education and devolved structures capacity in developing and realizing education strategic plans to provide quality Education services.
• Demonstrated experience of supervising and mentoring technical staff.
• Demonstrated in-depth understanding of the dynamics in DRC Education system.
• Familiarity with GAC administrative, management and reporting procedures and systems.
• Proven track record managing in managing pay by results project.
• Strong management skills, leadership qualities, professional reputation, ability to create synergies where applicable, interpersonal skills, and written and oral presentation skills to fulfil the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the project description.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English (professional level proficiency) and French.
• Experience in the African region, West/Central Africa, and DRC or other fragile and conflict affected countries is preferred.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Work Environment:

• Work environment: Based in Goma, DRC with frequent travel (up to 75%) in the field in Rutshuru and in Kasai Central.
• May be required to perform other duties not explicitly stated in this job description