Technical Director at IRC (International Rescue Committee)

Scope:

The Technical Director (TD) will support the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) in overseeing IR Leads and managing the coordination, standardization, and quality assurance of all project activities executed by multiple local partners. This role involves collaborating with the Capacity Building Advisor to strengthen the technical, administrative, and financial capacities of local partners to promote sustainability and localization across the 4 AQBE IRs. Under the guidance of the DCOP and IRC’s senior management, the TD will ensure the technical integrity and methodological soundness of all project approaches, directly supervising the 4 IR leads for the AQBE PMU. The TD will also design and manage all technical implementation activities to achieve project goals. This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Note: Selection of the final candidate is subject to USAID approval.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to define and execute activities that maximize impact toward project objectives, ensuring technical coordination, adaptation, development, harmonization, and delivery across the 4 IRs.
• Develop and ensure the implementation of technical tools, resources, and approaches, including desk reviews, harmonized tools, and stakeholder engagement, aligning with standard implementation policies and procedures across the 4 IRs.
• Adapt and refine methodologies and technical strategies for all technical activities to ensure effective delivery across the 4 IRs.
• Maintain regular communication and coordination with the DCOP and key home office staff regarding technical development and implementation matters.
• Manage the technical team (IR Leads), enhancing their ability to deliver high-quality education programs, in collaboration with the Capacity Building Advisor, and arrange for additional STTA as needed to support technical development across the 4 IRs.
• Collaborate with consortium partners to review technical content before implementation and provide joint technical assistance as required.
• Conduct regular site visits, when possible, to provide technical guidance, monitor project activities, and ensure proper implementation.
• Prepare technical components for annual work plans, draft quarterly reports, and ensure timely achievement of project technical objectives and deliverables.
• Coordinate with the Ministry of Education, other relevant ministries, and key stakeholders on technical issues for seamless project implementation, in collaboration with the DCOP and COP.
• Represent IRC in relevant technical advisory/working groups and professional forums, working closely with the DCOP and COP.
• Contribute technical inputs to monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports for USAID.

• Experience: A minimum of 7 years in senior technical leadership roles focused on enhancing the quality of education in crisis-affected contexts.
• Education: Master’s degree in education, with a preference for a specialization in early grade reading, curriculum development, or reading instruction.
• Community-Based Education: Proven experience in supporting resilient, community-based education initiatives, including risk reduction and community-driven contingency planning.
• Program Design and Delivery: Experience in developing and implementing education programs aimed at expanding access in underserved areas, enhancing safety and well-being for students and teachers.
• Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrated ability to integrate equity-focused approaches into education programs, addressing gender, ethnicity, and disability inclusion.
• Innovation and Access: Skilled in fostering and sustaining educational access for vulnerable groups, including women and girls, through innovative approaches.
• Participatory and Gender-Sensitive Programming: Success in implementing participatory, flexible, and gender-sensitive programs.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to perform effectively under pressure and communicate across cultural contexts.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is essential.