Education Coordinator

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Background/IRC Summary:  

International Rescue Committee (IRC) is an apolitical, non-profit, and non-religious humanitarian organization that provides assistance to refugees around the world. IRC implements programs to promote durable solutions for displaced persons, refugees and host communities through public health, sanitation, shelter, rehabilitation, and education projects. IRC has been serving refugees since 1933 and is present in 40 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as through a resettlement support program in the United States. IRC is an organization committed to freedom, human dignity, and self-reliance. This commitment translates into well-planned resettlement assistance, emergency global relief, rehabilitation, and advocacy for refugees.

The IRC started operations in Cameroon in 2016 to respond to the increasing concerns for people affected by violence linked to Boko Haram, in the Far North of the country. Assistance to displaced populations extends across the Far North, notably Mayo Sava and Logone & Chari through two field offices in Kousseri and Makary. This includes delivering lifesaving cash programming to enable economically disadvantaged families to meet basic needs and improve food security, education programming and protection services to address children’s learning and safety needs and priorities. IRC also delivers protection programming to address gender-based violence for women and girls and support to victim of human right violation.

Following the increasing crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon, the IRC expanded its operations into the South-West region in August 2018 and into the North-West in 2019. The IRC is delivering lifesaving humanitarian assistance to internally displaced populations, with field bases in Bamenda and Mamfe.

Job Overview/Summary:

Under the supervision of the Deputy Direction of Program, the Education Technical Coordinator will be responsible for the overall strategy, management, coordination, and implementation of education activities across the country.

Guarantor of the sectoral intervention’s quality, he/she will have to lead and oversee a constructive working environment conducive to learning, analysis of problems and challenges, and identification of solutions, always with the objective of ensuring accountability to clients and the donor. He/she will be responsible for ensuring that strong monitoring and technical quality, overseeing budget and Grant management, the creation and dissemination of training materials, and managing relationships with external actors including government authorities, humanitarian working groups and project partners. Additionally ensure that IRC is represented in the forum and coordination group in the field and that it is aligned with the policies of the Ministry of Education of Cameroon (MINEDUB).

In line with Strategy 100, IRC Cameroon emphasizes on integrated programming, the Education Project Manager will lead the integration of education activities and will also work closely with national coordinators covering other sectors such as Economic Recovery and Development (ERD), Environmental Health (EH/WASH), Women Protection and Empowerment (WPE), Child Protection (CP) and Protection and Rule of Law (PRoL).

Main responsibilities

• Program Development and Design

• Provide strategic direction, leadership and overall technical and management support to education programs in Cameroon
• Lead and/or contribute to project design processes for new or adapted education programming, including the development of budgets, proposal narratives, log frames, and other supporting documents
• Utilize the IRC’s Outcomes and Evidence Framework (OEF) and related theories of change in project design and promote understanding of OEF tools among education staff
• Coordinate closely and liaise regularly with the Deputy Director of Programs, and grants unit to ensure quality grant management
• Support the technical project team to produce high-quality reports and ensure timely submission.
• Coordinate with the M&E unit to produce a robust M&E system for the sector.
•  Ensure that key learnings are extracted from education implementation, and incorporate them in program and staff development processes
• Coordinate education program activities with other IRC sectors to ensure program integration
• Organize joint planning meetings with the implementing partner
• Plan quarterly review meetings with partners and facilitate the organization of joint field missions with the partner.

2. Programme implementation and Monitoring

• Lead the education team to implement timely, effective, and high-quality project activities in line with identified needs, donor requirements, and strategic objectives and indicators
• In close coordination with the Education Manager, country of field Procurement and Finance team and MEAL Coordinator, ensure all education projects have detailed implementation plans, detailed spending plans, monitoring plans, and procurement plans which are reviewed and updated periodically.
• Manage the projects budget in coordination with program and finance team in country
• Monitor and oversee project budgets and performance and ensure that projects implementation is on course as per the detailed implementation plans and phased budgets.
• In coordination with Education Manager and Deputy Director of Programme, conduct budget monitoring, suggest necessary revisions and prepare draft reports.
• Ensure that the budget monitoring reports are responded to in time and with accurate information.

3. Technical quality

• Ensure that all projects are implemented in accordance with global technical guidelines and best practices in the education sector
• Liaise with Education Technical Advisors regularly and proactively, and pursue technical guidance as needed
• Stay abreast of developments in the IRC Education Technical Unit and global working groups related to new tools and guidelines
• Identify, monitor and report unmet needs and make informed recommendations to senior management on the capacity of the IRC to address identified needs
• Provide technical assistance including supportive supervision to IRC and partner education staff.
• Contribute to the technical interpretation of M&E data and apply output and outcome indicator findings to improve program quality
• Support the development and maintenance of a coherent education strategy across IRC’s areas of intervention in Cameroon

4. HR and Team Management

• Supervise and provide technical support to Education Manager and other education staff to implement IRC education programs to a high-quality standard
• Ensure timely recruitment, comprehensive onboarding, and the general growth and wellbeing of team members
• Maintain open and professional relations with colleagues, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to perform in their positions successfully
• Ensure team members are aware of job expectations and have clear performance objectives; regularly review performance and initiate corrective action as needed
• Identify training needs and develop specific capacity building plans for education staff to promote progressive levels of management responsibility
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures

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5. Coordination

• Regularly attend technical working group meetings and other relevant coordination structures to ensure harmonized implementation approaches
• Represent IRC in relevant forums/clusters, including with national authorities and donors
• Coordinate with Deputy Director of Program and Field Coordinator to ensure field concerns and challenges are brought to relevant stakeholders for the development of improved standards and procedures
• Proactively collaborate with other sector technically leads to promote program integration and an outcome-based approach
• Play an active role in the execution of the country Strategic Action Plan

6. Other

• Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs

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• Minimum of six (6) years of professional experience in the management of education programs in emergencies (access, quality, and strengthening the education system) in international NGOs.

• Master’s degree in education or other relevant areas
• Strong knowledge of technical tools, resources, and standards related to education in emergencies and post-conflict settings
• Competency in literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional learning methods for children affected by crisis, familiarity with the Healing Classrooms model an advantage
• Demonstrated experience developing training materials and facilitating workshops and training for adult learners
• Excellent budget planning and management skills, previous experience developing and effectively managing multi-million, multi-donor grants required
• Previous experience managing diverse teams to deliver results on short timelines, including the development of spending plans, procurement plans, and work plans
• Strong verbal communication skills and effectiveness in representation and liaison with external actors
• Proven technical writing ability in English including skills in proposal and report writing
• Capable of applying skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct implementation, advisory functions, training and the transfer of technical knowledge and management skills to others
• Promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle stress and pressure with professional grace
• Previous experience in an insecure or conflict-affected setting preferred
• Have experience implementing projects funded by ECHO, EU, etc

• Fluency in French and English required

Standards of professional conduct: IRC employees must uphold the values and principles set out in the IRC WAY - Standards of Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Safeguarding: Strictly adhere to the IRC's Child and Adult Safeguarding Policy and all other policies, including those relating to security and fraud prevention.

In accordance with safeguarding, the IRC implements policies on the protection of beneficiaries/clients from exploitation and abuse, child protection, anti-harassment in the workplace, fiscal integrity, and anti-retaliation.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The IRC is an equal opportunity employer. The IRC considers all applicants for employment based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Gender Equality: IRC recognizes and honors the fundamental worth and dignity of all individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. IRC is also committed to closing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide a supportive environment for women to participate in our workforce, including parental leave, gender-sensitive safety protocols, and other supportive benefits.

The deadline for submitting applications is August 4, 2026.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Why Choose the IRC?

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Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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