Education Subsidy Manager – Catholic Relief Services

About CRS
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners, people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

OVERVIEW
The Education Subsidy Manager will provide overall technical leadership in the design, implementation and monitoring of the education subsidy initiative under the CRS Sustainable Outcomes for Children and Youth (SOCY) Project. He/she will provide guidance to the regional Implementing Partners (IPs) and CSOs and ensure equitable selection and enrollment of OVC into the subsidy as well as selection of the most suitable schools with full involvement of families at every step in the process. The manager will support IPs and CSOs to build and maintain partnerships with the District Local Government for a smooth coordinated, and inclusive implementation approach and specifically ensure the District Education Officers and Inspectors of Schools are continuously updated on program performance. He/She will develop and support mechanisms to work with the school management committees, community leaders, community child protection structures and caregiver groups to ensure the beneficiaries receive quality education under a protected and supportive environment. The Manager will lead the designing of comprehensive supportive interventions at household, community and school level to ensure children who are enrolled, remain, progress and complete school. He/She will work with the SOCY Education Subsidy Finance Officer to develop school fees payment mechanisms that mitigate risks for fund misappropriation and misallocation at all levels. He/she will work closely with other SOCY technical leads to ensure synergies are leveraged for effective implementation and support of households for eventual graduation from program support.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Review and update SOCY Education Subsidy Guidelines based on lessons learned from Year One of implementing the education subsidy
• Provide guidance to ensure equitable selection of beneficiaries into the subsidy and section of the most appropriate schools in consultation with the families
• Establish partnerships with the district leadership including the District Education Officer, District Inspector of Schools and community leaders to ensure an all-inclusive approach to monitoring progress of the program and maximize benefits for the wellbeing of OVC
• Provide technical support to IPs and CSOs to design, implement and monitor effective and comprehensive supportive strategies at household, community and school levels that will ensure enrolled OVC remain, progress and complete school.
• Develop strategies for ensuring caregiver/ teacher interaction for monitoring performance of children while collaboratively addressing issues affecting attendance, performance and completion
• Work with the SOCY Education Subsidy Finance Officer to develop school fees payment mechanisms that mitigate risks for fund misappropriation and misallocation at all levels while ensuring timely settlement of all school dues and issuance of scholastic materials and other related logistical support
• Coordinate with the SOCY MEAL Unit to establish mechanisms for tracking beneficiary school attendance and academic performance and designing learning questions to re-direct programming
• Work closely with the SOCY Household Economic, Systems and Linkages and Referrals Strengthening Technical Leads to leverage synergies for effective implementation of the subsidy program and provide direct support to households to ensure successful graduation from program support
• Identify challenges and devise means to address challenges in a timely manner to minimize delays
Contribute to Quarterly, Semi and Annual Progress Reports ensuring proper data analysis and interpretation to inform programmatic decisions.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Internal: SOCY COP, DCOP, Services & Linkages Technical Manager, Household Economic Strengthening Advisor and Systems Strengthening Technical l Lead, MEAL team, IP and CSO staff
External: PEPFAR/USAID implementing partners, Key Government Ministries of Education, Gender Labour and Social Development, and Local Government and national and district level, Private Sector and other stakeholders in children related issues

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
• A Master’s Degree in any Social Sciences related field, Education, Economics and/or Development Studies
• At least five years of professional experience in managing an Education Subsidy or Sponsorship program
• Experience in managing and coordinating an OVC and/or HIV program
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills are required.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet tight program implementation and reporting deadlines.
• Ability to pay attention to detail- A MUST.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and/ or in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning and coordination skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel 60% of the time.
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
• Trusting Relationships
• Professional Growth
• Partnership
• Accountability

Agency-Wide Competencies
These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
1. Serves with Integrity
2. Develops Constructive Relationships
3. Models Stewardship
4. Promotes Learning

HOW TO APPLY:
Disclaimer Clause:
This job description is not an exhaustive list of skills, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position. CRS’ recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. “I understand that CRS takes all allegations of abuse and exploitation seriously. Abuse or exploitation of children or vulnerable adults is grounds for immediate dismissal.” Note: Please submit cover letter, CV and three work references (names and contact information only) to ug_recruitment@crs.org by October 31st, 2017.
Only selected candidates that meet the requirements will be notified. EOE/M/F/D/V**

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