Education Project Manager Ethiopia North Afar

Country: Ethiopia Organization: Norwegian Refugee Council Closing date: 22 Nov 2026 What we’re looking for: NRC Ethiopia is seeking a dynamic, experienced and results-oriented Roving Education Project Manager to lead the development and delivery of quality education programmes across its Northern operations. Based in Asayita, you will drive the design, planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of education interventions, spanning rapid emergency education responses, formal and non-formal education, transitional education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). You will play a key role in identifying education needs, developing project proposals, mobilising resources and ensuring that programmes remain responsive to the evolving needs of crisis-affected communities. Working closely with Area Office management, the Country Office Education team, local authorities, consortium partners and other stakeholders, you will provide technical and operational leadership to ensure programme quality, effective resource management, accountability and compliance with donor requirements and humanitarian standards. You will also strengthen team capacity, promote safe and inclusive learning environments, and champion child-friendly feedback mechanisms that expand access to relevant, quality education. We are looking for a leader who can turn education needs into practical, sustainable interventions and help children and young people affected by displacement and crisis - including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and vulnerable host-community members - access safe, inclusive and meaningful learning opportunities. Please note: This opportunity is open exclusively to Ethiopian nationals. Please download a more detailedJOB DESCRIPTION for more generic & specific duties and responsibilities. What you will bring: • Coordinate with Area Office management to ensure the effective planning, implementation, and quality delivery of children and youth programming and foundational education activities. • Proper oversight, management and build capacity of education teams to operationalize quality, timely and comprehensive education programming • Ensure the effective use of existing monitoring and evaluation systems in collaboration with the Education team, and work with the Country Office to develop, adapt, and streamline Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) tools to strengthen programme quality, responsiveness, accountability, and learning. • Promote inclusion, gender and accountability within all education programme • Support and contribute to implementation of NRC Education Workstreams and strategies • Ensure quality control of education activities through the development and rollout of output and outcome level monitoring and evaluation tools, guidelines and procedures and its timely and proper reporting. • Prepare, participation and contribute to Grant Opening, Regular Project review session and BVA meeting to provide updates on work, spending and procurement plans, • Onsite field monitoring and analyses contextual trends and changes and assess the education needs of children and youth to identify gaps in service provision and inform appropriate, timely, and needs-based programming for crisis-affected populations. • Contribute to the development of the NRC education strategy and macro-log frame, theories of change, and NRC education work-plan and ensure they link to other Core Competencies • Demonstrated experience in the successful design, planning, coordination, and implementation of first-line emergency education responses, formal and non-formal education programmes, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes in Ethiopia, • Ensuring programme quality, timely delivery, relevance to local needs, and alignment with NRC’s education strategy and humanitarian standards. • Oversee the implementation of Safe and Inclusive Programming (SIP) standards across all NRC education activities, ensuring compliance with NRC policies and guidelines and that all reported safeguarding concerns or breaches are appropriately referred, addressed, and resolved in accordance with established procedures. • Ensure the effective integration and continuous use of child-friendly feedback and complaint mechanisms across the Education portfolio. • Ensure compliance with NRC financial, administrative, logistical, and procurement procedures within the Education team. • Oversee the overall budget management of Education projects implemented in the Area Office, monitor expenditure, spending levels rates, and assures no under- or overspending. • Lead the development of project plans, proposals, budgets, and project extensions in collaboration with relevant programme and support teams, ensuring alignment with NRC strategies, donor requirements, and identified needs. What you will bring: • Education- Master’s degree in education planning and management (EDPM), Curriculum Studies, Educational Psychology, Education in Emergencies, or a related field. • Professional Experience- At least five years of relevant experience in the education sector, preferably in humanitarian, emergency response, or recovery contexts, including a minimum of three years in project management or an equivalent leadership role. • Technical Expertise- Extensive experience in implementing first-line emergency education responses, formal and non-formal education programmes, and Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) programmes in Ethiopia. • Experience of working in complex and volatile contexts • Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities • Knowledge and leadership skills/profile • Fluency in English, both written and verbal • Knowledge of the context in Ethiopia • Contextual understanding and knowledge of the Education sector and stakeholders in Ethiopia • Familiarity with Education related minimum standards • Strong communication skills ensuring good relations and smooth operations with stakeholders. • Detail-oriented and strong analytical skills • Strong project management skills What we offer: • Duty station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. • Contract: 12 months. • Travel: Up to 40%. • Salary/benefits: grade 8 on NRC’s Resident salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions. • NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. • We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative. Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC Important information about the application process • For Internal candidates: To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email or click on Opportunity Market Place. • When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education. • Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV. • Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered. • We receive many applications for each vacant position and so only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have any questions about this role, please email ho.recruitment@nrc.nowith the job title as the subject line. Why NRC? The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year. Watch this short video to see NRC in action. We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to: • do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts. • join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility. • be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity. About Us The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world's most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people. At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Together, we save lives and rebuild futures. Safeguarding is central to NRC’s work. We expect all employees to: • treat everyone with respect and dignity • contribute to building a safe environment for all • never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH) • always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH How to apply Click HERE to apply.