Job Title: Early Childhood Development Technical Lead
Background
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is dedicated to assisting individuals whose lives have been disrupted by conflict and disaster. Established in 1933 at Albert Einstein’s request, the IRC works with displaced populations and their host communities, as well as those who remain in their homes. In the MENA region, including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen, the IRC addresses both immediate and long-term needs of displaced individuals through integrated programs that enhance health and safety, prioritize children’s education, promote economic well-being, and empower communities.
About the IRC’s MENA Early Childhood Development Portfolio
The IRC’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) portfolio has evolved over seven years, beginning with the Ahlan Simsim and Play to Learn initiatives launched in 2018. These programs have reached millions of children and caregivers, providing valuable ECD services, developing high-quality content, and creating a resource bank of successful program models. Collaborations with Ministries of Education, Health, and Social Development have led to co-designed programs that are now part of government services in the region.
Today, the portfolio encompasses multiple grants and donors, focusing on delivering high-quality, scalable, and sustainable interventions for young children and their caregivers, particularly those affected by crisis. The initiatives target children directly and also support caregivers and communities. The IRC enhances the ECD workforce’s capacity, advocates for policy improvements, and integrates innovative digital solutions. The regional ECD team manages core grants, supports country programs, and contributes to business development to expand reach and impact.
Role Overview
The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Technical Lead will report to the Deputy Project Director for Content and Delivery. This position involves providing technical leadership and managing the development of Arabic ECD content across the IRC’s ECD portfolio. The ECD Technical Lead will ensure that high-quality, evidence-based content is effectively developed and delivered through various modalities, including in-person, remote, and hybrid formats.
Collaboration with the Digital Portfolio Senior Manager and the digital team is essential to ensure that content is appropriately adapted for digital platforms and that insights from digital engagement inform content development.
Key Responsibilities
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Content Development
- Oversee the creation and adaptation of ECD content for child-facing programs (ages 0-8), caregiver support, and training materials for teachers and service providers.
- Implement a strategy for content development, testing, and improvement in collaboration with various stakeholders.
- Ensure consistent quality and cultural relevance of content across all delivery methods.
- Provide technical guidance to partners and ensure alignment with local and national ECD standards.
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Digital Integration
- Collaborate with the digital team to ensure effective content adaptation for digital products.
- Conduct quality assurance for digital content to ensure accuracy and relevance.
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Representation and Project Management
- Represent the IRC at strategic meetings and strengthen partnerships with ECD-focused organizations and networks.
- Assist in proposal writing and manage technical workplans and budgets.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in ECD or education content development for large-scale programs.
- In-depth knowledge of ECD best practices and evidence-based models.
- Proven ability to provide technical assistance and coaching.
- Familiarity with digital technology in ECD contexts and user-centered design principles.
- Experience in conflict and crisis settings, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Fluency in Arabic and English is required, with a preference for candidates familiar with the MENA region.
Working Environment
- Standard office environment with required travel across MENA.
- Position based in Amman, Jordan; Beirut, Lebanon; or Damascus, Syria.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all applicants based on merit without discrimination.
Professional Standards
All IRC employees must adhere to the organization’s core values: Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. The IRC is committed to creating a safe environment and taking necessary actions when harm occurs.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should visit the IRC Careers page to apply.
