Job Description Ref no:
/ Role ProfileJob Title / Programme Support Officer
Directorate or Region / MENA / Department/Country / Iraq
Location of post / Erbil / Pay Band / H
Reports to / Programme Director / Duration of job / Indefinite
Purpose of job:
To provide administrative and logistic support to the delivery of large scale education programme in accordance with the contractual funding agreement, technical proposal, logical framework analysis, budget, timeline and British Council’s policies and procedures.
The programme’s main objectives include:
· Increasing enrolment rates by analysing the main causes of low enrolment and developing strategies to address the differential rates.
· Raising the quality of education at primary and secondary school level by building capacity to enhance the curriculum, particularly in the area of human science and peace education, and to support children with particular needs, including those with disabilities, children with special needs, IDPs, refugees, education for children with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
· Increasing access to education for children with disabilities through the collection of baseline data, updating legislation and the curriculum, capacity building and awareness-raising.
· Raising the quality of education through enhanced quality assurance of schools against standards.
The British Council is recruiting this post to resource upcoming donor funded education contracts. An employment contract for this post will not be issued until the contracts with the donor is signed. The British Council reserves the right to withdraw this post at any time until the employment contract is signed
Context and environment:
As the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, the British Council creates opportunities for the people of the UK as well as of Iraq, in order to build trust and understanding, and maintain mutually beneficial relationships.
The British Council is working to support the rebuilding and revitalisation of the education system and to meet the demand for English and Skills to aid employability of young Iraqis. There is a large demand from target audiences for our services, linkages and programmes. This presents significant opportunities for the British Council to share UK expertise in Education, English and Society to create learning opportunities, strengthen institutions and create better understanding and trust between Iraq and the UK. However, doing this in a difficult security environment requires creativity, tenacity, passion and determination.
British Council Iraq is a high priority and growing operation currently located in 3 offices: Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra.
Accountabilities, responsibilities and main duties:
(i) Accountabilities:
· This post reports to the EU programme Director, Deputy programme Director, and Component Lead.
· Support and guidance will be provided by Programme Leads, office manager, and finance manager.
Responsibilities
In agreement with the components’’ leads the post holder will be responsible for performing a range of programme support tasks in line with time, cost and quality standards, and in accordance with British Council values and corporate policies ( Child protection ,Equal Opportunities and Diversity ).
Main Duties:
Programme , Delivery and Evaluation:
· Implement the events and activities set in the designated Programme plan (event/activity budget breakdown, identify/book venues, secure necessary authorisations, issue invitation/confirmation letters to participants, make travel arrangements, procure resources etc)
· Handle all Programme administrative tasks including but not limited to:.
1. Draft and handle Programme correspondence and inquiries whether face to face, email, or by phone – in an efficient and effective manner
2. Draft letters of agreement, contracts for offsite Programme delivered by partner organisations and follow up to ensure activity is delivered as agreed and in line with British Council standards.
3. Collect and compile Programme evaluation data (using ‘Scorecard’ questionnaires and other methods) in collaboration with partners and external suppliers.
4. File all essential Programme documentation (reports, agreements, minutes, scorecard etc.) as per audit requirements and maintain an accurate, up-to-date participant/partner database in line with Data Protection policy.
5. Make appointments; organise schedules; follow up on contracts and other administrative issues; booking flights and hotels, etc.
· Create and maintain accurate databases of all partners and contacts.
· Support in research and scoping activities by conducting desk research, data entry, compilation of information and reports, analysis of data and information
· Contribute thoughtfully to the planning of activities, being mindful of corporate strategies and objectives
· Attend Programme activities delivered directly by British Council or by partners and provide activity reports to Programme Director
· Attend team meetings and actively participate and contribute as required
· Maintain knowledge and awareness of the Programme as a whole and keep abreast of any changes in the overall Programme plan and take initiatives to build this awareness where necessary
.
Key relationships:
(i) Internal: Country Director , Programme Director Head of Finance, Contract Manager(s), Project Managers, Office Manager, Technical Advisors, Technical Consultants, Translators and Interpreters, Project Support Teams (Baghdad, Erbil, Amman & UK).
(ii) External: Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Local Education Districts, Schools, CSOs ,NGOs , Business and Community Leaders.
Other important features or requirements of the job
· The post holder will understand and make decisions which are affected by to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) legislation and policy. Additionally he/she will exploit opportunities brought by diversity and build them into all planning.
· The post holder will understand the importance of child protection and ensure polices and processes are in place to offer maximum protection of young people at all relevant events and venues and ensure compliance with BC Child Protection policy.
· At peak times and to meet corporate deadlines the role occasionally requires extra hours or weekend working, recoverable as TOIL (Time off in Lieu).
· Frequent travel in-country; occasional travel to regional countries and the UK.
· Occasional attendance at evening and weekend events.
· Security provision and awareness.
Please specify any passport/visa and/or nationality requirement. / Ability to work and travel within KRG ,the region and to the UK
Please indicate if any security or legal checks are required
for this role. / NA
language proficiency / Successful applicant will be required to undergo Aptis English test during the recruitment stages
Person Specification
Essential / Desirable / Assessment stageBehaviours / Connecting with Others (Essential); Actively appreciating the needs and concerns of myself and others
Being Accountable (More Demanding); putting the needs of the team or British Council ahead of my own / Interview
.
Working Together (More demanding) Ensuring that others benefit as well as me / Required for the role but will not be assessed during short listing or interview
Skills and Knowledge /
Planning and organising Level (1)
Is methodicalAble to plan own work over short timescales for routine or familiar tasks and processes.
Using Technology Level (2)
Operates as an advanced userWorks as an advanced practitioner in the use of office software and/or British Council standard and social media platforms and trains or coaches others in their use. / Short listing
and/or Interview
Proficiency in English and Arabic .
/ Short listing
Experience / 2years in logistic, administrative, and financial support role. / Short listing
Qualification / University Degree
Submitted by / Ammar Tariq / Date / 7th February 2016
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