Cluster Technical Lead - Military veterans preferred

Job Details

Description

Who We Are

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world, where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. We work in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

Oversees and/or manages all aspects of the project and/or multiple programs assigned to a specific country. Responsible for the development and execution of project work products, to include but not limited to program timelines, budgets, reports, and other products as identified. Represent IREX inside the country or region.

Based in Amman and under the guidance of the Deputy Chief of Party, the Cluster technical lead (Manager) will support the technical leadership of the activity and lead all activities in clusters that include the private sector, Jordan universities, and civil society. They will plan and lead all activities that ensure cluster success. The technical lead will also manage the Partnership Incubator Fund (PIF) and ensure the projects utilizing this fund leads to successful and commercialized solutions built by a collaboration of the private sector and Jordan universities.

Performs additional duties and tasks to meet the needs of the organization, team, or as assigned by manager.

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.

We're looking for our next team member—could it be you?

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong technical knowledge of higher education–private sector collaboration and partnership development.
• Understanding of educational and/or social science research methods and ethics.
• Proven ability to design and deliver organizational development programs.
• Strong research, analytical, and reporting skills with the ability to clearly articulate findings in English.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, track financials, and plan strategically to achieve project objectives.
• Skilled in managing multiple, complex programs in demanding and time-sensitive environments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, adaptability, and results-driven approach.
• Strong representational, organizational, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Excel).
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 7 years of progressive professional experience; OR Master’s degree with at least 6 years of experience.
• Demonstrated success in managing funds and projects, preferably with higher education institutions.
• Experience building and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships, particularly in education and private sector collaboration.
• Proven track record of working with civil society, high-level government counterparts, and international partners.
• Knowledge of Jordan’s higher education landscape, high-growth sectors, and their role in economic growth.
• Experience with international donor-funded development projects, preferably in Jordan or the Middle East; experience with donor-funded education projects strongly preferred.
• Valid proof of unrestricted work authorization in Jordan.

Task and Project Coordination/Management

Accountable for overall technical quality and impact of the project. Responsible for the contributing, creating, and guiding work associated with key project outputs; to include, but not limited to, gathering, drafting, and creating workflow plans, budgets, internal/external reports, presentations, and other documents/deliverables as identified. Oversees the development of written communications by drafting, approving, and sending correspondence.

Specific tasks for assigned role include:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to HEIG Result 2 (Effective and sustainable collaboration among HEIs, industry, youth, community, and government stakeholders), manage staff, cluster partners and act to identify efficiencies, maximize results, promote sustainability, and ensure that implementation is on schedule, within budget, and responsively adapting to changes and lessons learned throughout
• Assist the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) in providing support to all components and day-to-day management and coordination of the Activity in relation to Result 2 (Effective and sustainable collaboration among HEIs, industry, youth, community, and government stakeholders)
• Participate in work-planning and provide technical expertise across program activities ensuring coordinated excellence in strengthening higher education for innovation and growth
• Build effective working relationships and facilitate communication and collaboration with key stakeholders at the cluster and selected HEIs in Jordan and consortium of partners, including US HEIs, Government of Jordan, civil society, and private sector actors.
• Lead Universities-Private sector partnership and collaboration activities
• Lead all activities related to the Partnership Incubator Fund
• Supervise all technical assistance provided to cluster members to enable them to plan and implement their activities in the cluster
• Support HEIG’s Collaborating Learning and Adapting (CLA) process, maintaining a data-informed learning culture across responsible areas and fostering a team-wide commitment to monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• Collaborate with Result 1(Improved performance of core functions by Higher Education Institutions) to ensure that all Performance Improvement actions at Jordanian HEIs are aligned with the cluster work and all activities in Result 2
• In coordination with the COP and DCOP, ensure full compliance with HEIG/DOS operational policies and procedures, and local government regulations in all of Result 2 activities
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning; program communications; and program reporting
• Provide technical expertise in HEI-Private sector collaboration in Jordan
• Travel throughout Jordan as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Relational Communication

In partnership with project and practice leadership, facilitates key stakeholders’ relationships in the country. Represents IREX to external stakeholders by speaking about project and practice initiatives. Regularly shares relevant information in support of organization-wide collaboration. Supports the development of written communications by drafting, approving, and sending correspondence and manages shareholder relationships with the guidance and/or approval of program management.

Specific tasks for assigned role include:

• Facilitate stakeholder relationships in Jordan with guidance from COP/DCOP.
• Represent HEIG with consortium partners and external stakeholders; when applicable, serve as key liaison with key government officials, other donors and implementers, and higher education actors and partners.
• Draft, approve, and send official correspondence related to Result 2 activities.
• Maintain strong internal and external communication to ensure alignment with program goals.

Partner Engagement / Business Development

Leads and coordinates the renewal process in regional/country of responsibility. Leads with support from new program development for the country of responsibility. Supports one or more areas of the proposal development process; to include, but not limited to proposal strategy, writing, and/or review. Supports and coordinates country partner outreach and requested; gather market intelligence specific to regional/country of responsibility.

• Specific tasks for assigned role include:
• Support proposal development in areas related to Result 2, particularly partnerships with HEIs, industry, and government.
• Provide insights and market intelligence from Result 2 activities for future programming and donor engagement.
• Lead and coordinate cluster partner engagement in line with business development priorities.
• Contribute to renewal discussions by providing technical inputs and lessons learned from cluster activities.

Budget, Financial and Project Compliance

Responsible for financial management of a specific country office(s). Ensures compliance with policies and provides leadership and training to finance staff. May be accountable for the compliance and financial integrity of a given project(s) at the Project Director level. Responsible for the approval but may not be the required signature.

• Specific tasks for assigned role include:

Manage subcontractors’ deliverables and monitor their budget

Teamwork and Leadership

Ensures team can articulate how project and program work aligns with project and practice area goals and objectives. Delegates relevant work and provide clear and measurable guidance. Proactively seeks feedback from team members and uses information to make informed, relevant decisions for projects, programs, and clients. Partners with team members to co-create solutions, solve problems, and devise actions. Seeks opportunities to encourage team members, to create more efficient processes and workflows that improve overall program or project. Takes ownership of the decisions and actions. Mentors Coordinators and Specialist who direct the work of others.

Specific tasks for assigned role include:

• Assign tasks and responsibilities based on team members' strengths and expertise while ensuring a balanced workload.

• Provide regular feedback and recognition to team members to motivate and acknowledge their contributions.

Disability Specifications

IREX will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IREX seeks to attract the best-qualified candidates who support IREX’s mission and who respect and promote excellence through diversity. IREX is committed to equal opportunity and follows recruitment and selection practices that comply with all applicable employment laws. To this end, IREX recruits, hires, trains, and promotes individuals based on merit and experience.

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

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