Chief Education

The Chief of Education (Economist) provides strategic leadership, technical guidance, and oversight for UNICEF’s education programme with a strong focus on education economics, public finance, equity analysis, and systems strengthening. The role ensures that evidence‑based policy, financing reforms, and innovations drive improved learning outcomes for all children—especially the most marginalized.

Responsibilities

• Managerial leadership
• Programme development and planning
• Programme management, monitoring and quality control of results
• Advisory services and technical support
• Advocacy, networking and partnership building
• Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master’s) in Economics, Education Economics, Public Policy, or Education Planning is required.
• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in Education Policy, Education Economics, Sector Planning, or Public Finance.
• Proven experience leading large, complex programmes at national or international level.
• Demonstrated track record of influencing senior government officials and development partners.
• Experience in low- and middle-income country contexts is essential.
• Public finance analysis and budgeting, Costing and economic modelling, Education system analysis and planning, Monitoring and evaluation, Learning assessments and foundational learning, Excellent analytical, advocacy and communication skills.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• A PhD in Economics, Econometrics, Development Economics, or Education Management, with a strong focus on Education Economics, is highly desirable.
• Emergency or humanitarian experience is an asset.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

Skills

• Education Policy
• Education Economics
• Public Finance
• Sector Planning
• Costing and Economic Modelling
• Education System Analysis
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Learning Assessment
• Foundational Learning Strengthening
• Advocacy
• Communications Skills
• Programme Leadership
• Influencing Government Officials
• Development Partner Engagement
• Experience in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
• Education Financing Reforms
• Equity Analysis
• Systems Strengthening

Languages

English