Education Specialist

The Education Specialist supports the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of education programmes/projects to improve learning outcomes and equitable and inclusive education, especially for marginalized and disadvantaged children. The role involves providing technical guidance and management support throughout programming processes to achieve results aligned with UNICEF's strategic plans and accountability framework.

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis for education programmes to guide UNICEF’s strategic policy, advocacy, intervention and development efforts.
• Help set priorities, strategies, design and implementation plans for education programmes.
• Participate in strategic programme discussions and formulate programme proposals aligned with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans and Country Programme.
• Establish goals, objectives, strategies and implementation plans using results-based planning methodology (RBM).
• Provide technical and operational support throughout programming processes to ensure integration and achievement of results.
• Plan and collaborate to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators and assess programme performance.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with government and counterparts.
• Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps and strengths in programme management.
• Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention.
• Monitor programmes/projects through field visits and surveys and exchange information with stakeholders.
• Monitor and verify appropriate use of programme resources ensuring compliance with organizational rules and donor commitments.
• Prepare regular programme reports for management, donors and partners.
• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and donors on UNICEF policies and best practices.
• Coordinate availability of technical experts with Regional Office/HQ for support.
• Participate in education programme meetings and contingency planning.
• Draft policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials.
• Build and sustain effective partnerships with government, stakeholders, global partners, donors and academia.
• Prepare communication and information materials for advocacy and fundraising.
• Represent UNICEF in inter-agency discussions on education and related issues.
• Apply innovative approaches and good practices to build capacity of partners and stakeholders.
• Keep abreast of best practices in education management and share knowledge.
• Contribute to development and implementation of policies and procedures for programme efficiency and efficacy.

Requirements

• Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Education, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, International Development, Education Leadership, Education-Business, or another relevant technical field.
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in education, education in emergencies, education program management, education policy, education planning-monitoring and evaluation, research in education, working in development country, capacity building, advocacy.
• Fluency in French and intermediate English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is desirable.
• Experience in international organizations, education in emergencies, global partnership, interagency coordination, gender and equity analysis is desirable.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts is desirable.

Skills

• Education Program Management
• Education Policy
• Education Planning
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Research in Education
• Education in Emergencies
• Capacity Building
• Advocacy
• Inter-agency Coordination
• Gender and Equity Analysis
• Program Implementation
• Technical Guidance
• Project Reporting
• Global Partnership
• Experience in Fragile Settings
• Humanitarian Contexts

Languages

French, English