Education Specialist

The Education Specialist supports the development, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of education programmes in Georgia. The role involves providing technical guidance, managing partnerships, and ensuring alignment with UNICEF's strategic plans and national priorities to promote equitable education for children.

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis for the education programmes to ensure current and comprehensive data is available 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.
• Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes ensuring integration and coherence with other UNICEF sectors.
• 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.
• Monitor programmes through field visits and surveys to assess progress and resolve issues.
• Monitor and verify the 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 materials for management use.
• Build and sustain partnerships with government, stakeholders, global partners, donors and academia through networking and advocacy.
• Prepare communication materials for programme 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 support programme delivery.
• Research, benchmark and implement best practices in education management.
• Contribute to development and implementation of policies and procedures for programme efficiency.
• Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance competencies of stakeholders.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree in education, economics, psychology, sociology, or another relevant technical field is required.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in education planning, development, implementation, management, monitoring, evaluation, research and reporting is required.
• Demonstrated experience in education programme development, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, research and reporting.
• Strong experience in education policy analysis and development, including support to sector reforms and evidence-based decision-making.
• Proven ability to develop and manage partnerships with government counterparts, donors, civil society organizations, academia and other development partners.
• Experience in resource mobilization, proposal development, donor engagement and donor reporting.
• Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas: inclusive education, early learning, education in emergencies, digital learning, or skills development programmes.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience in education sector analysis, data analysis and the use of evidence to inform programming and advocacy.
• Proven advocacy and communication skills, with the ability to influence policy and programme outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of the local education sector, policy environment, and education reform agenda.
• Proficiency in English and Georgian is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.
• Experience working in developing country contexts, including humanitarian and emergency settings, would be an advantage.
• Prior professional experience with UNICEF, the United Nations system, or other international development organizations would be an advantage.

Skills

• Education Planning
• Education Programme Design
• Programme Implementation
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Education Research
• Education Reporting
• Education Policy Evaluation
• Sector Reform Support
• Evidence-Based Decision Making
• Partnership Management
• Resource Mobilization
• Proposal Development
• Donor Engagement Strategies
• Donor Reporting
• Inclusive Education
• Early Learning
• Education in Emergencies
• Digital Learning
• Skills Development Programmes
• Education Sector Research
• Data Analysis
• Advocacy Communication
• Local Education Sector Knowledge

Languages

English, Georgian