Education Specialist, NO-3, TA (6 months)

Education Specialist, NO-3, TA (6 months)

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

June 22, 2026June 16, 2026YaoundeeCameroon
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a global organization that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. Established in 1946, UNICEF is dedicated to promoting the rights of every child, ensuring that they have access to education, healthcare, and protection from harm. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide and operates in diverse environments, including development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts. UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the communities it serves, and providing opportunities for professional and personal development for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Education Specialist position at UNICEF involves supporting the development and preparation of education programs within the country program. The Specialist will manage, implement, monitor, evaluate, and report on the progress of education programs/projects. This role requires providing technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of results on education programs/projects. The focus is on improving learning outcomes and ensuring equitable and inclusive education, particularly for marginalized, disadvantaged, and excluded children. The Specialist will contribute to achieving results according to plans, allocation, results-based management approaches, and UNICEF's Strategic Plans, standards of performance, and accountability framework. Key functions include program development and planning, program management, monitoring and delivery of results, technical and operational support to program implementation, networking and partnership building, and innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Support the development and planning of education programs, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's strategic objectives and national education policies.
  • Manage the implementation of education programs/projects, ensuring timely delivery of results and adherence to quality standards.
  • Monitor and evaluate program performance, utilizing data and evidence to inform decision-making and improve program effectiveness.
  • Provide technical guidance and operational support to education program staff and partners, facilitating capacity building and knowledge sharing.
  • Build and maintain partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance collaboration and resource mobilization for education initiatives.
  • Promote innovation and best practices in education programming, leveraging lessons learned to improve design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation.
  • Contribute to the development of education policies and strategies at the national level, advocating for the rights of marginalized and disadvantaged children.
  • Prepare reports and documentation on program progress, challenges, and achievements for internal and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Education Specialist position, candidates must possess an advanced university degree in education, economics, psychology, sociology, or another relevant technical field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in program planning, management, and/or research in education. Strong skills in effective communication, networking, evidence-based policy advocacy, and partner engagement are essential. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's core values and competencies, including building partnerships, self-awareness, results-driven focus, innovation, strategic thinking, and collaboration.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in one of the following fields: education, economics, psychology, sociology, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education systems and the challenges faced by marginalized children.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of professional experience in program planning, management, and/or research in education is required. Candidates should have relevant experience at the country level, particularly in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts. Experience working with multilateral agencies and sector-wide approaches is also desirable, as is experience in education in emergencies.

Languages:
Fluency in French and intermediate English are required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary assignment for six months. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, individuals with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including discrimination and abuse. Background checks will be conducted for all selected candidates, and medical clearance is required for appointments. UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
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