Digital Education Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established by the United Nations General Assembly, is dedicated to advocating for children's rights, meeting their basic needs, and expanding opportunities for children to reach their full potential. With over 45 years of presence in Lao PDR, UNICEF is one of the longest-serving international organizations in the country, playing a crucial role in supporting the government, advocating for reforms, and leading coordination efforts to scale up results in education and child welfare. UNICEF's mission is to promote and support transformational change to achieve sustainable coverage at scale, ensuring that every child has access to quality education and services that foster their development.

Job Overview:
The Digital Education Officer position is integral to the implementation of the GPE Technology for Education (Tech4Ed) initiative in Lao PDR. This role involves coordinating with central and local education authorities, facilitating data collection and verification workshops, and ensuring effective communication between UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), and other stakeholders. The officer will be responsible for translating key documents, providing interpretation during workshops, and supporting the overall project implementation. The position requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders, ensuring that the project aligns with national strategies and effectively addresses the challenges in education quality and access. The officer will work closely with the UNICEF Education team and contribute to the development of digital access standards, costing models, and investment briefs aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for disadvantaged children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Digital Education Officer will undertake several key tasks throughout the project lifecycle. In the Programme Inception and Setup phase, the officer will coordinate with MoES and stakeholders to ensure smooth technical alignment, prepare and translate Terms of Reference (TOR), and provide real-time interpretation during meetings. During the National School Digital Access Mapping stage, the officer will facilitate data collection, translate survey instruments, and engage with school administrators and provincial officials. In the Minimum Digital Access Standards phase, the officer will support the review and endorsement process by translating reports and providing interpretation during validation workshops. The officer will also assist in the development of the Costing Model and Institutional Capacity Assessment, translating necessary documents and facilitating stakeholder coordination. Finally, in the Financing Landscape Analysis and Investment Brief stage, the officer will support financial mapping efforts and translate relevant documents to inform the analysis. Additional tasks may include contributing to annual reviews, development of funding proposals, and other UNICEF Programme-related activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Digital Education Officer position should possess strong coordination and communication skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in both Lao and English is essential, particularly in translation and interpretation. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values, with a focus on children's rights and education. Familiarity with educational policies and digital technology in education is highly desirable, as is experience in project management and data collection methodologies. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in a multicultural environment is also crucial.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in education, social sciences, international development, or a related field is required for the Digital Education Officer position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in education technology or project management would be advantageous. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their understanding of educational systems and policies, particularly in the context of developing countries.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in education, project management, or a related field. Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations in the education sector is preferred. Familiarity with digital education initiatives and technology integration in learning environments will be considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successful collaboration with stakeholders and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in Lao and English is mandatory for this position, with strong skills in translation and interpretation. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in the region would be considered a plus, as it may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance the officer's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The Digital Education Officer position is based in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, within a multicultural office environment comprising around 70 staff members. The role may require field missions to support program implementation and monitor activities in various provinces. UNICEF will cover all work-related travel expenses, including air tickets and car rentals, in accordance with their policies. The position is classified as a family duty station and is considered safe (hardship level B). Selected candidates will be required to complete the B-SAFE training and submit the certificate as part of the appointment process. The workplace is conveniently located near the Mekong River, with easy commuting options available.