Education Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, and it fosters a culture of inclusivity and growth.

Job Overview:
The Education Specialist position involves providing support to the Ministry of Education (MoE) in East Timor, specifically in reviewing and developing inclusive education training materials. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance teacher and school leader training aimed at improving inclusive education practices. The specialist will be responsible for mapping existing training materials, finalizing teacher training manuals, designing training plans, and producing guidelines for curriculum modifications. This position is crucial for ensuring that educational resources are effectively utilized to support students with special educational needs, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of the education system in Timor-Leste.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review existing inclusive education training materials and assess the training already conducted in this field.
• Finalize the teacher training manual and materials in Tetum or Portuguese.
• Design a comprehensive training and accompaniment plan for teachers and school leaders.
• Create a short teacher guidebook that includes practical classroom strategies in Tetum or Portuguese.
• Produce guidelines for the Curriculum Cabinet regarding modifications and accommodations for assessing students in Cycles 1 and 2 of Basic Education in Tetum or Portuguese.
• Develop standards for resource centers to ensure their effective contribution to the Inclusive Education Strategy in Tetum or Portuguese.
• Provide recommendations based on the mapping of materials and trainings already conducted, outlining steps for future improvements.
• Collaborate with INFORDEPE and the Inclusive Education Department to agree upon the training and accompaniment plan.
• Ensure that all deliverables are completed in a timely manner and meet the required standards.

Required Qualifications:

• A post-graduate degree in special education, psychology, or a related field.
• Previous experience working directly with students with special educational needs, particularly those with cognitive and/or psychological challenges.
• Experience working with families of children with special needs is preferred.
• Proven experience in resource-poor contexts, with mandatory experience in Timor-Leste.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for effective collaboration with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a post-graduate degree in special education, psychology, or another relevant field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of inclusive education and the specific needs of students with special educational needs.

Experience:
The position requires previous experience working directly with students with special educational needs, including some experience with children facing cognitive and/or psychological challenges. Additionally, experience in resource-poor contexts is essential, with a specific requirement for experience in Timor-Leste. This experience will enable the candidate to navigate the unique challenges present in the educational landscape of the region.

Languages:
Fluency in Tetum or Portuguese is mandatory, as the training materials and guidelines will be developed in these languages. Proficiency in English is also beneficial, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and access to global resources.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in a dynamic and challenging environment. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance requirements.