National Consultant for Education and Refugee Response

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a global organization that works in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, focusing on saving lives, defending rights, and helping children fulfill their potential. The organization is dedicated to building a better world for every child, every day, and is committed to never giving up on this mission. With a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children it serves, UNICEF emphasizes inclusion and diversity in its hiring practices.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Education and Refugee Response will provide essential technical and coordination support to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MOEYS) and the Ministry of Interior (MOI) of the Czech Republic. This role is crucial in implementing the refugee response workplans that have been signed between UNICEF and these ministries. The consultant will focus on strengthening the education system, providing non-formal education and skills-building activities for refugee youth, and generating evidence and documentation to support these initiatives. Given the significant number of Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic, particularly among youth, this position plays a vital role in ensuring that educational opportunities and skills development are accessible to this demographic. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist in the UNICEF Refugee Response Office in the Czech Republic, and will be responsible for monitoring and reporting on the results of various educational programs aimed at refugee youth.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include supporting the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of results related to the refugee response in education. This involves providing technical support to MOEYS and its partners, ensuring that the partnership's closure aligns with agreed deliverables. The consultant will also disseminate overall results, develop communication and advocacy materials, and organize coordination meetings with stakeholders to formally hand over programs to the government. Additionally, the consultant will document partnerships and key initiatives for future reference. For the non-formal education and skills-building activities under the Cesty (Pathways) program, the consultant will organize and document skills-building events, support sustainability efforts, and ensure that all activities align with the program's objectives. The consultant will also be responsible for weekly meetings with youth advisors to document progress and action points, and for updating resources related to non-formal education.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Education, Education Policy, Early Childhood Education and Care, Early Childhood Development, Social Sciences, Human Rights, Psychology, or related fields. A minimum of 3-5 years of professional work experience in the field of education in the Czech Republic is required, along with demonstrated experience in project management and coordination. Strong knowledge of the Czech education system is essential, as is experience working with the Czech government and local NGOs in the education sector. Candidates should also have extensive experience in analyzing systems and programs, as well as excellent writing and teamwork skills. Respect for diversity and the ability to work through networking and partnerships are also critical qualifications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Education, Education Policy, Early Childhood Education and Care, Early Childhood Development, Social Sciences, Human Rights, or Psychology. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of educational systems and the specific needs of refugee youth in the Czech Republic.

Experience:
The position requires 3-5 years of professional work experience specifically in the field of education within the Czech Republic. This experience should include project management and coordination roles, demonstrating the ability to effectively implement educational programs and initiatives. Familiarity with the Czech education system and experience working with government entities and NGOs in this sector are highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Czech and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders, documentation, and reporting. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 20 working days between October and December 202

• The consultant will be office-based in Prague, and payment will be made upon submission of an invoice and satisfactory completion of deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if performance is unsatisfactory or if deadlines are not met. All materials developed during the consultancy will remain the copyright of UNICEF. Candidates are required to submit a professional fee proposal in USD for the 20 working days of the assignment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is important to note that individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered staff members and will not be entitled to benefits provided to staff. They are responsible for their tax liabilities and ensuring that their visa and health insurance are valid for the duration of the contract.