Consultant for Education

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 worldwide, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The selected professionals will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF's efforts in evidence generation processes, policy and legal analyses, policy advocacy, and program planning and implementation to enhance quality inclusive education in Romania. The position involves working in various areas such as early childhood education and care (ECEC), pre-university education, skills development, parenting, education in emergencies, and digital transformation in education, including the use of AI. The professionals will collaborate closely with UNICEF Romania’s Education Team and may need to travel within the country and interact with state institutions and NGOs. This role requires collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research, local governments, and various development partners and humanitarian agencies, including the EU and other UN agencies. Specific deliverables will be outlined in a separate Terms of Reference (ToR) at the time of contracting, covering a wide functional scope of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities for this position include conducting research, legal and situational analyses, developing policy and legal frameworks, designing curricula, and implementing instructional strategies across various educational sectors. Responsibilities also encompass capacity building and training for stakeholders, financing management information systems, and monitoring and evaluation of educational programs. The consultant will be expected to engage in activities related to early childhood education, pre-university education, skills development, parenting education, and education in emergencies, ensuring that social and emotional learning is integrated into all aspects of the educational framework. The role also involves digital transformation initiatives in education, including the adaptation of curricula and the design of tools and guidelines for the effective use of AI in educational settings.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in education, social sciences, public administration, or related fields. A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in implementing or managing educational strengthening processes at local, national, or international levels is required. Candidates should demonstrate established experience in networking with teacher education institutions and maintaining communities of practice, as well as experience in setting up programs for teacher education and professional development. Familiarity with the UN and EU agendas, as well as experience in engaging with governments and civil society in advocacy efforts, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a Bachelor's degree in education, social sciences, public administration, or other related areas. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of educational systems and policies, as well as for effectively contributing to the development and implementation of educational programs.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the education sector, particularly in roles focused on implementing and managing educational processes. Candidates should have experience working at both policy and empirical levels, including conducting research and analyses related to education. Experience in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Romanian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in contexts involving international collaboration and communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, with specific contract duration details to be provided upon hiring. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. The organization offers a range of benefits, 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. Background checks will be conducted for all selected candidates, and medical clearance may be required.