Education Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR is committed to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and it collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and international organizations, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Education Associate position is integral to the implementation of the Refugee Education 2030 strategy, which aligns with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). This role focuses on enhancing the quality and inclusiveness of national education systems to ensure that refugee and host community children and youth have access to primary, secondary, and tertiary education. The Education Associate will work closely with the Education Section in the Division of Resilience and Solutions (DRS) to provide technical support to UNHCR countries and partners. The incumbent will be responsible for promoting equitable and sustainable inclusion in education systems, fostering safe learning environments, and enabling learners to leverage their education for sustainable futures. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to assess educational needs, develop implementation plans, and monitor the impact of education programs. The Education Associate will also support the integration of education approaches for emerging needs, including special needs education and non-formal activities, while ensuring that UNHCR's programming aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Education Associate will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: assisting the supervisor in managing and coordinating the education sector; monitoring the implementation of the education strategy and activities across formal and non-formal education sectors; providing regular reports on educational activities, achievements, and challenges; conducting assessments and making recommendations based on visits to community schools; identifying individuals with special educational needs and supporting inclusive education initiatives; promoting quality education data collection and reporting; ensuring that the education levels of refugee children are accurately tracked in UNHCR databases; assessing the educational needs of persons of concern; promoting compliance with the Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) policy; liaising with external partners, including the Ministry of Education; participating in local humanitarian and development sector working groups; fostering inter-sectoral linkages with child protection, gender, and health services; monitoring education programs and providing guidance; identifying training needs and conducting training sessions for UNHCR staff and partners; developing tools to support education initiatives; participating in emergency assessments; preparing documentation for internal and external reports; and managing risks and opportunities related to education objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include demonstrated work experience in education programs, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts, and experience working with government entities such as the Ministry of Education. Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration and coordination are crucial, as is the ability to work with minimal supervision. Desirable qualifications include experience in refugee education programs, knowledge of UNHCR policies and standards, and familiarity with child protection issues. Candidates should also have experience in educational research, teaching, or education administration.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being preferred. Relevant fields of education include Education, Social Sciences, and Business Administration. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role, particularly those related to education and social sciences.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Candidates should have demonstrated work experience in education programs, particularly in the implementation and coordination of such programs in humanitarian or development contexts. Experience working with government entities, particularly in education, is also essential.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which is Spanish in this case. Knowledge of local languages is also beneficial and may enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Local Entry and Mid-Level Support role, with a target start date of January 1, 202

• The position is not remote and is based in Lima, Peru. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a collaborative work environment that emphasizes accountability, professionalism, and respect for diversity. UNHCR is committed to creating a safe and empowering workplace for all staff members, and candidates are expected to uphold these values in their work.