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 worldwide, and it emphasizes a culture of inclusivity and belonging.

Job Overview:
The Education Specialist position at UNICEF involves supporting the development and preparation of education programs in Papua New Guinea. The role includes managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on education programs/projects. The Specialist is expected to provide technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to improve learning outcomes and ensure equitable and inclusive education, particularly for marginalized and disadvantaged children. The position requires collaboration with internal colleagues and external partners to ensure the achievement of sustainable results in education, aligning with UNICEF's Strategic Plans and national priorities. The Specialist will also engage in strategic discussions, formulate program proposals, and establish specific goals and objectives for the education sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Education Specialist include supporting program development and planning by preparing and updating situation analyses for education programs, participating in strategic discussions, and formulating program proposals. The Specialist will manage program monitoring and evaluation, establish performance indicators, and prepare reports to assess progress. They will provide technical and operational support to government counterparts and partners, build effective partnerships with stakeholders, and represent UNICEF in inter-agency discussions. Additionally, the Specialist will apply innovative approaches to enhance the capacity of partners and stakeholders, ensuring the delivery of sustainable program results.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in education, economics, psychology, sociology, or a relevant technical field. A minimum of five years of professional experience in program planning, management, or research in education is required. Experience in a developing country and relevant experience in a UN system agency are considered assets. Candidates should demonstrate technical competencies in global development contexts, education sector planning, policy dialogue, and program management.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in education, economics, psychology, sociology, or another relevant technical field is required for this position. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of education systems and the socio-economic factors affecting them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in program planning, management, and/or research in education. Experience working in a developing country is considered an asset, as is relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization. Candidates should have demonstrated technical competencies in various areas related to education and development.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve temporary assignments for current UNICEF staff members. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance and inoculation requirements.