Education Officer (UNV)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established by the United Nations General Assembly, is dedicated to advocating for the protection of children's rights and ensuring their basic needs are met. The organization operates globally, focusing on the most disadvantaged children and families, particularly in developing countries. UNICEF's mission is to promote children's rights as universal imperatives integral to human progress, mobilizing resources and political will to support countries in forming appropriate policies and delivering essential services. The organization emphasizes equity, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive without discrimination. UNICEF's commitment extends to emergency responses, providing rapid assistance to protect children's rights during crises, and working towards sustainable human development goals.

Job Overview:
The Education Officer (UNV) will be based in St. James or Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, as part of the Hurricane Melissa Response. This role involves providing professional programmatic and technical support throughout the education programming process. The officer will engage in research, data collection, analysis, and presentation of technical information to support the development and formulation of the Education Programme within the Country Programme. The position requires collaboration with internal colleagues and partners to ensure effective implementation of education programs, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which has severely impacted educational infrastructure and services in the region. The officer will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of education interventions, ensuring they meet the needs of affected children and adolescents.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support programme development and planning by researching and analyzing political, health, social, and economic trends, and synthesizing information for design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation to ensure accuracy and relevance in program preparation.
• Contribute to the establishment of sectoral program goals and objectives through research and analysis.
• Provide technical and administrative support throughout programming processes, ensuring compliance with organizational rules and management systems.
• Monitor and report on the use of program resources, ensuring accountability and integrity.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, preparing reports for follow-up actions.
• Build partnerships with government counterparts and stakeholders to facilitate program implementation.
• Support UNICEF's leadership in the Education Sector, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay, and participate in inter-agency meetings.
• Identify and share lessons learned for knowledge development and capacity building of stakeholders. 1
• Provide technical support for the implementation of SBC strategies in education, focusing on psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support and community engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights. Proficiency in program planning and management is essential, along with excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with various stakeholders. The role requires a commitment to UNICEF's core values of care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, and sustainability. Candidates should demonstrate self-awareness, ethical awareness, and the ability to work collaboratively with others. They must also be innovative, strategic thinkers who can manage ambiguity and complexity while driving impactful results.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in education, social sciences, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the position. Candidates should have a solid understanding of educational policies, practices, and the challenges faced by children and adolescents in emergency contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of professional experience in education program management, preferably in emergency or post-crisis settings. Experience working with children and adolescents, particularly in vulnerable situations, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNICEF's policies and procedures, as well as experience in monitoring and evaluation, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Jamaican Patois or other local languages is considered an asset and may enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, meaning the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The role is full-time and focuses on supporting the education sector in response to the impacts of Hurricane Melissa. The position may involve travel within Jamaica to assess program implementation and engage with local stakeholders.