Education Program Officer (EPO)

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 large workforce dedicated to its mission, fostering a culture of belonging and growth in a passionate environment. The organization is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing its commitment to the well-being of its employees.

Job Overview:
The Education Program Officer (EPO) position at UNICEF Papua New Guinea is designed to provide technical support to Provincial Education Authorities and partners in developing, implementing, and monitoring evidence-based education program activities. The EPO will play a crucial role in coordinating, planning, and implementing the Smarter Safer Schools (3S) initiative and Global Partnership for Education (GPE) projects. This role is essential for strengthening provincial education systems by improving local planning, monitoring, and supervision of education activities. The EPO will work closely with Provincial Education Authorities and partner civil society organizations (CSOs) to enhance data-driven decision-making, facilitate stronger school-community partnerships, and promote safer, more inclusive, and effective learning environments for all children. The overarching goal of the Education Programme is to ensure that an increased number of school-age children, particularly adolescent girls, children with disabilities, and those affected by crises, attain foundational learning and progress through secondary education or vocational pathways. The EPO will also support learners in gaining essential life and work skills for meaningful participation in society.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The EPO will undertake several key tasks, including: 1) Supporting planning and coordination of education activities through existing Provincial Department of Education (PDOE) systems and structures, working from home or at government offices as needed. 2) Building capacity in School Learning Improvement Plans and quality improvement initiatives. 3) Conducting advocacy, networking, and partnership building efforts. 4) Monitoring and providing supportive supervision of education programs with PDOE support. 5) Supporting the introduction and implementation of digital and innovative monitoring tools. 6) Assisting selected UNICEF partners in coordinating, implementing, and monitoring community and school-level education activities. 7) Ensuring strong coordination and engagement with provincial initiatives on teacher support, foundational learning, inclusion, and the rollout of 1-6-6 structural reforms. 8) Supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of adolescent skills and participation activities. 9) Coordinating emergency preparedness and response activities. 10) Engaging in innovation, documentation, and knowledge management at the provincial level.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a university degree in fields such as social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations, public or environmental health, or another relevant technical field. Candidates should have strong verbal and written communication skills, a willingness to travel and work in field and emergency environments, and must be a national of Papua New Guinea. Preference will be given to candidates from the same province where the position is located, and they should indicate their province/location in the application cover letter.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in relevant fields such as social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations, public or environmental health, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of education systems and the challenges faced by children in Papua New Guinea.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of professional experience in areas such as education support, community mobilization, school supervision, social development, program planning, behavior change, advocacy, communication, or related fields is required. Relevant experience within Papua New Guinea's education institutions, NGOs, civil society organizations, or development programs is considered an asset, highlighting the importance of local knowledge and context in the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Tok Pisin is required for this position. Knowledge of another local language of the duty station is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term assignment and does not lead to a long-term permanent post within the organization. Applicants are required to submit a financial proposal that includes a lump sum amount for consultancy fees, local transportation, and other miscellaneous costs, with a detailed breakdown appreciated. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered 'staff members' under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage. Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.