Education Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF Ethiopia is part of the United Nations Children's Fund, which was established in 194

• The organization focuses on providing humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in more than 150 countries. UNICEF Ethiopia is implementing a 5-year country programme from 2020 to 2025, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The mission of UNICEF Ethiopia is to promote the rights and well-being of every child, ensuring that they have access to education, health care, and protection from violence and exploitation. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in various regions across Ethiopia, particularly focusing on areas affected by conflict and climate shocks, such as the Oromia Region. UNICEF Ethiopia collaborates with government partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen national systems for data collection, analysis, and monitoring, ultimately aiming to promote equity and improve the situation of children in the country.

Job Overview:
The Education Specialist position at UNICEF Ethiopia is crucial for delivering quality education in emergencies, particularly in the Oromia Region, which has been severely affected by conflict and displacement. The specialist will be responsible for strengthening education in emergencies (EiE) coordination, supporting the implementation of learning interventions, and ensuring effective monitoring of education services for crisis-affected children. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government partners and implementing organizations, to ensure a well-coordinated response to the educational needs of children and adolescents in the affected zones. The Education Specialist will also engage in community mobilization and advocacy efforts to prioritize education in humanitarian responses, thereby contributing to the overall mission of UNICEF to protect and promote children's rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Education Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: 1) Coordination and Partnership: Actively participate in zonal Education Cluster and inter-agency coordination meetings, facilitating collaboration with Education Bureaus and implementing partners, and promoting the integration of EiE with Child Protection, WASH, and Social Behavior Change (SBC) interventions. 2) Programme Implementation Support: Assist in the establishment and rehabilitation of temporary learning spaces, promote the provision of teaching and learning materials, and support the implementation of accelerated learning, adolescent life skills training, and remedial programs, ensuring the inclusion of girls and children with disabilities in EiE interventions. 3) Monitoring and Reporting: Collect and analyze data on school functionality, enrollment, and attendance; contribute to monthly 5W mapping and activity information for education actors; prepare situation reports, dashboards, and partner activity summaries. Monitor and provide technical support for ongoing UNICEF-supported Education in Emergency responses in the four Wollega zones, ensuring compliance with organizational rules and donor commitments. 4) Capacity Building: Train teachers, education officials, and partner organizations on EiE standards and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support; support the development of standardized tools and guidance for EiE interventions; coordinate sub-zonal education cluster meetings and share updates on EiE-related activities. 5) Community Engagement and Advocacy: Promote back-to-school campaigns and community mobilization efforts, advocating for education as a priority in humanitarian responses. Represent UNICEF in inter-agency discussions and planning on education in emergencies, ensuring organizational interests are integrated into program planning. 6) Additional tasks as required: Oversee any other EiE-related activities as discussed with the Education Specialist at the Oromia Field Office.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong set of qualifications, including a deep understanding of education in emergencies, child protection, and humanitarian response. Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Strong analytical skills are essential for data collection and reporting, as well as the capacity to train and build the capacity of others. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's core values of care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, and sustainability.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Education Specialist position should have a relevant educational background, typically a master's degree in education, social sciences, international development, or a related field. A strong academic foundation in education policy, child development, and emergency response is essential for effectively addressing the challenges faced by children in crisis situations.

Experience:
The position requires substantial experience in education programming, particularly in emergency contexts. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, including work with international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies focused on education and child protection. Experience in capacity building, program implementation, and monitoring and evaluation in challenging environments is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and with international partners. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Oromia Region, such as Afaan Oromo, is considered an asset and would enhance the candidate's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Nekemte, the capital of the East Wollega Zone. The selected volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials, and they should be familiar with the living conditions in Ethiopia. The role involves frequent travel to surrounding zones and woredas, and the volunteer must adhere to UNICEF and UNDSS security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols, including travel advisories and movement restrictions. Basic to good accommodation options are available in Nekemte, which also has access to health facilities, markets, and transport connections. The security conditions may vary depending on specific zone factors.