Education Officer NOA

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of children and ensure their well-being. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children in the world, providing them with essential services and support to fulfill their potential. UNICEF operates with a mission to save lives, defend rights, and help children thrive, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to social services and protection from violence. In Colombia, UNICEF's work is concentrated on improving the lives of children and adolescents, particularly in regions with fewer opportunities, such as Chocó, Cauca, Nariño, and Norte de Santander. The organization is committed to generating positive changes through its current work plan, which runs from 2021 to 2024, aiming to ensure that children enjoy their rights and have access to quality education and protection.

Job Overview:
The Education Officer NOA position at UNICEF Colombia involves providing professional technical assistance and support for the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and administration of education programs and projects. The role requires collaboration with the Education Specialist and entails a variety of responsibilities, including data analysis, progress reporting, and capacity building. The Education Officer is expected to apply theoretical and technical skills to support the development of the Education Programme within the Country Programme. This position is considered an entry-level professional role, typically serving as a trainee level for acquiring organizational knowledge and preparing for higher responsibilities. The incumbent will engage in various stages of programming processes and contribute to achieving the planned objectives aligned with the education program goals and strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support to programme development and planning: Research and analyze regional and national trends in political, health, social, and economic development. Collect, analyze, verify, and synthesize information to facilitate program development and preparation. Support the preparation of technical reports and provide inputs for program documentation, ensuring accuracy and relevance. Contribute to the establishment of sectoral program goals and strategies through research and reporting. Provide technical and administrative support throughout programming processes, ensuring compliance with organizational rules and management systems. Prepare documentation for program review and approval processes.
• Programme management, monitoring, and delivery of results: Collaborate with internal colleagues and partners to collect and analyze information on implementation issues. Suggest solutions for routine program implementation and report to appropriate officials for intervention. Maintain records of reports and assessments for reference and institutional learning. Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, prepare reports on results, and ensure compliance with program resources and donor commitments.
• Technical and operational support to program implementation: Conduct field visits and surveys to assess progress and report on critical issues. Provide technical support to government counterparts, NGO partners, and other stakeholders on UNICEF policies and best practices to facilitate program implementation.
• Networking and partnership building: Build effective partnerships with government counterparts and stakeholders to facilitate program implementation. Draft communication materials for program advocacy and participate in inter-agency meetings to collaborate on education programs.
• Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building: Support the identification and sharing of lessons learned for knowledge development. Apply innovative approaches to support program results and participate in capacity-building initiatives for stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in education, psychology, sociology, or a relevant technical field. Candidates must have a minimum of one year of professional work experience in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of educational programs, particularly in territorial contexts. Experience in supervising staff and supporting pedagogical processes in the field is essential. Proven experience in technical supervision, coordination with educational institutions, and the application of inclusive approaches in diverse contexts is also required. Candidates should be adept at monitoring educational indicators and preparing technical reports, as well as participating in inter-institutional coordination.

Educational Background:
A university degree in one of the following fields is required: education, psychology, sociology, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of educational programs and the needs of children in various contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of one year of professional work experience in the field of education, specifically in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of educational programs. Experience in supervising staff and supporting pedagogical processes is crucial, as well as familiarity with coordinating educational responses in vulnerable contexts.

Languages:
A good level of English is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the international context of UNICEF's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as Level 1, which is typically an entry-level role intended for trainees. UNICEF emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to safeguarding children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and appointments may be subject to medical clearance and vaccination requirements.