NOC Education Specialist (Access)

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 to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of building careers that contribute to the well-being of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Education Specialist (Access) reports to the Education Manager P-4 and plays a crucial role in the Transition and Resilience Education Fund (TREF), which is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) and UNICEF. This position involves supporting the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of various educational programs aimed at improving access to quality and inclusive education for marginalized and disadvantaged children. The Specialist will work closely with MEHE and other stakeholders to influence formal education outcomes, coordinate administrative processes, and support capacity-building initiatives. The role requires a strong commitment to achieving results in line with UNICEF's strategic plans and accountability frameworks, ensuring that the educational needs of vulnerable children are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key functions of the Education Specialist (Access) include: 1) Supporting program development and planning by contributing to the design and implementation of educational initiatives; 2) Managing and monitoring program delivery to ensure results are achieved according to established plans; 3) Providing technical and operational support for program implementation, including the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs); 4) Building and maintaining partnerships with MEHE, regional education offices, teacher unions, and other stakeholders to enhance educational outcomes; 5) Engaging in innovation and knowledge management to improve educational practices; 6) Facilitating capacity-building efforts for MEHE staff to enhance their ability to implement TREF objectives effectively; 7) Contributing to the overall strategic direction of UNICEF's education programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and accountability standards.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess an advanced university degree in education, economics, psychology, sociology, or a related technical field. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in program planning, management, or research in the education sector, with experience in developing countries considered an asset. Relevant experience within a UN system agency or organization is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree in one of the following fields: education, economics, psychology, sociology, or another relevant technical field. A bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree, highlighting the importance of both formal education and practical experience in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in program planning, management, and/or research in the education sector. Experience working in developing countries is considered an asset, as is relevant experience within a UN system agency or organization. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational challenges in various contexts and for effectively implementing programs that address these challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset. Proficiency in multiple languages is beneficial for communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the education sector.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve working in a challenging environment, given the focus on education in fragile and humanitarian contexts. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF is committed to safeguarding the rights of children and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards of integrity and accountability.