Associate Education Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it works to promote solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.

Job Overview:
The Associate Education Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Refugee Education 2030 strategy, which aligns with the Global Compact on Refugees. This position focuses on enhancing the quality and inclusiveness of national education systems to ensure that refugee and host community children and youth have access to primary, secondary, and tertiary education. The Associate Education Officer will work closely with UNHCR Country Offices and partners to advocate for and implement educational objectives, ensuring that programming aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The role involves promoting equitable inclusion in education systems, fostering safe learning environments, and enabling learners to leverage their education for sustainable futures. The incumbent will act as a focal point for education within their area of responsibility and will support the implementation of global policies, including the UNHCR Education Strategy, while collaborating with various stakeholders to improve access to quality education for refugees.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Education Officer include staying informed about political, social, economic, and cultural developments affecting education access and quality. The officer will actively pursue opportunities to implement UNHCR's urban policy and support the integration of refugees into national education systems. Responsibilities also include providing comments on education-related legislation, coordinating with partners to adapt the Education Strategy to local contexts, and ensuring coherent annual planning and monitoring of education programs. The officer will provide technical advice to persons of concern (PoC), implement education programs in line with established standards, and facilitate inter-sectoral linkages with other programmatic areas. Additionally, the officer will advocate for the right to education for PoC, coordinate with education networks, and participate in working groups to support refugee education programming. The role also involves identifying training needs, conducting training sessions, and ensuring the dissemination of best practices in education.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, two years with a graduate degree, or one year with a doctorate. Essential qualifications include work experience in progressively responsible functions in education, demonstrated experience in education program implementation, and field experience in humanitarian or development contexts. Strong interpersonal skills, analytical abilities, and excellent communication skills are required. Desirable qualifications include experience in refugee education programs, knowledge of UNHCR policies, and experience in child protection.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in Education, Social Sciences, or a related field. Candidates with advanced degrees (Master's or Doctorate) will be considered favorably, especially if they have relevant experience in education or humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience for those with an undergraduate degree, two years for those with a graduate degree, or one year for those with a doctorate. Experience should be in progressively responsible roles within education, particularly in program implementation and coordination in humanitarian or development settings. Experience working with government entities, particularly Ministries of Education, is also essential.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Candidates should demonstrate at least a B2 level of proficiency in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role and is temporary, with a target start date of February 1, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 202

• The position is based in Bamako, Mali, and is categorized under a non-family residential location. The role may involve working closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and other UN bodies, to ensure effective implementation of education programs for refugees.