Education Sector Coordinator

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 welfare of children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The Education Sector Coordinator will play a pivotal role in leading the education sector coordination mechanism in Poland, particularly in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education (MoNE). This position involves ensuring effective communication and alignment among various education partners, stakeholders, and donors. The coordinator will be responsible for planning and documenting the transition of education sector coordination from UNICEF to government leadership, with a comprehensive plan expected to be in place by September 202

• Additionally, the role includes supporting the development of a comprehensive evidence synthesis study on Polish as a foreign language instruction, which will involve collaboration with governmental institutions, academic bodies, and NGOs. The coordinator will also formulate strategic policy recommendations for a national framework for Polish language instruction, ensuring multi-sectoral collaboration. Furthermore, the role encompasses designing and coordinating volunteering initiatives linked to education and community support, strengthening youth engagement mechanisms, and liaising with local government counterparts to promote scalable education models.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the education sector coordination mechanism in collaboration with MoNE, ensuring alignment and information sharing among education partners and stakeholders. Conduct monthly meetings and coordinate back-to-learning initiatives.
• Develop and document a comprehensive plan for the transition of education sector coordination from UNICEF to government leadership, with necessary reviews conducted.
• Technically support the development of an evidence synthesis study on Polish language instruction, incorporating best practices from European educational systems.
• Formulate strategic policy recommendations for a national framework for Polish language instruction, ensuring validation by September 202
• Design and coordinate volunteering initiatives linked to education and community support, providing technical support for UNICEF initiatives in Poland.
• Strengthen youth engagement mechanisms, including consultations with adolescents and young people.
• Liaise with local government counterparts in Wroclaw and Krakow, conducting monthly coordination meetings and ensuring compliance with financial assurance activities.
• Prepare and submit progress and financial reports to stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with UNICEF procedures.
• Develop and oversee detailed work plans and timelines, tracking progress and ensuring timely completion of project deliverables.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Master's degree in Project Management, Psychology, Pedagogy, or a related field including Education.
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in project management or coordination.
• Proven experience collaborating with central public education bodies and contributing to national education policy processes.
• Experience in working with multiple partners and coordinating complex initiatives.
• Experience in programs related to teacher training.
• Previous experience with UNICEF or UN organizations is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Master's degree in Project Management, Psychology, Pedagogy, or a related field that includes Education. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage and coordinate educational projects.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant work experience in project management or coordination. This experience should include proven collaboration with public education bodies and involvement in national education policy processes. Candidates should also have experience in managing complex initiatives and programs related to teacher training, which is crucial for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in Polish and English is mandatory, with excellent language skills in both oral and written forms. Knowledge of Ukrainian is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant collaboration with various stakeholders, including governmental institutions and NGOs. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be prepared for rigorous background checks and medical clearance as part of the hiring process. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during recruitment and maintains a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.