Assistant Education Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), which is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR has a mission to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The organization operates in over 130 countries, providing critical support and assistance to millions of people worldwide. UNHCR's work includes providing shelter, food, education, and healthcare to refugees, as well as advocating for their rights and working towards durable solutions for their situations. The organization is committed to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and it collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and other UN agencies, to fulfill its mission.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Education Officer position is a vital role within UNHCR's education programming in South Sudan, particularly focusing on initiatives funded by the Mastercard Foundation (MCF). The primary functions of this position include planning, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring education and youth interventions that align with national education strategies, donor requirements, and UNHCR policies. The Assistant Education Officer will provide both technical and operational support to ensure that education programs are effectively executed, with a strong emphasis on youth inclusion and development-linked programming. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and education partners, to enhance the quality and accessibility of education for refugee and host community youth. The position also involves integrating education initiatives within broader protection and solutions frameworks, ensuring that education contributes to the overall well-being and future prospects of young people in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Education Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the implementation of education and youth activities in accordance with Refugee Education 2030, SDG 4, and UNHCR education policies; providing technical support to education partners in program implementation, monitoring, and reporting; coordinating with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction and relevant education sector coordination mechanisms; monitoring education and youth programs, focusing on school enrollment, attendance, retention, learning outcomes, and peacebuilding; assisting in the management of education components related to secondary education, non-formal education, youth programming, and scholarships; contributing to donor reports and internal planning documents; integrating education/youth initiatives with child protection, GBV, community services, and livelihoods interventions; participating in field missions and assessments; assisting in capacity building of partners through training and workshops; supporting data collection and analysis of education/youth activities; and performing other protection-related duties as required. Performance will be monitored through the timely delivery of assigned activities, the quality of monitoring inputs, effective coordination with partners, and compliance with UNHCR standards.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should possess a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in education programming, coordination, or administration. Experience in humanitarian or development contexts, particularly in refugee education, is considered an asset. Familiarity with working alongside government education authorities or NGOs is also desirable. Key competencies required for this role include knowledge of education programming and coordination, strong communication and drafting skills, the ability to work with minimal supervision, and effective coordination and teamwork skills. Desirable competencies include experience in refugee or emergency education contexts and familiarity with UNHCR education policies and standards.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a university degree in a relevant field such as Education, Social Sciences, or Development Studies. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of education programming and the specific needs of refugee populations. The degree should provide a solid foundation in educational theories, social development, and the principles of humanitarian assistance, which are critical for the role of Assistant Education Officer.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in education programming, coordination, or administration. This experience should ideally be within humanitarian or development contexts, with a particular focus on refugee education. Candidates with experience working with government education authorities or NGOs will be preferred, as this background will enhance their ability to navigate the complexities of education systems and partnerships in South Sudan.

Languages:
The position does not specify mandatory languages, but proficiency in English is typically required for communication within UNHCR and with international partners. Additional languages relevant to the local context may be beneficial, particularly those spoken by refugee populations and host communities, to facilitate effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA8 category and is not remote. The target start date for the role is January 29, 2026, and the application deadline is February 14, 202

• The position is categorized under a non-family residential location with a hardship level of E, indicating a challenging working environment. Candidates should be prepared for the unique challenges associated with working in South Sudan, including potential security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security concerns and limited access to certain resources.