Education Officer (School Readiness & Foundational Skills)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. In Indonesia, UNICEF focuses on ensuring that children reach their full potential, particularly the most vulnerable. With a strong presence across the country, including seven regional and sub-regional offices, UNICEF Indonesia works to address disparities in child welfare and education, impacting over 80 million children.

Job Overview:
The Education Officer (School Readiness & Foundational Skills) will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF Indonesia's education initiatives, particularly in the areas of Holistic and Integrated Early Childhood Development (HI-ECD) and foundational skills for early grades. This position involves coordination, implementation, monitoring, and documentation of education programs aimed at improving school readiness and foundational skills among young learners. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including government counterparts and education sector partners, to ensure effective program delivery and to address the challenges faced in early childhood education, particularly in regions with low enrollment rates. The role also emphasizes the importance of integrating early learning with health and nutrition interventions to foster a supportive environment for children's development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Education Officer will be responsible for coordinating the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of HI-ECD and early grades primary education programs. Key duties include:

• Supporting regular coordination between education and nutrition sections for effective program delivery.
• Conducting field visits to monitor program activities and collect data for analysis, including assessments related to student learning outcomes.
• Analyzing data on Gender Equity, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) to enhance equity in education programs.
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices to share with government and education partners.
• Providing technical support for program planning and donor reporting.
• Undertaking additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor, including promoting volunteerism and community engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of UNICEF's operations and possess technical knowledge relevant to education programs. They should exhibit discretion, political sensitivity, and the ability to liaise with various stakeholders. A commitment to ethical standards and the values of the UN is essential, along with the ability to work independently and manage information confidentially. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a diverse environment are also required, as well as a commitment to gender equality and continuous learning.

Educational Background:
A degree in education, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in early childhood education or program management would be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid understanding of educational policies and practices, particularly in the context of early childhood development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in education, preferably in early childhood development or related fields. Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations in education programs is highly desirable. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks and data analysis is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both spoken and written. Proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and partners. Knowledge of additional local languages may be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer position based in Jakarta, Indonesia. The volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position offers basic living needs, including accommodation and medical facilities. National UN Volunteers are covered under a malicious insurance plan. The role may involve travel within Indonesia, particularly to regions such as NTT and Papua, where UNICEF has ongoing education initiatives.