Senior Education Associate

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, to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to helping millions of people worldwide. The organization focuses on providing protection and assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals, working closely with governments and partners to find durable solutions for those in need.

Job Overview:
The Senior Education Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Refugee Education 2030 strategy, which aligns with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). This position is pivotal in promoting equitable access to quality education for refugees and host community children and youth. The incumbent will assist in advocating for and implementing educational objectives that foster inclusion and sustainability within national education systems. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including UNHCR countries and partners, to ensure that education programs are effectively monitored and adjusted based on performance data. The Senior Education Associate will also be responsible for ensuring that UNHCR's education programming aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contributes to the overall mission of providing inclusive and equitable quality education.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Education Associate will be responsible for monitoring and supporting all existing formal and informal education programs, including community-based schools and informal classes. This includes regularly updating and sharing information related to education, utilizing data collection to identify gaps, assess trends, and design interventions. The incumbent will review education proposals, monitor existing agreements with partners, and work closely with the community to enhance the quality and ownership of community-run education programs. Additionally, the Senior Education Associate will liaise with partners to organize teacher training, perform administrative tasks for project activities, provide inputs for funding submissions and reports, and represent UNHCR in monitoring education projects. The role also involves fostering inter-sectoral linkages with child protection, gender, community services, and health, ensuring that education-related concerns are integrated into planning across sectors. The incumbent will assist in the planning and coordination of UNHCR's role in education, engage in joint assessment missions, and support the identification and management of risks impacting educational objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include demonstrated work experience in education programs, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts, and experience working with government entities such as Ministries of Education. Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration and coordination are crucial, along with the ability to work with minimal supervision. Desirable qualifications include experience in refugee education programs, knowledge of UNHCR policies and standards, and experience in child protection and educational research.

Educational Background:
The position requires a High School Diploma as a minimum qualification, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. Relevant fields of education include Education, Social Sciences, and Business Administration. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role, particularly those related to education and social sciences.

Experience:
The Senior Education Associate should have at least 4 years of relevant experience in education program implementation and coordination, particularly in humanitarian and development contexts. Experience working with government bodies, especially Ministries of Education, is essential. The role also requires demonstrated capacity to work independently and manage competing deadlines effectively in fluid operational environments.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA7 category and is not remote. The target start date for the role is April 1, 202

• The position is full-time and involves working in a challenging environment, as indicated by the hardship level E designation. The role may involve some travel and interaction with various stakeholders, including government officials and community partners. The incumbent will be expected to adhere to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, and contribute to a safe and empowering work environment.