Education Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children. With a mission to save lives, defend rights, and help children fulfill their potential, UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories. The organization is committed to building a better world for every child, every day, and has a significant presence in Nigeria, which is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally. UNICEF Nigeria focuses on fulfilling and protecting children's rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families, particularly in a complex humanitarian and development setting.

Job Overview:
The Education Officer position at UNICEF involves supporting the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the education section’s program in the Maiduguri Field Office. The role is crucial for ensuring effective program management and reporting, grant implementation, and the delivery of results. The Education Officer will also be responsible for communication, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and partnership building, as well as supervising, coaching, and capacity building of facilitators and consultants. This position is vital in addressing the educational challenges faced by children in Nigeria, particularly in the context of the high number of out-of-school children and the need for quality education.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Education Officer will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Managing and reporting on education programs in the Maiduguri Field Office, ensuring that all activities align with UNICEF’s goals and objectives.
• Implementing and monitoring grants to ensure effective delivery of educational results.
• Overseeing program implementation focused on learning outcomes and ensuring that educational interventions are effective and impactful.
• Engaging in communication and advocacy efforts to raise awareness about educational issues and build partnerships with stakeholders.
• Supervising and coaching facilitators and consultants to enhance their capacity and effectiveness in delivering educational programs.
• Contributing to the overall management of the office and ensuring that all educational initiatives are aligned with UNICEF’s mission and values.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Education Officer position, candidates must possess a university degree in education, psychology, sociology, or a relevant technical field. Additionally, a minimum of two years of professional experience in program planning, management, and/or research in education is required. Relevant experience within a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language (Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba) is advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a university degree in one of the following fields: education, psychology, sociology, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of educational systems and the challenges faced by children in accessing quality education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in program planning, management, and/or research in the field of education. This experience is crucial for effectively managing educational programs and ensuring that they meet the needs of children in Nigeria, particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language (such as Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba) is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Maiduguri, Nigeria, and is part of UNICEF's commitment to addressing educational challenges in the region. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.