Education Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a global organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of children. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, focusing on the most disadvantaged children to save lives, defend rights, and help them fulfill their potential. In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting, partnering with the government, civil society, and families to protect children's rights and improve access to education. The organization is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally, emphasizing its commitment to addressing educational challenges in Nigeria, where millions of children are out of school due to various socio-economic factors. UNICEF's mission is to ensure that every child has a chance to thrive, and it continuously strives to build a better world for all children, everywhere, every day.

Job Overview:
The Education Officer position at UNICEF Nigeria is pivotal in supporting the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the education section's Access programme. Under the supervision of the Education Specialist (Access), the officer will contribute to strategic interventions aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children, focusing on inclusive education, girls' education, alternative learning pathways, climate change, and safe schools. The role requires a blend of technical, operational, and administrative support throughout the programming process, ensuring that UNICEF's educational initiatives are effectively planned and executed. The officer will also engage with field offices to enhance access to education, ensuring that the programming aligns with UNICEF's goals and the specific needs of Nigerian children.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support programme development and planning by providing technical and administrative assistance throughout all stages of programming processes, including executing and administering various technical programme transactions, preparing materials, and ensuring compliance with organizational processes.
• Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources, ensuring compliance with approved allocations and organizational rules, and follow up on unresolved issues to ensure timely resolution.
• Undertake field visits and surveys to assess progress, report on critical issues, and provide technical support to government counterparts and partners.
• Build and sustain effective partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders, facilitating programme implementation and capacity building.
• Identify, capture, and share lessons learned for knowledge development and capacity building of stakeholders, applying innovative approaches to support programme delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in education, psychology, sociology, or a relevant technical field. A minimum of one year of professional experience in programme planning, implementation, and management in education is required. Experience working in Nigeria or other sub-Saharan countries, as well as experience with a UN agency or international organization, is highly desirable. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with demonstrated competencies in coordinating and collaborating with stakeholders such as government and donor partners. Skills in managing budgets are also required.

Educational Background:
A university degree in one of the following fields is required: education, psychology, sociology, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational programming and the specific challenges faced in the Nigerian context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of professional experience in programme planning, implementation, and management within the education sector. Experience in Nigeria or other sub-Saharan countries is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the local educational landscape and challenges. Familiarity with working for a UN agency or an international organization is also advantageous, as it indicates an understanding of the operational frameworks and standards expected in such environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language in Nigeria is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role within UNICEF Nigeria, which is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in its workforce. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments. Additionally, candidates may need to meet inoculation requirements, including vaccinations against COVID-1

• UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.