Education Officer

Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is an organization dedicated to improving aid to better protect and empower individuals affected by crises and climate change. Established as part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), NORCAP operates globally, providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding partners. The organization aims to reduce needs, risks, and vulnerabilities over time by promoting effective collaboration and innovative approaches to aid. NORCAP works with various partners to enhance their responses and develop solutions to unmet challenges, focusing on creating opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Education Officer position is crucial for strengthening national education systems in Moldova, particularly in response to the educational needs arising from the war in Ukraine. This role involves collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) of Moldova to enhance the government's capacity to address the educational requirements of Ukrainian refugees. The Education Officer will work closely with ministry counterparts and humanitarian partners to ensure effective coordination, monitoring, and data-informed decision-making. The emphasis will be on sustainable systems and national ownership, ensuring that the educational pathways for displaced individuals are inclusive and coordinated. The position is based in Chișinău and is a non-family posting offered as a fixed-term contract until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension. The role reports to the Head of Interethnic Relations Policy Section at MER and has a technical reporting line to the NORCAP Education Thematic Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As the Education Officer, the responsibilities include supporting the Ministry of Education and Research in coordinating the Refugee Education Working Group, which involves preparing agendas, facilitating meetings, documenting discussions, and following up on agreed actions. The officer will strengthen internal and inter-ministerial coordination on refugee education, ensuring that information on enrollment, attendance, and educational modalities is consistent and up-to-date. The role also entails supporting the implementation and monitoring of the national Roadmap for the Inclusion of Refugee Children in the Education System, focusing on accelerated learning and preparatory programs. Additionally, the Education Officer will develop and maintain practical monitoring and tracking tools to oversee refugee education initiatives effectively. Engaging with local authorities and communities to identify barriers to access and proposing practical solutions for refugee learners is also a key responsibility. The officer will contribute to NORCAP's knowledge exchange and collaboration with other experts, dedicating up to 15% of their time to relevant technical initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Education Officer position should possess at least six years of relevant professional experience in education in emergencies and/or education development. Strong experience in supporting ministries of education and system strengthening in crisis and displacement contexts is essential. Proven experience in refugee education programs, including needs assessment, contingency planning, and capacity strengthening, is required. A comprehensive understanding of humanitarian response, protection, peacebuilding, and human rights is necessary, along with practical experience in advising national or local authorities on the right to education. Familiarity with United Nations coordination mechanisms and the ability to engage effectively with government and humanitarian actors is crucial. Knowledge of International, EU, and European Commission education policies and benchmarks is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or higher in education, social sciences, or a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address the complexities of education in crisis situations.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in the field of education, particularly in emergencies and development contexts. This experience should include direct involvement in refugee education programs and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with government ministries and other stakeholders in crisis situations.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this role. Additionally, a working knowledge of Russian and/or Romanian is required, as these languages will facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders in Moldova.

Additional Notes:
The Education Officer position is a fixed-term contract until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The role is classified as a non-family posting, indicating that the successful candidate will be expected to relocate without family members. Residents of Moldova will be appointed on a NRC national contract, which may differ from international contracts in terms of benefits and compensation. The organization emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates. NORCAP has a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.