Education Officer, NO-2

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them realize their potential from early childhood to adolescence. The organization is committed to providing diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff, fostering a culture of inclusivity and passion for its mission. UNICEF emphasizes the importance of building careers within the organization and offers attractive compensation and benefits to its employees.

Job Overview:
The Education Officer position is pivotal in supporting the development and preparation of education programs in Mauritania. Under the supervision of the Chief of the Education Section, the officer will provide strategic guidance and support to the Government of Mauritania, particularly the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Affairs, focusing on evidence-based planning and monitoring. The role is centered on strengthening the educational system, providing direct support to the government on outcomes and evidence-based planning, and contributing to the achievement of the PNDSE III (the government's educational sector plan). The officer will also assist in monitoring and mapping partner contributions to the PNDSE III and provide leadership for evaluating the sector plan and recommending corrective trajectories to help the government meet its sectoral goals and SDG objectives. The position requires providing targeted technical advice to the government throughout programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of results in educational programs aimed at improving learning outcomes and ensuring equitable and inclusive education, especially for marginalized, disadvantaged, and excluded children.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the development and planning of education programs.
• Manage programs, monitor, and achieve results.
• Provide technical and operational support for program implementation.
• Create networks and establish partnerships.
• Foster innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, sociology, or a relevant technical field. A minimum of two years of professional experience in program planning, management, and research in education is required. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of global development issues, including poverty and conflict, and their impact on education. Experience in supporting the integration of out-of-school children into educational programs is essential, along with a proven track record in managing successful interventions and guiding high-level government officials.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in education, psychology, sociology, or a relevant technical field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational systems and the challenges faced by children in various contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in program planning, management, and research in the field of education. Experience working in Mauritania or in developing countries is considered an asset, as is experience within a UN agency or organization. Relevant experience at the country level, particularly in fragile and humanitarian contexts, is also valuable.

Languages:
Fluency in French and practical knowledge of English are required. Knowledge of Arabic or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in a complex and dynamic environment. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Candidates selected for the position will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and may be required to provide additional information for verification purposes. All UNICEF positions are published, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process.