Area Education Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and offering a range of services including education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donors. The organization is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it actively seeks individuals who are committed to this mission.

Job Overview:
The Area Education Officer is a pivotal role within UNRWA, responsible for overseeing the delivery of quality basic education services to refugee students in the designated area. The incumbent will report to the Chief Field Education Programme for technical matters and to the Chief of the Area Office for operational issues. This position requires strong leadership and management skills, as the Area Education Officer will supervise a large team of professional and support staff, including Education Specialists, School Principals, and Deputy School Principals. The primary expectation is to ensure that the academic potential of each child is realized and that overall school achievement levels are improved. The Area Education Officer will develop and maintain a safe and stimulating learning environment, fostering respect, discipline, and morale among all stakeholders, including teachers, students, and parents. This role also involves managing the performance of school leaders, developing positive relationships with community leaders and organizations, and ensuring effective administration of educational resources and services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to:

• Ensuring the delivery of quality basic education services to refugee students, thereby realizing each child's academic potential and improving overall school achievement levels.
• Providing technical supervision and guidance to School Principals and Deputy School Principals, fostering a collaborative environment for educational improvement.
• Developing and maintaining a safe and stimulating learning environment through the promotion of respect, discipline, and morale among teachers, staff, students, and parents.
• Managing the performance and behavior of School Principals and Deputy School Principals, setting individual and school goals, providing feedback, and identifying training needs.
• Building positive relationships with community leaders, NGOs, and government institutions to enhance educational support and resources.
• Overseeing the coordination of support services for under-performing and misbehaving students, ensuring effective communication between students, teaching staff, support specialists, and parents.
• Ensuring the efficient administration of staff, students, and school premises, including regular inspections to maintain compliance with UNRWA standards.
• Performing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor, contributing to the overall mission of UNRWA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an accredited institution in education or a subject taught in UNRWA schools. A PhD in education or a related field is desirable. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission of UNRWA and possess the ability to work effectively in a diverse and multicultural environment. The role requires a deep understanding of educational practices and policies, as well as the ability to lead and inspire a team of educators.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in education or a related subject. Candidates with a PhD in education or a closely related field will be given preference. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of educational systems and for providing effective leadership in the delivery of quality education services.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least seven years of experience in teaching or instructing in subjects relevant to those taught in UNRWA schools. This experience should include a minimum of three years in a leadership role, such as a School Principal or in a similar administrative or supervisory capacity. The role requires a proven track record of managing educational programs and leading teams to achieve educational goals.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, with English being the working language of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in both languages according to the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, which includes a one-year probation period. There is a possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The position is classified at Grade 17, with a monthly basic salary of USD 1,825.40, plus a special occupational allowance of 35% of the basic salary. Additional benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and allowances for dependents if applicable. The position is open only to internal candidates residing in the West Bank or Jerusalem, and candidates must have authorization to work in the duty station at the time of application. The agency will not facilitate work permits, and candidates must reside within commuting distance of the duty station. UNRWA encourages applications from registered Palestine refugees and candidates from underrepresented genders to promote gender parity within the organization. The agency also strongly encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.