Educational Planner (Class Formation Automation)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 and is dedicated to providing assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. UNRWA operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, serving over 500,000 students. The agency focuses on delivering quality education, healthcare, and social services to improve the living conditions of Palestine refugees. UNRWA employs thousands of staff across its various operations, working towards the mission of promoting human development and dignity for Palestine refugees.

Job Overview:
The Educational Planner will play a crucial role in the preparation for the 2026/2027 class formation cycle within UNRWA's Education Department. This position involves conducting a thorough technical assessment of the current automation processes in class formation and developing a comprehensive roadmap for future improvements. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing existing methodologies, consulting with education planning staff, and analyzing critical data such as enrolment projections and staffing ratios. The role requires a strategic approach to enhance the efficiency of the class formation process, which is vital for the optimal allocation of resources and effective educational planning across UNRWA's operational fields.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks, including:

• Producing the first draft of the 2026/2027 Class Formation Guidelines/Framework by reviewing existing methodologies and consulting with HQ and Field education planning staff.
• Analyzing enrolment projections, staffing ratios, and space utilization data to inform the class formation process.
• Conducting a technical assessment of the current automation tools and workflows used in class formation, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Documenting findings in a structured technical assessment report, including recommendations for scaling and sustaining a fully automated process.
• Facilitating consultations with relevant teams to validate findings and develop a prioritized roadmap for completing the automation process.
• Preparing a final report that incorporates feedback and outlines actionable next steps for institutionalizing the automated class formation process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Education Planning, Economics of Education, Statistics, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Public Policy, or a related field. A Bachelor's degree with significant relevant experience may be considered. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in education planning, school mapping, or education data systems, including at least 2 years of international experience outside their home country. Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable recommendations are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as Education Planning, Economics of Education, Statistics, Data Analytics, Information Systems, or Public Policy. A Bachelor's degree may be acceptable if accompanied by significant relevant experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in education planning, school mapping, or education data systems. This experience should include at least 2 continuous years of relevant international experience outside the candidate's home country. Demonstrated hands-on experience in class formation and education resource allocation is essential, along with proven experience in data analysis and the development or use of planning tools.

Languages:
Excellent written communication skills in English are mandatory, particularly the ability to produce concise technical reports and guidelines. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of 3 months. The consultant will be compensated at a 50% P4 Level based on the deliverables outlined in the job description. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.