Education Officer - Curriculum and Teacher Development

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. Its mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does, including programs, advocacy, and operations. UNICEF operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 13,000 employees. The organization emphasizes equity, focusing on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translating its commitment to children's rights into action. UNICEF's work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, aiming to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential without discrimination or bias. The organization is committed to addressing inequity, which is vital for the sustained growth and stability of nations, as investing in the health, education, and protection of disadvantaged citizens leads to better outcomes for all children and society as a whole.

Job Overview:
The Education Officer for Curriculum and Teacher Development will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of UNICEF's Education Programme in Papua New Guinea, particularly focusing on the rollout of the Standards-Based Curriculum (SBC) and enhancing teacher professional development. The officer will work under the guidance of the Chief of Education and the direct supervision of the Education Specialist. The position involves contributing to the development, design, and management of education-related programs and projects, ensuring that they align with UNICEF's goals and objectives. The officer will be responsible for conducting situation analyses, researching development trends, and providing technical and administrative support throughout the programming processes. This role requires collaboration with internal colleagues and external partners to monitor and evaluate program implementation, ensuring that resources are used effectively and that results are achieved. The officer will also engage in networking and partnership building to facilitate program implementation and capacity development among stakeholders, ultimately aiming to improve educational outcomes for children in Papua New Guinea.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support program development and planning by preparing and updating situation analyses, researching development trends, and contributing to the establishment of sectoral program goals and objectives.
• Provide technical and administrative support throughout all stages of programming processes, ensuring compliance with organizational processes and management systems.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues and partners to collect, analyze, and share information on implementation issues, suggesting solutions and preparing reports for higher-level intervention.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, program reviews, and annual sectoral reviews, preparing minutes and reports for follow-up action.
• Undertake field visits and surveys to assess progress and report on critical issues, providing technical and operational support to government counterparts and partners.
• Build and sustain effective partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders, facilitating program implementation and capacity building.
• Draft communication materials for program advocacy and participate in inter-agency meetings to collaborate on education programs.
• Contribute to knowledge management and capacity building initiatives, applying innovative approaches to support program delivery and sharing lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for building partnerships and collaborating with various stakeholders. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values, particularly in promoting equity and inclusion in education. Proficiency in program management and monitoring, as well as a solid understanding of education policies and practices, is required. The candidate should also be adaptable and flexible, able to work in challenging environments and navigate complex situations effectively.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in education, social sciences, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the position. The educational background should include a strong foundation in educational theory, policy, and practice, particularly in relation to curriculum development and teacher training.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2-3 years of professional experience in education program management, curriculum development, or teacher training. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of developing countries, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNICEF's policies and programs, as well as experience in monitoring and evaluation, will be advantageous. The candidate should demonstrate a track record of successful collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders in the education sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNICEF and essential for communication and reporting. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Papua New Guinea would be an asset, as it can facilitate engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be discussed during the recruitment process. Candidates should be prepared to adapt to the living conditions in Papua New Guinea, which may include challenges related to accessibility, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and local customs. The overall security situation is assessed as volatile, and adherence to UN security precautions is essential. The position may involve travel to rural areas, requiring flexibility and a willingness to work in diverse environments.