Programme Specialist (RISE Programme Manager)

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 fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist will provide technical leadership and program management support for the RISE Kenya initiative, which aims to create multiple, flexible, and safe learning pathways for out-of-school adolescents and youth. This role involves coordinating with various stakeholders, including government entities, UNICEF, and private sector partners, to ensure the successful implementation of education programs. The specialist will be responsible for system capacity building, technology-enabled learning, and youth engagement, contributing to the overall objectives of the RISE program and aligning with UNICEF's strategic plans and accountability frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the design and implementation of learning pathways for secondary education and skills development for out-of-school youth.
• Engage adolescents and youth in meaningful ways to promote return to learning and strengthen employability skills.
• Conduct situation analyses to inform strategic policy and advocacy efforts in education.
• Collaborate with partners to establish monitoring benchmarks and performance indicators for education programs.
• Lead monitoring and evaluation exercises to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide technical guidance to government and NGO partners on UNICEF policies and best practices in education.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders to enhance program delivery and sustainability.
• Innovate and implement best practices in education management and youth empowerment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Education, management, development economics, psychology, sociology, or a related field. They should have a strong understanding of global development issues, particularly in education and youth empowerment. Technical skills in policy dialogue, program management, and budget oversight are essential. Experience in managing multi-partner programs and high-value budgets is required, along with knowledge of EdTech and digital learning.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Education, management, or development economics is mandatory. Candidates with advanced degrees in related fields will also be considered.

Experience:
At least 5 years of relevant work experience in education systems reform, workforce development, or large-scale social sector program leadership is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing multi-partner, multi-donor programs at a national scale and a track record of influencing policy and institutional change.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term role with a focus on full-time engagement. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must comply with UNICEF's policies on safeguarding and conduct, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks.