Education Specialist (Early Childhood Development)

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Education Specialist (Early Childhood Development)
Location: Apia
Country: Samoa
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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 dedicated to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional development. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that supports staff growth and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package. In the Pacific region, UNICEF works across 14 island countries, serving a population of 2.3 million, including 1.2 million children and youth.

Job Overview:
The Education Specialist (Early Childhood Development) will work under the supervision of the Chief of Field Office and in collaboration with the Education team in Suva. This role involves supporting the development and preparation of the Education and ECD programme, managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on progress within the multi-country programme. The Specialist will provide technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of results on education programmes/projects aimed at improving learning outcomes and promoting equitable and inclusive education, particularly for marginalized and disadvantaged children.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the development and planning of Education and ECD programmes/projects.
• Manage the implementation, monitoring, and delivery of results on Education and ECD programmes.
• Provide technical and operational support for programme implementation.
• Build networks and partnerships to enhance programme effectiveness.
• Engage in innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building initiatives to strengthen programme delivery.
• Ensure alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans and accountability frameworks.
• Contribute to the achievement of results according to plans and results-based management approaches.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree in education, economics, psychology, sociology, public health, or a relevant technical field is required.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in programme planning, management, and/or research in education and early childhood development-related areas is required.
• Experience in a developing country is considered an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is also an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in one of the following fields: education, economics, psychology, sociology, public health, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education and early childhood development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in programme planning, management, and/or research specifically related to education and early childhood development. Experience working in a developing country is advantageous, as is relevant experience within a UN system agency or organization.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of the local language of the duty station is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization offers various benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and visa requirements.