Assistant for the Online CoP

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Position Title: Assistant for the Online CoP
Location: Amman
Country: Jordan
Deadline Date: 1/12/2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1950 to provide assistance and protection to a population of over 5 million Palestine refugees. UNRWA operates the largest non-state education system in the Middle East, with a commitment to fostering education as a cornerstone of resilience, stability, and development. The agency has grown significantly since its inception, now encompassing 711 schools, two Education Science Faculties, and eight Vocational Training Centers, serving over 540,000 students across multiple regions including Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank. UNRWA is dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning practices, ensuring that students have access to high-quality educational resources, and addressing challenges related to educational content alignment with UN principles and UNESCO standards.

Job Overview:
The Assistant for the Online Community of Practice (CoP) will play a vital role in providing administrative, logistical, and operational support to the Program Manager/CoP Coordinator. This position is essential for the establishment and implementation of the CoP, which aims to create a collaborative platform for education staff to address challenges related to educational materials and practices. The Assistant will manage follow-ups, handle financial and administrative tasks, and facilitate coordination among various stakeholders, including field education staff from Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank. This role is crucial for ensuring that the CoP discussions remain relevant to the realities faced by teachers and that field-driven insights are integrated into the CoP's development and activities. The Assistant will also support the planning and execution of workshops and training sessions, contributing to the overall success of the CoP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: coordinating meetings, workshops, and training sessions related to the CoP; handling scheduling, agenda preparation, and documentation for CoP activities; supporting communication among project stakeholders; assisting in setting up and maintaining the CoP platform on MS Teams; facilitating the collection and dissemination of best practices; processing financial documentation; maintaining project documentation; preparing reports and updates for stakeholders; drafting newsletters and communication materials; and maintaining an up-to-date database of CoP participants. The Assistant will work closely with the Program Manager to ensure that all activities are aligned with the objectives of the CoP and that field staff are actively engaged in discussions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's) from a nationally or internationally accredited educational institution in international development, social sciences, or related fields. Additionally, at least 3 years of relevant experience is required, preferably in international humanitarian or development organizations. Proven experience in education programs, understanding of how Communities of Practice function, particularly in educational contexts, and experience in capacity building and teacher training are essential. A commitment to the core values of UNRWA, including humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence, is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's) in international development, social sciences, or related fields is required for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary theoretical framework and understanding of the complexities involved in international humanitarian efforts and educational program implementation.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, ideally within international humanitarian or development organizations. This experience should include a strong focus on education programs and an understanding of the dynamics of Communities of Practice, particularly in educational settings. Experience in capacity building and teacher training is also highly desirable, as it aligns with the objectives of the CoP.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Candidates must demonstrate superior drafting ability in English, as effective communication is essential for the role, particularly in drafting reports, newsletters, and other communication materials for CoP members.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of up to 10 months, with the consultant required to work 40 hours per week on-site at UNRWA HQ in Amman. The position is open to both local and international candidates. While regular travel is not included in the consultancy, exceptional travel may be required based on project needs and prior approval. Importantly, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.