UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Education

For every child, Education

Organizational Context and Purpose for the job

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Purpose for the job:

Under the guidance and general supervision of the Chief, Education (Level 5/4), or Education Manager (Level 4), the Specialist supports the development and preparation of the Education in emergencies programmes and is responsible for managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting the progress of education in emergencies programmes/projects within the country programme. The Specialist will also provide leadership and facilitate the processes that will ensure a well-coordinated, strategic, adequate, coherent, and effective response by participants in the Education Cluster The Specialist provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of results on education in emergencies programmes/projects to improve learning outcomes and equitable and inclusive education, especially for children affected by crises, children who are marginalized, disadvantaged and excluded in society.

The Specialist contributes to achievement of results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), as well as UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance, and accountability framework

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1.Support to programme development and planning

2.Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

3.Technical and operational support to programme implementation

4.Networking and partnership building

5.Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

6.Effective Management and Functioning of the South Sudan Education Cluster

1. Support to programme development and planning
 Support the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis for the education in emergencies programmes and cluster coordination to ensure that current and comprehensive data on education issues is available to guide UNICEF’s strategic policy, advocacy, intervention and development efforts on education programmes.
 Help supervisor set priorities, strategies, design and implementation plans. Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery.
 Participate in strategic programme discussion on the planning of education in emergencies programmes and cluster coordination activities. Formulate, design and prepare programme proposals for the sector, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans and Country Programme and coherence/integration with the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), regional strategies and national priorities, plans and competencies.
 Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies and implementation plans for the sector using results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare required documentations for programme review and approval.
 Work closely and collaboratively with internal colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine national priorities to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.

 Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes and to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of programmes/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated.

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

 Plan and collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators to assess/strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector on education in emergencies and cluster coordination programmes.
 Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results.
 Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and weaknesses in programme management.
 Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
 Actively monitor programmes/projects through field visits and surveys, and exchange information with stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems, and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
 Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity, ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
 Prepare regular and mandated education in emergence programme and cluster coordination reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of progress.

3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation

 Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and country office partners and donors on interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices and approaches on education in emergencies and related issues to support programme management, implementation and delivery of results.
 Arrange/coordinate availability of technical experts with Regional Office/HQ to ensure timely and appropriate support throughout the programming process.
 Participate in education programme and cluster coordination meetings including programme development and contingency planning to provide technical and operational information, advice and support.
 Draft policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials for management use.

4. Networking and partnership building

• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with relevant government counterparts, education cluster members, national stakeholders, global partners, donors, and academia through active networking, advocacy and effective communication to build capacity, exchange knowledge/expertise and to reinforce cooperation to achieve sustainable and broad results on education in emergencies programmes.
• Prepare communication and information materials for CO programme and education cluster advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships and support fund raising for education in emergencies programmes.
 Participate and/or represent UNICEF in appropriate inter-agency (UNCT, ICCG) discussions on education in emergencies and related issues to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF planning and preparation of programmes/projects ensuring organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF process in development planning and agenda setting.

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

 Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best practices in education in emergencies management. Assess, institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
 Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects.
• Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders to promote sustainable results on education in emergencies and cluster coordination and related programmes/projects

1. Effective Management and Functioning of the South Sudan Education Cluster

Ensure effective and appropriate Education Cluster co-leadership with Save the Children,  outlined in the IASC Cluster Coordination Core Functions including;  

• Provide an effective coordination platform that ensures service delivery is inclusive and driven by the Response Plan and strategic priorities with mechanisms to eliminate duplication of service delivery
• Inform the HC/HCT’s strategic decision-making having systems for preparing needs assessment and analysis of gaps (across and within sectors), identifying and finding solutions for (emerging) gaps, obstacles, duplication and cross-cutting issues and formulating priorities on the basis of analysis
• Develop sectoral plans, objectives and indicators that directly support realization of strategic  priorities, applying and adhering to common standards and guidelines and clarifying funding requirements, helping to set priorities, and agreeing cluster contributions to humanitarian proposals
• Monitor and evaluate performance through, functional monitoring and reporting on activities and needs, measuring performance against the cluster strategy and agreed results, and recommending corrective action where necessary.
• Build national capacity in preparedness and contingency planning, enhancing and further rolling out the Education Cluster Localization Strategy and strengthen Sub-National Coordination Mechanisms
• Co-lead Advocacy efforts by Identifying concerns that contribute to HC and HCT messaging and action and undertaking advocacy on behalf of the cluster, cluster members, and affected people
• Ensure effective systems for Accountability to affected populations

Impact of Results

The efficiency and efficacy of support provided by the Nutrition Manager to the preparation, planning and implementation of nutrition programmes/projects contributes to and accelerates the national development efforts to improve the nutritional status of mothers, infants and children in the country. This in turn contributes to maintaining and enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to continue to provide programme services to mothers and children that promotes greater social equity in the country.

Competencies and level of proficiency required (based on UNICEF Professional Competency Profiles.

i) Core Values

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

ii) Core Competencies (For Staff with Supervisory Responsibilities) *

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

or

Core Competencies (For Staff without Supervisory Responsibilities) *

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

*The 7 core competencies are applicable to all employees. However, the competency Nurtures, Leads and Managers people is only applicable to staff who supervise others.

Technical competencies must be demonstrated in the following areas:

• Some understanding of the overall global development context, including issues such as: poverty, conflict and the impact of these factors on education and vice-versa; and inter-sectoral approaches to address such issues in collaboration with other sectors (including Social Policy, Child Protection, Nutrition, WASH, Health, and Communications within UNICEF).
• Some knowledge of global developments in education in emergencies, education cluster coordination and international engagement strategies, including the application of the equity lens and human rights perspectives to programming.
• Some ability to support policy dialogue: translation of analytical findings and evidence into development programme and policy discussions around equity and learning with partners, including government, development partners, CSOs and academia in relevant areas.
• Some education sector and education in emergencies planning knowledge/ability, including the range of modalities for delivering education in emergencies, linkages between different sub-sectors (e.g. ECD, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Inclusive Education), cost-effectiveness and efficiency issues, key institutional structures, components and processes, as well as governance issues.
• Some education in emergencies and policy sector analysis capacity, including understanding of the core education in emergencies data sets and indicators; tools for analysis of equity; determinants of student access and learning; budget, costing, and financial management in education systems; political economy; and education policy and strategic planning.
• Some programme management in education in emergencies, including programme design, costing, monitoring and evaluation and reporting.
• Some ability to support engagement with partners e.g. Sector Wide Approaches, Global Partnership for Education, Education in Emergency Clusters, Education Provider Forums, Delivering as One, Inter-sectoral partnerships such as in ECD, as well as networking with other key partners.
• Some understanding of gender and inequity issues in relation to education in emergencies and development and the application of gender / equity analysis to policy and planning in education.
• For CO and RO based posts and where relevant, some understanding of policies and strategies to address issues related to resilience: risk analysis and risk management, education in conflict situations, natural disasters, and recovery.

Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: education, economics, psychology, sociology, or another relevant technical field.

Experience:

A minimum of five years of professional experience in programme planning, management, and/or research in education is required.

Experience working in a developing country and emergency contexts, with experience in cluster / sector coordination is considered as an asset.

Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

Language Requirements:

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

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Priority will be given to all the eligible candidates participating in 2022 Mobility Exercise and Staff on Abolished post.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Eligible UNICEF International Professional (IP) Staff Members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to a Temporary Appointment, which is dedicated to L3 (or L2) Response, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and their current tour of duty, and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.