Education Specialist

UNICEF SOMALIA
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT REF: UNSOM/2012/039
Position Title: Education Specialist
Category and Grade Level: National Officer - NOC
IMIS Number: 14978
Type of Contract: Fixed Term
Length of Contract: One Year
Organization Unit: Education
Duty Station: Bossaso/Garowe
Date of Issue: 14 June 2012
Closing date of Application: 20 June 2012

If you are qualified Somali National looking for a chance to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable Somali children while gaining opportunities for career growth, you are invited to apply for the above post of Education Specialist, with UNICEF Somalia, North East Zone Programme to be based in Bossaso with possibility of change of duty station to Garowe.

If successful, you will be part of a dynamic and passionate team in Somalia and Nairobi that works together to improve the health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, and basic education of Somali girls and boys and protect them from violence, exploitation and abuse.

The successful candidate will be offered a Fixed Term appointment for a period of 1 Year. Further extensions will be based on organizational needs, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Purpose of the Post:

Under the close supervision of Education Specialist, contribute to programme planning, administration, implementation and evaluation of programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting.
Major duties and responsibilities:

1. Contributes to the preparation of the Situation Analysis and its periodic update, as this refers to the zonal programme. Assist in preparing sectoral input to the Country Programme Recommendation (CPR) and all related documents, (e.g., Plan of Operations, Project Plans of Action, Country Programme Summary Sheet (CPSS), Programme Summary Sheet (PSS), for assigned programmes/projects.
Plans, coordinates inputs into, and monitors outputs of, the cross-sectoral Education Programme at the zonal office level, ensuring cross-cutting issues are addressed and linkages maintained, including with emergency response/and sector/cluster coordination. Ensures implementation of effective monitoring, information and reporting systems.
2. Support to the Ministry of Education (MoE), relevant line ministries/government/and other education stakeholders in the development of strategies, methodologies and identification of new approaches for improving programme delivery at all levels, with emphasis on advocacy, equity, community participation, communication and social mobilization.
3. At zonal level, contributes to reviews and evaluations of the technical, institutional and financial feasibility and constraints of the ‘Education’ programme, in coordination and collaboration with government and other partners.
4. Provides technical support to government and non-government organizations at the zonal or state level in the planning, development and implementation stages of the Education Programme. Assists in planning, organization and conduct of training and orientation activities for government personnel and beneficiaries, for the purpose of capacity building at the zonal levels, and expansion of coverage of services.
5. Support the delivery of formal and Non-formal education (NFE) by strengthening alternative channels for promotion of basic education for vulnerable children (nomads, IDPs, poor rural and urban communities); improving collaboration within the Education Sector to promote education for youth (both boys and girls; support the annual collection of reliable data on education; strengthening the supervision and management capacity of the authorities as well as CECs in managing and deliver of basic education through formal and non-formal channels.
6. Undertakes field visits, and surveys, in order to monitor and evaluate project implementation. Identifies problems and proposes remedial action. Identifies and recommends to the alternative courses of action, to accelerate/improve programme delivery.
7. Coordinates with zonal Operations/Supply staff on supply and non- supply assistance activities. Approves disbursement of funds ensuring proper utilization and accountability, and that activity are within established zonal plans of action, and the programme budget allotments.
8. Contributes zonal inputs to the preparation of all programme reports for management, board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc

Qualifications and experience:
a) Advanced university degree in Social Sciences or a related technical field.
b) Five years progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in programme planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation, in a related field.
c) Knowledge of the latest developments and technology, in the education field.
d) Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, plan and manage programmes, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills.
e) Leadership and teamwork abilities.
f) Good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
g) Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
h) Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.
i) Fluency in English and Somali. Knowledge of another UN language an asset.

Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications with updated UN Personal History Form (P.11), updated CV, copies of academic certificates to the email address indicated below. UN staff are requested to provide last two Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs). Please quote the vacancy number in your application.
somaliahrvacancies@unicef.org
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted

QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
UNICEF IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT