Education Specialist

Mission and objectives

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfil their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The UNICEF Somalia Country Office is headquartered in Mogadishu, with field offices in Baidoa, Garowe and Hargeisa, and supports Somali children to survive and thrive through interventions in health, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, and education. Somalia continues to face complex humanitarian challenges, including recurring droughts and conflict, which have severely impacted access to education. At the start of 2023, over 4.8 million children were out of school, with displaced and urban-poor children particularly affected. UNICEF’s Education Programme in Somalia aims to expand access to quality education for all children, with a focus on the most marginalized—including displaced children, children with disabilities, and those affected by emergencies. In this context, UNICEF is scaling up its education to improve the quality and continuity of education across Somalia. The programme includes support for early childhood education, primary and alternative basic education, life skills for adolescents, and system strengthening in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education. Inclusion is a key priority, and UNICEF is working to improve support for children with disabilities in learning environments, with particular attention to inclusive approaches that go beyond physical accessibility to address learning needs and barriers. This UN Volunteer position is based in Mogadishu and will provide day-to-day support to the Education section in the implementation, monitoring, and coordination of education activities. The Education Specialist will work closely with programme staff, government counterparts, and implementing partners to support planning, reporting, knowledge management, and monitoring of education programs. This role will contribute to ensuring equitable, inclusive, and quality education for all girls and boys, including those with additional learning support needs.

Context

Supervision, induction and duty of care of UN Volunteers UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to: • Introductory briefings about the organization and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment. • Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal. • Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address. • Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning. • Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations. • Leave management. • DSA for official travel, when applicable. • All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Education Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Education Specialist will: • Support program development and planning for education programs which use a multi-sectoral approach, in collaboration with UNICEF staff, government counterparts, and implementing partners. • Contribute to program management, monitoring, and delivery of results including through supporting development and monitoring of workplans and budgets, as well as documentation and reporting. • Provide technical support to enhance quality and sustainability of results in education programs, including through building strong working relationships with government counterparts, NGO partners, and other key stakeholders. • Contribute to knowledge management by compiling case studies, human-interest stories, and lessons learned from the field. • Identify new opportunities and take a proactive approach to developing these opportunities, in collaboration with other members of the UNICEF Education team. • Promote inclusive education approaches with a specific focus on girls and children with disabilities, including understanding barriers to access and learning. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/expected outputs As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support is rendered to UNICEF Somalia and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: Support to program development and planning • Contribute to the formulation, design, and preparation of program and project proposals for the Education Section, ensuring alignment with federal and state-level priorities as well as UN strategic frameworks • Work closely and collaboratively with internal and external colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies which ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results. • Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming to ensure integration and coherence with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned. Program management, monitoring, and delivery of results • Collaborate with internal and external partners to contribute to performance indicators and measurement to assess performance accountability of concrete and sustainable results for education programs • Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, including with government and other counterparts, to assess progress and determine required actions to achieve results • Actively monitor programs through field visits, surveys, and/or exchange of information with partners/stakeholders, and prepare reports which detail gaps, strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned as well as recommendations to resolve any issues identified. Technical Support, Networking, and Partnership Building • Contribute to technical guidance and operational support provided to government counterparts, NGO partners, and others on UNICEF policies and processes, as well as strategies and good practices, to support program management, implementation, and delivery of results • Engage and investto sustain close working partnerships with relevant government counterparts, NGO partners, and others through active networking and effective communication to build capacity, exchange knowledge, and reinforce cooperation in education programs • Prepare communication and information materials for program advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances, and support resource mobilization for education programs Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building • Research and support the introduction on innovative approaches and best practices which support greater capacity for delivery of sustainable results in education programs, and document the knowledge learned. • Support new initiatives related to organizing and implementing capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of internal and external stakeholders on education, emergencies, inclusion, and other key areas for achieving results and children’s rights Equity and Inclusion • Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspectives are systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. • A final statement of achievements toward volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed.

Relevant experience

3 years

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Somali, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF Somalia; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF Somalia procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF Somalia in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (national and international staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards UNICEF Somalia’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Skills and experience

•At least 3 years of relevant professional or volunteer experience in education, child development, humanitarian programming, or other related sectors; experience in Somalia or with UNICEF is an asset. Prior experience with digital education and/or the intersection of climate and education is considered an asset. • Familiarity with gender-responsive and inclusive education principles and challenges affecting girls and children with disabilities in accessing quality education. • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Somali; ability to contribute to strategic documents and program proposals. • Attention to detail including accuracy and professionalism in document production and data reporting. • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work respectfully with diverse communities and partners. • Ability to work and adapt effectively in a multicultural team and under limited supervision. • Solid computer skills, including proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; ability to use online reporting or data tools is an asset. • Self-motivated, organized, and able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. • Desirable: Familiarity with the education system in Somalia and basic understanding of UNICEF programming approaches. • Security awareness and willingness to travel as needed. • Motivation and interest in education in emergencies and inclusive education, volunteerism as a mechanism for development, and commitment to UNICEF’s values and mission.

Area(s) of expertise

Education

Other informationLiving conditions and remarks

This is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. Mogadishu is a high-risk duty station with ongoing security concerns due to conflict and instability. The UN Volunteer will be subject to the overall direction and guidance of the UN Designated Official (DO) for security and will be fully integrated into all applicable UN security protocols. Volunteers are expected to strictly adhere to all security instructions, guidelines, and procedures provided by UNDSS and UNICEF security personnel. As this is a national position, accommodation will not be provided by the United Nations. The volunteer is expected to secure housing independently. It is highly recommended that accommodation be selected in consultation with UN security personnel to ensure it meets minimum safety standards. Movement in and around Mogadishu is regulated, and UN personnel are required to obtain security clearance before any official travel within the area.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.

Scam warning

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