Education Specialist, Bujumbura

Vacancy No: E-VN-2011-001435 Duty Station: Bujumbura Country: Burundi Region: ESARO

Job Level: P-3 Position#: 00051705 Application Close: 20-Sep-11 Contract Type: Long-term Staff (FT)

Purpose of the Position

Under the guidance of the Chief Education, you will contribute to the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of an assigned programme or specific projects within a major national, area-based or sectoral programme.

Key Expected Results

1. Contributes towards the preparation of the Situation Analysis by compiling data, analyzing and evaluating information, and writing chapters of the Analysis pertaining to the improvement of quality of a right based education programming in Burundi through the formulation of programme/project objectives within the framework of the Education Sector Plan and a shift in six year of primary schooling to nine years of basic education.

2. Designs, prepares, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned programme or specific project(s). Analyzes and evaluates data and/or takes corrective action when necessary, to meet programme/project objectives. Contribute to knowledge management by drafting and proving inputs to education programme reports as well as education programme documents. Document experience of lessons learnt and sharing good practices in the area of improvement of quality basic education for Burundi for scaling up at national level.

3. Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes, as well as conducts periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners. Identifies necessary action for programme adjustments. Provides technical advice and assistance to government officials and other partners in the planning and management of programme/projects.

4. Participates with UNICEF/government/and other partners in the Education Sector on the development of strategies and innovative approaches for improving delivery of equitable approaches to basic education and quality education for all. Engage in the development of the work plan, and ensures compliance with specific assigned objectives and in accordance with the organization Education Strategy, Equity Agenda and gender Equity in particular. Provides guidance and support to supervise to implement, monitor and evaluate projects.

5. Assists government authorities to plan and organize capacity building programmes. Identifies training needs for the purpose of capacity building and sustainability of programme/projects and provide oversight to training activities for government partners at the central and sub national levels for the expansion of coverage of UNICEF interventions.

6. Meets with national and international agencies covering the management of programme/projects. Participates in meetings with Ministries responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements. Assists in the development and/or introduction of new approaches, methods and practices in project management and evaluation. Participate in exchanges with other programmes to contribute to the achievement of the overall Country Programme Objectives; contribute to the setting up of effective monitoring, information and reporting system, communication materials, and resource mobilization materials for the Office.

7. In collaboration with the Operations/Supply staff, follow upon supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability. Regularly monitor and report the use of supplies and other resources donated to the government and non-government partners. Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to the Chief of Education/Deputy Representative/ or Representative as required.

8. Participates in intersectoral collaboration with other programme colleagues. Assists in development of appropriate communication and information strategy to support and/or advocate programme development. Writes programme/project status reports required for management Board, donors, budget review, programme analysis, annual reports, etc. Ensures the accurate and timely input of programme information in computerized programme system and the issuance of status reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Advanced university degree in any of the following: Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Relations, Business Administration, Public Health, Education, or other fields related to the work of UNICEF.*
Five years progressively responsible professional work experience in social development, project administration, monitoring and evaluation, some at the international level.
Fluency in French and English. Knowledge of local working language of the duty station is an asset.

*A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.

Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.

Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.

Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.

Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.

Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.

Identifies urgent and potentially difficult decisions and acts on them promptly; initiates and generates team- and department-wide activities.

Demonstrates, applies and shares expert technical knowledge across the organization.

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.