Purpose
Under the guidance of the Deputy Representative, will be responsible for the overall coordination of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the projects within the Basic Education for All Programme. The Specialist will contribute to policy formulation and implementation in basic education through strategic upstream work, policy dialogue and advocacy. This will in turn address the global targets on basic education, early learning and development, parental education, non-formal education with specific focus on supporting data analysis and progress reporting, capacity development of partners in the development, design and implementation of all education related interventions, with a specific focus on Orphans and Vulnerable Children and implementation of the EFA and MDG goals.
Key expected results
Provides policy advice and advocacy for EFA programme; Provides technical support for Sector Wide Approaches and M&E, paying special attention to a pro-poor education policy, a Rights Based Approach in education sector development, accelerated progress regarding access to quality education and the reduction of the gap between the MDGs and the current status of education indicators.
Co-ordinates the design, preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the BEFA programme. Be the main focal point for focus area 2 (Basic Education and Gender Equality). Analyses and evaluates data to ensure that the achievement of objectives are consistent with revised UNICEF Medium Term Strategic Plan 2006-2013, EFA, MDGs and the UNGASS for children outcome document and/or take corrective action when necessary to meet programme/project objectives. Supports the Government to develop and/or introduce new approaches and initiatives, methods and practices such as parental education and early learning, education for OVC, child friendly schools framework, with a focus on the Human Rights Approach to Programming, evidence-based and results-based programming.
Provides technical support to government counterparts, NGOs and other partners in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme and projects. Identify training needs and objectives for the purposes of capacity building, programme sustainability and assist to plan and organize training programmes.
Contributes programme section inputs towards the ongoing updating of the UNDAF, Situation Analysis/UN Common Country Assessment by compiling data, analysing and evaluating information and writing selected chapters of the Analysis/CCA in collaboration with other programme areas. Prepares the sectoral documents of Plans of Action, Country Programme Summary Sheet, and other programme documents, as required.
Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes, as well as conduct periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners. Propose and/or undertake action on operational procedures affecting project implementation and management. Provide technical advice and assistance to government officials and other partners in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme/projects geared towards the achievement of Medium Term Strategic Plan targets, World Fit for Children goals, Mid Decade Goals, FPE, UPE and related Global/Regional commitments.
Approves and monitors the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, ensuring that the funds are properly utilised, monitored and liquidated in accordance with the Programme Budget Allocations (PBA). Coordinates with the Operations/Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and government accountability. Submits financial status reports to the Deputy Representative or Representative, as required Takes appropriate action to optimize utilization of funds.
Participates in intersectoral collaboration with other programme colleagues. Provides Leadership in inter sectoral management of cross-cutting activities such Integrated Early Childhood Care and Development, protection and gender related activities and in the preparation of contingency planning in response to emergencies. Assists in the development of appropriate communication and information strategy to support and/or advocate for programme development.
Prepares funding proposals for the sector and programme/project and status reports required for management, Board, donors, budget review, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.
Evaluates and analyses financial and supply reports through PRoMS and Rover to ensure appropriateness of documentation and expenditures and issue status reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
Qualification
Advanced University Degree in Education or related social sciences degree*.
Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in programme management, monitoring and evaluation in education. Knowledge of: child rights/human rights and its application in the field of education; knowledge about coordination of donor aid; application of the Child Friendly Schools Framework; integrated early childhood care and development(IECCD); free primary education; education for children with disabilities; gender analysis; formal and non formal education programming; experience in policy an standards making and collaborating with NGOs, CBOs and faith-based organizations. Experience in IECCD is an asset.
Fluency in English is a must and knowledge of another UN working language will be an added advantage.
*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
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. If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.
Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies, quoting E-VN-2011-001675. Applications must be received by 13 October 2011. Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.
In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
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