Applications are invited from suitably qualified Ghanaian Nationals for the post of Education Specialist (National Officer Category).
VN No.: VN-15-08 Post Level: NO-C
IMIS #: GHA 15014 Duty Station: Accra
Type of Contract: Fixed-Term Duration: 2 years
UNICEF Ghana’s Education programme is in the process of fine tuning its current programme to ensure that it is well aligned to UNICEF’s new global Strategic Plan (2014-2017) as well as the Ministry of Education’s priorities as set out in the National Education Sector Annual Review (NESAR) and the Education Sector Strategic Plan. The intention is to expand the focus of work beyond the current focus districts and to ensure that UNICEF’s contribution reaches impact at the wider systemic level.
The re-focused Education Programme will promote community engagement using Communication for Development (C4D) at the school to develop community awareness and establish effective social accountability mechanisms. An innovative mobile School Report Cards system will allow for increase social accountability. This technological innovation will be conducted in tandem with the establishment of effective School Performance Assessment Management teams which will in turn be responsible for developing School Improvement Plans. UNICEF wishes to consolidate these efforts and ensure that real-time data feedback to individual schools allows for school management and parent-teacher bodies to call for improved performance, including a reduction in teacher absenteeism, and more efficient use of scarce resources at school and district levels.
Job Purpose
Under the general guidance of the Education Specialist (P3), the Education Specialist will be accountable for Quality Outcome of the Education Programme.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Ø Collaborate with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ghana Education Services enhance effective programme, sectoral or inter-sectoral planning, implementation and monitoring of UNICEF’s Education programme with a particular emphasis on the Quality Outcome of the programme.
Ø Promote knowledge management through the effective collection of evidence-based data and best practice at school and community level to contribute to key documents and reports for use in policy dialogue with Government authorities. Support the exchange of knowledge, information, experience or lessons learned; provides solid technical recommendations on major programme directions and on introduction of new initiatives in the country.
Ø Support the promotion of quality of rights-based Education programming through participation in the formulation of programme goals, and approaches. Bring synergy and added value to sectoral or programme management processes using a results-based management approach to planning and design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Ø Support with the development of the sectoral work plan which reflects UNICEF contribution as part of the coordinated support of external partners to national efforts to achieve the programme goals.
Ø Support efforts to ensure programme, sectoral or inter-sectoral efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation, with an emphasis on gender-disaggregated data. Participation in major evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sector review meetings with government counterparts with involvement of all stakeholders. Ensure the preparation of annual Education sector status reports with contribution of all major partners.
Ø Support in the exchange of information, experience, help identify new strategies and courses of action to accelerate/improve delivery of services and achieve Education programme requirements and objectives.
Ø Conduct field visits to monitor programmes and collect information. Conduct periodic programme reviews with Government counterparts and other partners.
Ø Liaise with Operations and Supply unit on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government and all other implementing partners accountability: and to orientate and train Government and UNICEF implementing partners in UNICEF supply and non-supply policies and procedures.
Ø Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education
Advanced university degree in one or more of the disciplines relevant to the following areas:
Education; Primary Education, or a Social Sciences fields relevant to international development assistance.
Work Experience
Five years of progressively professional work experience at national (required) and international (desired) levels in field programmes relevant to Education programmes. Experience working in the UN or other international development organizations, managing and reporting on large donor funded education programmes an asset. Experience in working in lower/middle income countries.
Language Proficiency
Fluency in English required and other UN working language will be an asset.
Competency Profile
i) Core Values (Required)
Commitment
Diversity and Inclusion
Integrity
ii) Core Competencies (Required)
Communication [II]
Working with People [II]
Drive for Results [II]
iii) Functional Competencies (Required)
Formulating Strategies and Concepts [II]
Analysing [III]
Applying Technical Expertise [III]
Leading and Supervising [I]
Deciding and Initiating Action [II]
Relating and Networking [II]
OTHER SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
Ø Knowledge of the theories, principles and methods in one of the following areas: Education; Primary Education, Social Sciences, and/or related fields.
Ø Excellent analytical, negotiating, communication (both verbal and written) and advocacy skills.
Ø Supervisory, leadership and managerial skills.
Ø Initiative and resourcefulness. Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other team members and partners, with sensitivity, in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment.
Ø Gender equity and diversity awareness.
Ø Knowledge of computer management and applications
If you have experience working in a similar capacity and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children and match the profile outlines, send a brief application letter supported by detailed curriculum vitae, UN Personal History form (which can be downloaded from http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/p11.doc) and photocopies of other supporting documents to : Applicants are requested to indicate the title/location of the position they are applying to.
or
The Human Resources Manager
UNICEF, P.O. Box 5051, Accra-North
Closing Date: 02 February 2015
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for written test.
QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
NOTE: UNICEF IS A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT!!