UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND

Bangladesh COUNTRY OFFICE

VACANCY NOTICE NO. 008/2015

Post Title : Education Specialist; Post Level: NO-C; Date Issued : 6 March 2015; Post Number: 71490

Closing Date: 15 March 2015; Duty Station: Dhaka; Contractual Status: Fixed-Term (FT);

Purpose of the post:

Accountable for planning, implementing, monitoring of Education programme(s) to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of the programme management, delivery and accomplishment of programme goals and objectives with special focus on Non-Formal Basic Education and Skills Development. Accountable for identifying gender, geographical, ethnic and other disparities in non-formal education, and for developing innovative approaches and programmes to eliminating these inequalities, especially through the Primary Education Sub-Sector Programme (PEDP-3)). Collaborates across the programme(s) to ensure gender mainstreaming.. Ensures that monitoring mechanisms are in place to track progress towards disparity reduction goals and targets in early learning and Non-formal Education.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

KEY END-RESULTS
1. Timely formal and non-formal education sectoral analysis, input, support and collaboration to the Situation Analysis and its periodic update made for effective programme planning, development and management, in a gender-specific framework.
2. Knowledge management effectively promoted through drafting/finalizing key education sectoral programme documents and reports, sharing good practice, lessons learned, and knowledge/information exchange
3. Rights-based Education programming effectively promoted, and coherence, synergy and value added to programme management process through results-based management
4. Second Chance Education and live hood/vocational skills development work plan and activities formulated, implemented and monitored, ensuring alignment with the defined programme strategies and approaches, and gender mainstreaming across programmes.
5. Effective network and coordination established with all relevant organizations, especially DPE, BNFE, NCTB, NAPE, BTEB and other related government and non-government agencies for effective and transparent programme delivery and reporting in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.
6. UNICEF’s global goals related to MDG 2 and 3 effectively promoted through advocacy and policy dialogue in the Education sector.
7. Proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability ensured regarding supply and non-supply assistance as well as disbursement of programme funds for Education sub-sector.
8. Effective communication and networking achieved through partnership and collaboration with all relevant organizations in the Education sector and beyond as necessary.
ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS
Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.
1.Programme Planning, Development and Management.
Enhance effective programme, sectoral or inter-sectoral planning, development and management by guiding, coordinating and supporting the timely completion of the Situational Analysis and its periodic update through accurate and complete monitoring and analysis, and the timely preparation or finalization of sectoral input, using gender disaggregated data and analysis.
2.Knowledge Management.
Further promote knowledge management by drafting or finalizing sectoral documents and reports such as the Country Programme Recommendation and Plans of Action as well as through orientation and training programmes targeted to Government authorities. Ensure exchange of knowledge, information, experience or lessons learned; provides solid technical recommendations especially to the agencies involved in the implementation of programmes and on introduction of new initiatives in the country.
3.Rights-Based Projects through Results-Based Approach.
Promote the quality of rights-based equity Education programming through participation in the formulation of programme goals, and approaches. Bring synergy and added value to education programme management processes using a results-based management approach to planning and design, implementation and monitoring.
4.Sectoral Work Plan Development, Implementation, and Monitoring.
Take shared responsibility for the development of sub-sectoral work plan and technical decisions as well as for project management, implementation and monitoring of assigned project/sectoral activity, in compliance with the defined project strategies and approaches, emphasizing the principles of gender equality and strategies for gender mainstreaming.
5.Programme Delivery and Reporting.
Ensure programme, sectoral or inter-sectoral efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to assessment with an emphasis on disaggregated data to reveal gender, geographical, economic, ethnic and other disparities. Participation in evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sector review meetings with government counterparts. Ensure the preparation of annual Education sector status reports.
6.Promotion of UNICEF’s Global Goals
Promote the organization goals of UNICEF, particularly related to MDGs 1, 2 and 3 and relevant Social Development Goals (Post 2015) through advocacy and active engagement in communication, networking and participation at every opportunity inside and outside UNICEF, leveraging the strength of UNICEF mission, goals and programmes.
7.UNICEF and Government Accountability.
Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability. Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.
8.Communication, Collaboration, Networking and Partnership.
• Ensure exchange of information, experience, help identify new strategies and courses of action to accelerate/improve delivery of services and achieve programme requirements and objectives. Conduct field visits to monitor programmes and collect information. Conduct periodic programme reviews with Government counterparts and other partners.
• Collaborate with Communication and Programme Communication groups to ensure development of effective communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and social mobilization efforts.
• Support coordination with Regional Advisers and HQ Officers. Collaborate with other Programme colleagues to ensure the integration of the project/sectoral programme with other sectors.
• Collaborate with the Operations and Supply Sections and Government authorities to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of the Education projects planning and implementation, to coordinate financial and supply management requirements as well as to ensure accountability.
• Interact with Government and other partners, NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the different stages of Education programme/project implementation to follow up on agreements and recommendations. Provide technical support and guidance on appropriate technical, financial and institutional capacity building measures to achieve early programme goals.
JOB GRADE FACTORS
Level 3 - As a line manager for assigned projects, lead effective and efficient planning, design, implementation and administration of specific project activities within a major programme that focus on achievement of UNICEF's programmatic priorities. Ensure that project delivery meets targeted goals and objectives
- As a technical expert, contribute timely and effective technical advice, guidance and input to the preparation of situation analysis, formulation of programme strategy, planning, implementation, monitoring results for equity system and human resources.
- Conduct field visits to monitor projects as well as conduct periodic programme reviews.
- Make viable recommendations on project implementation, alternative approaches, and optimal utilization of resources that contribute effectively to the advancement of the rights of children and women.
- Contribute to the development and introduction of new approaches, innovations, and models for quality education.
- Certify allocation and disbursement of funds; determine supply and cash needs to ensure programme delivery meets targeted goals and objectives.
- As back-up to early learning and pre-primary education related interventions; take responsibility of all follow-up actions required in the absence of concerned Programme Specialist
- As focal point for specific tasks that may be assigned depending on the needs of the Education Programme
QUALIFICATION and COMPETENCIES ([ ] indicates the level of proficiency required for the job.)
Education:
Advanced university degree in one or more of the disciplines relevant to the following areas:
Education; Primary Education, or related Social Sciences fields.
Work Experience:
Five years of progressively professional technical and managerial work experience at national level in non-formal Education or livelihood/vocational skills programmes. Experience of working in a UN or other international development organization an asset.
Experience of Sector Wide approach is an asset.
Experience with addressing gender disparities an asset.
Background/familiarity with Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Language Proficiency:
Fluency in English and very good working knowledge of Bangla
Competency Profile:
Core Values / Core Competencies / Functional Competencies
·  Commitment
·  Diversity and Inclusion
·  Integrity / ·  Communication [ II
·  Working with People [ II
·  Drive for Results [ II ] / ·  Leading and Supervising [ I ]
·  Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ II ]
·  Analyzing [ III]
·  Relating and Networking [ II ]
·  Deciding and Initiating Action [ II ]
·  Applying Technical Expertise [ III ]
ii) Technical Knowledge [1] [ II]
a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required [ II ]
(Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.)
• Advanced knowledge of early childhood development (ECD), Early childhood education (ECE), non-formal primary education development.
• Advanced Technical Knowledge of the theories, principles and methods in Teacher Training, curriculum development, student assessment, education information management system, education planning and administration , and related fields.
• Gender, economic, geographical and ethnic diversity awareness
b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group) [ II ]
Knowledge of theories and practices in:
• Programme/project management in Education
• Monitoring and assessment
• Training and Capacity Development in Education
• Knowledge Management
General knowledge of:
• Methodology of programme/project management, especially in the context of Sector Wide Approach.
• Programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies for Education programmes, child development
• Knowledge of global education issues, specifically relating to children and women.
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address education issues, including those relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.
• UNICEF financial, supply and administrative rules and regulations.
• Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.
• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.
• Mid-Term Strategic Plan
• UNICEF Board endorsed policy papers (e.g. The Education Strategy) and agency-wide programmes impacting on education results
c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job) [ II ]
• Government development plans and policies
• Knowledge of local conditions and country legislation relevant to UNICEF programmes
• UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.
• UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions
• UN security operations and guidelines.

Submission: Application should be submitted with an updated CV, a completed UN Personal History Form (P-11 Form) and copies of the latest two Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs) on or before the closing date (15 March 2015) to the Chief, Human Resources Section, via email to .

Note: The P-11 form is available in the UNICEF local website: http://www.unicef.org.bd/jobs.html

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any attempt to unduly influence UNICEF’s selection process will lead to automatic disqualification of the applicant.

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.

UNICEF is a smoke-free environment.

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