Education Officer (Roving)

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Education Officer (Roving)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The incumbent will act as the focal point for the education sector in the area of operation, responsible for establishing or improving access and quality in educational programming for refugees, and will facilitate access to formal schooling for children and adolescents in the shortest delay possible. S/he will provide leadership for UNHCR regarding education and advocate on all issues related to UNHCR education programmes and strategic directions. S/he will also lead coordination of Education Sector partners in order to establish education services aligned with UNHCR policy. S/he will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, UNICEF and education partners to develop a well contextualized education plan of action for both emergency and protracted populations, strategically aligned with UNHCR's protection strategy and UNHCR's global Education Strategy (2012-2016), facilitating ownership by refugees, partners and local authorities. S/he will additionally establish a means to represent or arrange for UNHCR representation in national education sector planning mechanisms to advocate for refugee inclusion in national education sector planning, development initiatives, and any plans to utilize emergency disbursements of funds from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

The incumbent will oversee and ensure provision of emergency education and simultaneously plan to establish formal education thereafter, with attention to provision of equal access to schooling for girls and boys and at all levels. This will include providing leadership and guidance to Education in Emergency (EiE) partners within the Refugee Education Sector Working Group so that appropriate programming, planning and joint funding appeals are reflective of UNHCR¿s goal to provide sustainable formal schooling in the early and stabilization response stages that will be relevant in the event of protraction. S/he will ensure that education concerns are included in joint emergency stage rapid need assessments and that adequate data is available for joint assessments and planning for all Education Sector partners. S/he will also lead a decisions on which curriculum to use in consultation with refugees and education partners, in line with UNHCR policy and with attention to sustainable options that ensure provision of quality and certified education in the likely case of protracted displacement.

Another key area of responsibility is to ensure inter-sectoral linkages and efficient interagency coordination in all education responses.  The refugee education response will also aim to ensure inter-sectoral linkages mainly between child protection, programs responding to sexual and gender-based violence, water and sanitation and other sectors.  Coordination and partnership with all stakeholders will also be facilitated at camp, regional and national levels through the established inter-agency (technical) education coordination working groups.

The incumbent will, as pertinent to the operation¿s staffing profile, supervise lower grade education or education focal point staff.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- The education needs of refugees are met through coordination with appropriate government line ministries, the application of UNHCR policy, international and national commitments, including the SDG, EFA and GPE commitments, and IASC principles governing humanitarian coordination.
- The operation has an emergency education action plan that is consistent with the operation¿s protection and solutions strategies and reflects the Organization¿s global, regional and country level priorities, and UNHCR's national/global Education Strategy (2012-2016).
- Emergency education plans is developed, implemented and monitored as necessary in broad, consultative partnership with education actors including Government, UN agencies, and national and international partners, focuses on broad access to quality education, and building on and integrating with education initiatives supported by other agencies within a longer-term perspective.
- Strong inter-sectorial linkages are forged between education and child protection, SGBV, WASH and health programming to ensure that services are holistically responsive to children's needs.
- Mainstreaming refugees within national education systems is fostered and support is provided for a coordinated approach to education for refugee and host communities in collaboration with relevant partners.
- Participation of persons of concern in decisions and initiatives pertaining to their own education is assured through continuous assessment and evaluation using participatory, rights and community based approaches. 
- Persons of concern are treated with dignity, respect and professionalism in line with the UNHCR Code of Conduct.
- Education activities have sustainable political and financial support from external partners.
Responsibility
Strategic Direction and Coordination
- Lead, or co/lead with relevant partner, coordination of education implementing partners in provision of education in emergency (EiE) programming for refugee children, including establishment of regular Refugee Education Sector coordination meetings and consultations with all stakeholders.
- Establish strong collaboration with the Ministry of Education as a key partner for refugee education services, and develop or amend a formalized agreement (LOU) with UNICEF as a technical partner as necessary and according to the Global UNHCR-UNICEF LOU.
- In broad partnership and in a collaborative manner, support the development of a well contextualized education strategy or plan of action reflecting the needs of specific operating contexts in country that is in line with UNHCR¿s national and/or global Education Strategy (2012 ¿ 2016), and ensure a process that results in ownership by partners and local authorities.
- Work in collaboration with Programme Staff within UNHCR to monitor emergency and regular education programmes by partners and support development of a common Monitoring and Evaluation plan useful to all.
- Participate in, or find a means of UNHCR representation for, annual national, regional and local education sector planning, as is most meaningful to the operation.
Response and Advice
- Ensure education concerns are accounted for in on-going need assessments and that adequate age and gender disaggregated data is available for education programme planning. 
- Assess needs and opportunities for accelerated education programming.
- Lead joint mapping of education partner capacity and seek solutions to address key gaps.
- Carry out regular situational analyses and promote adjustments where necessary on aspects of education related to at-risk sub-populations among children and youth, appraising aspects of curriculum and teaching quality, coordinating with child protection and community services. 
- Support programme colleagues to assess partner proposals based on the country-level education strategy or plans, with reporting that directly addresses the UNHCR minimum impact and performance indicators.
Promotion and Capacity Building
- Build the capacity of UNIHCR staff at all levels, local partners and civil society to provide quality education to persons of concern.
- Advise and capacitate national authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs to strengthen legislation and education system procedures and mechanisms that support access to quality, certified education for refugees.

Authority
- Organise and chair Refugee Education Sector meetings with education and protection partners.
- Support the operation and partners to programme for and report against the UNHCR minimum indicators for education.
- Write or provide support and oversight for documents and reports that address education issues.
- Issue recommendations on education related issues.
- Enforce compliance of staff and implementing partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of education services.
- Approve expenditures under the UNHCR education budget as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) (second degree/masters level) in Education, Social Work, Community Development,
- Minimum of 5 years of significant experience in education development and management, including minimum two years in education in emergencies.
- Demonstrable technical expertise in education in emergencies and development, early recovery and post crisis transition, preferably as it relates to refugees.
- An understanding of UNHCR Education policy as it is expressed in the 2012-2016 Education Strategy and training in INEE Minimum Standards for education in emergencies would be added advantages.
- Knowledge in various education sub-sectors (e.g., ECCE, Primary, Secondary, Out-of-school children/youth, life skills, vocational education, education finance, EMIS, curriculum, Child-Friendly School practices).
- Experience supporting joint needs assessments strategic response planning and funding appeals.
-       Experience in coordination of sector working groups or Education Cluster and/or demonstrable ability to work with diverse groups of stakeholders and to develop consensus and partnerships.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Demonstrated work experience in refugee education programmes: UNHCR-specific experience preferred.
- Training and coaching skills/facilitation of learning.
- Experience in the area of child protection.
- Demonstrated expertise in community services, community development/organization, social work, social surveys/ assessment, counselling, or related areas.
- Team building/development training. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X006L3 - Policy Development & Research Level 3

Before applying to this position, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific FAQs information leaflets which can be found  on the Intranet under Staff Resources > Duty of Care. The information leaflets are specifically designed to answer some of the key questions potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. 

Given the complex nature of the Education system as currently implemented refugees, the incumbent need to be a dynamic team maker, team player result-oriented person with proven negotiation skills. Therefore, good planning, managerial, leadership skills and maturity in communication and decision making are essential attributes.
The incumbent will have demonstrable practical field experience in education programing for displaced populations; comfortable to engage in global level policy dialogues as applicable in the national context. Is knowledgeable in, and comfortable to guide processes of inclusion of refugees within the national education systems as well as regional and district education set-up. Should be capable of conducting training and coaching skills, facilitation of learning and can demonstrate work experience in refugee education programmes. He/She should possess experience with educational research, teaching or education administration in child protection, community based protection, community development/organization, social work, social surveys/assessment, counseling, or related areas. The United Republic of Tanzania hosts more than 242,400 refugees and asylum-seekers, mainly from Burundi (180,786) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (65,000). The majority are hosted by the Government of Tanzania in three refugee camps in north western Tanzania. Under the immediate supervision of the Snr Protection Officer in Kibondo, the incumbent will be responsible for the education sector as a component of the protection response plan within the operation, will provide leadership for UNHCR regarding education, ensure that all the education activities targeting the refugee population are technically sound and responsive to the needs of the population. Facilitate a coherent advocacy on all issues related to UNHCR education programmes and strategic directions. S/he will coordinate the adaption of global level policies, in broad collaboration with the Ministry of Education at national, regional and district levels, UNICEF, Education partners and other appropriate national and international partners, including community-based organisations as well as the refugee community at large.  The incumbent will liaise with partners to assess the education context, identify and address gaps, to develop annual implementation plans and to monitor the programme and assess impact. UNHCR Kibondo is located within Kigoma region which is 250 kms away Kigoma City; 1400 kms away from Dar-es-Salaam.  Most parts of the town are connected to the national electric supply.  Water supply however is unreliable and is subject to rationing.  Road travel by staff is limited to day movement (0700 1830 hrs) as per the MOSS  for all official missions in the region. There is a UNHCR-operated 10-seater  caravan which flies two times a week between Mwanza/Kibondo/Kigoma. There are no suitable pre-schools, primary and secondary schools available and health facilities are very limited. Road transport from Kibondo to Kigoma requires armed police escort. The UN security rating for Kibondo is accessed as LOW (formerly UN Security Level-2) same as is the case for the rest of the country. Highway Banditry and Road Traffic accidents are the main security threats in Kibondo. Public transportation is the main target for highway banditry as it has fixed routes. These incidents occur mostly at night. Travel in the area is restricted to between 0700 ¿ 1830 hrs for official travel with a requirement to be in secure location by 1830 hrs. Staff on private travel are advised to avoid night movement. Poor roads presents a number or driving hazards especially during the rainy season where some roads are only passable with a 4 x 4 vehicle with recovery equipment and also during dry season when dust conditions exist. Vehicle accidents occur due to speeding and aggressive driving skills demonstrated by lorry drivers and other road users. Other risks faced by staff include the lack of medical facilities. Malaria caused by mosquito bites and diseases caused by contaminated surface water are the major health related hazards. Snake bites are also accessed as health hazard in the region.Cases of lightning strikes have also been reported during the rainy season. Police escorts are required as per MOSS for travel by road in some sections between Kibondo to Kasulu and also from Nyakanazi to Ngara in Kagera region. Due to poor road conditions and as a result of these travel restrictions, staff members rely heavily on air transport provided by UNHCR twice a week. For all official movements outside Kibondo, staff must obtain security clearance from UNDSS through TRIP. Staff are also advised to post private movements on the TRIP. Although Kibondo appears as a Family Duty Station as per ICSC Classification of Duty stations it is NOT a place that can accommodate a family in good conditions. Health and educational facilities are not available and housing options very limited.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2017 Compendium is Monday 6 November 2017 (midnight Geneva time).