Chief of Education, P-5, Mogadishu, Somalia #68647

The incumbent is responsible for the overall development, management, planning and delivery of Go to School (GTS) program of UNICEF Somalia. The post will provide strategic leadership in delivery of education targets of the United Nations Transitional Plan (UNTP)/UN Somalia Assistance Strategy (UNSAS) and undertake innovative strategies in the sector to effectively respond to emergency and developmental needs of Somali children and women in the environment of weak civil governance and complex emergencies. The incumbent will be expected to lead UNICEF cooperation in Education with all organizations of importance both inside and outside Somalia.  The post requires a high degree of  technical competence in order to facilitate new and innovative curriculum development and basic education for Somali children and women in environments of weak civil governance.  Major challenges will be to (I) identify and promote sustainable, community-based financing mechanisms for the expansion of basic education, (ii) improve the quality of basic education, particularly in primary schools, (iii) redress the gender imbalance among pupils as well as teachers, and (iv) attract continuing, substantial external investments for expansion of basic education in Somalia.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.

For every child, a champion

UNICEF Somalia played a key role in making sure that child-focused data, with attention to gender and minorities, was included in the country’s first national development plan in 30 years. We have been tackling issues such as child mortality, better access to health services, severe malnutrition, and stronger child rights. We are working with partners to address the alarming food insecurity and malnutrition levels in Somalia. We are supporting community based reintegration programs for children released from armed groups, and are working on developing a social protection policy. We are also conducting robust HACT implementation.

Join our team and help us make sure every child has a champion.

How can you make a difference?

The incumbent is responsible for the overall development, management, planning and delivery of Go to School (GTS) program of UNICEF Somalia. The post will provide strategic leadership in delivery of education targets of the United Nations Transitional Plan (UNTP)/UN Somalia Assistance Strategy (UNSAS) and undertake innovative strategies in the sector to effectively respond to emergency and developmental needs of Somali children and women in the environment of weak civil governance and complex emergencies. The incumbent will be expected to lead UNICEF cooperation in Education with all organizations of importance both inside and outside Somalia.  The post requires a high degree of  technical competence in order to facilitate new and innovative curriculum development and basic education for Somali children and women in environments of weak civil governance.  Major challenges will be to (I) identify and promote sustainable, community-based financing mechanisms for the expansion of basic education, (ii) improve the quality of basic education, particularly in primary schools, (iii) redress the gender imbalance among pupils as well as teachers, and (iv) attract continuing, substantial external investments for expansion of basic education in Somalia.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise the activities leading to the completion of a Situation Analysis for the education programme, and its periodic update. Formulate education programme goals and objectives. Collaborate with partners (UNESCO, UN, NGO and other) to formulate and develop strategies, methodologies and new approaches for improving programme delivery with emphasis on community participation and local support of basic education. Supervise preparation of education sectoral inputs to the Country Programme documents such as CPD, CPMP, Work Plans, and ProMS/Vision related activities. As part of the senior management team, ensure the integration of the various elements of the education programme with other sectors, in all stages of the programming process, i.e. the Situation Analysis, Country Programme Document, programme strategy, planning, monitoring and evaluation.

• Provide leadership, guidance and direction for programme management and evaluation of the education programme through regular meetings, with the various sectoral teams. Ensure exchange of information, experience, identify new strategies and courses of action to accelerate/improve delivery of services and achieve programme requirements and objectives. Review and evaluate the technical, institutional and financial feasibility and constraints of education programmes and projects, in coordination and collaboration with other partners.
• As head of a large programme, responsible for overall coordination of the development of work plans, monitoring compliance and providing support and guidance to ensure objectives are met. This entails identification of internal resource requirements, training and performance planning and monitoring.
• Interact and provide technical support to local authorities and non-government organizations at the national, regional and local levels in the planning, development and implementation stages of the education programme.  Plan, organize and conduct training and orientation activities for education sector personnel for the purpose of capacity building at all levels within Somalia, and expansion of basic education coverage of services there.
• Coordinate with Operations/Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities.  Approve disbursement of funds related to education, ensuring proper liquidation and accountability, such that activities are within established plans of action and the programme budget allotments. Participate in resource mobilization, and ensure compliance to donor conditionality’s, efficient utilization of resources and timely reporting to donors of high quality.

• Conduct field assessment visits and surveys to monitor and evaluate programme implementation and effectiveness, identify problems and instituting remedial measures. Identify alternative courses of action to accelerate/improve programme delivery.

• In coordination and collaboration with other colleagues, establish and develop effective information and reporting systems to monitor and evaluate the impact of the programme and achievement of targeted goals. Contribute to the development of communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and community participation in support of the programme.  Participate in programme workshops at regional and country level to receive and exchange knowledge, ideas and approaches.

• Ensure the timely preparation of all programme reports required by Management, Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc. Coordinate activities and exchange information/ideas with other programme sectors to contribute to achievement of overall country programme objectives.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Education: An advanced University Degree in Public Education or related field.
• Work Experience: 10 years progressive experience at national and international levels in programme planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation in related field.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of local working language of the duty station is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The technical competencies required for this post are….

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

Remarks:

* Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

* Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

* Please note that this is a non-family duty station. 

* Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.