Connected Education Officer

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.

Connected Education Officer 

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
This position is responsible for supporting countries in the development and expansion of Connected Education Programmes in alignment with UNHCR¿s Education Strategy.

The Connected Education Officer will be UNHCR¿s technical lead for all formals of technological integration into educational programming, including serving as the technical focal point for the google.org initiative, and will support the Connected Learning in Crises Consortium. Responsibilities will include technical issues related to research, project planning, implementation and reporting of related programming for early to adult learners. UNHCR uses the term Connected Education to describe all learning programs that are assisted through the use of information technology to enable learning not bound by geographical limitations.

Technical advice and support will be provided (on protection considerations, community-based design, technologies for education, safe learning environments, etc.) to all partners, as well as to UNHCR¿s education staff and other staff with management responsibilities in education, and as needed to those representing education issues on behalf of UNHCR, including senior management. The position will also be responsible for ensuring the growth of Connected Education aligned with Programming for Protection protocols, and UNHCR¿s broader Protection Strategy. The role will be required to represent UNHCR at relevant global innovation events related to education and/or Connected Education.

WITH UNHCR STAFF:  To provide technical advice and support on Connected Education programming, including how to ensure protective applications of technology within educational provision. The post must also advise field operations on new advances in Connected Education, and on how to effectively plan, monitor and report on Connected Education programme activities. The incumbent will draw upon lessons learned from other UNHCR operations and governmental, UN and NGO responses elsewhere in the world. The incumbent will ensure that consistent and technically sound advice and recommendations are given globally, including through drafting of guidelines and specialized training of staff. He/she will also ensure active exchange of information and best practices among countries. The incumbent must be an authority on technical issues relating to Connected Education and technology for education programming. He/She will foster and ensure inter-sectoral linkages with the teams working on CRRF, Gender, Community-Based Protection, Livelihoods and Child Protection, among others. The incumbent acts as focal point/coordinator/advisor for staff at all levels in country offices, including senior management. Discussions on policy and strategy are held primarily with the Senior Advisor (Education) and the Director and Deputy Director of DRS. 

WITH EXTERNAL PARTIES:  To provide technical advice and to advocate and promote the implementation and monitoring of Connected Education programming. The post is responsible for liaison, negotiation, and ongoing inter-relational issues with interlocutors on matters of education in the context of Connected Education, and other education technology programming. This may include coordination other units/divisions in-house, as well as with global education networks and keeping abreast with international developments in education. Co-representation within the Connected Learning in Crises Consortium and with international organizations and networks such as INEE, NGOs, academic institutions, and the private sector will be required.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- UNHCR has well formulated and comprehensive strategies and implementation plans for innovating within educational programming.
- UNHCR offices and staff are provided with appropriate technical advice and training regarding Connected Education, including on protection considerations, challenge analysis, programme design, programme implementation, data management, results and impact monitoring and evaluation.
- The work plan of the EdTech actors, including GOOGLE.org partners and the Consortium, are supported, monitored and performance and impact reports provided.
- UNHCR doctrine and operational interests are actively represented in and shape the global discourse and developments in the area of Connected Education and other educational innovations for refugees.
- Funding for education increases through the provision of resource and gap analysis for fundraising initiatives is conducted. 
- Best and emergent practices in education and in particular for innovative programming for refugees are identified, documented and disseminated.
- Expert support is provided to field operations through the deployment of technical assistance and through agreements with international partners with education expertise, with a focus on capacity development.
- Operational guidance fully reflects an age, gender and diversity approach.

Responsibility
- Undertake direct dialogue with Country Offices on the implementation of Connected Education programmes and other innovative tertiary programmes including assistance to the Bureaux and Country Offices to plan, monitor and report on impact.
- Liaise closely with other divisions at UNHCR HQ to ensure cohesive technical and financial reporting requirements are met, and that countries are supported.
- Guide, coordinate and lead all technical reporting for Google.org twice a year.
- Represent the Education Unit on matters related to Connected Education both internally and externally.
- Together with PSP, coordinate and monitor the implementation of Connected Education activities and joint google.org workplan internally.
- Develop and disseminate relevant tools to support UNHCR staff and partners in country operations, with a focus on protection.
- Identify training needs and train staff, NGOs, and MoE officials on refugee education programming, with a focus on Connected Education programming.
- Undertake missions to country offices for guidance and support.
- Ensure that best practices are identified, documented and widely disseminated.
- Prepare, co-ordinate and oversee drafting of documents and reports on UNHCR¿s activities in education. Meet with officials, lobby and participate in consultations concerning education strategy, activities and progress.
- Facilitate inter-sectoral linkages with Innovation, Livelihoods, Child Protection, SGBV, Gender, Community-Based Protection, Environment, Shelter and Health, among others.

Authority
- Represent DSR in meetings within UNHCR and represent UNHCR with external counterparts on issues relating to Connected Education.
- Make recommendations with respect to programme orientation in priority countries and recommendations with respect to resource allocation in Education Sector, in particular on tertiary programmes.
- Provide appropriate guidance to any consultants/interns which are tasked with achieving the objectives stated above.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Technology, Education, Refugee Studies or a related field plus  minimum 6 years of experience in progressively responsible functions in education. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master¿s) plus 5 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 4 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Field experience in education programme implementation and coordination.
- Knowledge of Ed Tech programming.
- Familiarity with INEE standards and implementation.
- Training and coaching skills/facilitation of learning, and in particular of Human-Centered-Design.
- Experience supporting tertiary education programming for vulnerable populations.
- Knowledge of refugee protection principles and framework.
- Good knowledge of the UN system, its operational procedures and exposure to provision of support services in an International Organization.
- Excellent computer skills and knowledge of MS applications.
- Excellent knowledge of English (written/oral/comprehension).
- Excellent drafting and writing skills in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge and experience of UNHCR education programme assistance.
- Experience working in education in refugee settings.
- Experience with educational research and teaching.
- Experience in the area of child protection.
- Demonstrated expertise in community services, community development/organization, social work, social surveys/ assessment, counselling, or related areas.
- Exposure to UNHCR specific training/learning activities.
- Knowledge of other UN languages, particularly French. 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
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X003L3 - Technological Awareness Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific security and welfare profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). These profiles have been specifically designed to answer some of the key questions (on security conditions, medical provisions, staff welfare, living and working conditions) potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care. This project is still in the pilot phase, and as such some of the information leaflets are being produced as we speak and might not be available yet. They will be soon, so keep checking. 

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the Add.4 to March 2018 Compendium is Wednesday 5 Septembe 2018 (midnight Geneva time).