Fixed Term Appointment – Education Specialist (Early Learning), NOC, Pretoria, South Africa, Requisition #530982, Post#113122 - (Open to South African Nationals Only)

The Education Specialist will provide technical and related support for the implementation of early learning and development programme from birth to four years and Grade R, with emphasis on learning through play and contribute to the ongoing work on early grade reading and numeracy.

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, hope

Established in 1946, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we translate this commitment into practical action, focusing special efforts on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, for the benefit of all children, everywhere. UNICEF has had a presence in South Africa since the dawn of democracy and continues to work towards improving the lives of children in the country. From its office in Pretoria, the UNICEF South Africa Country Office works with a range of partners in government, civil society, academia, the corporate sector, media and various other sectors to create a safer and healthier environment for every child. Through the support of individual, corporate and other donors, UNICEF is able to undertake its work, both globally and in South Africa. To learn more, please visit www.unicef.org/southafrica

How can you make a difference? 

Under the supervision of the Education Manager for Early Childhood Development, the Education Specialist will provide technical and related support for the implementation of early learning and development programme from birth to four years and Grade R, with emphasis on learning through play and contribute to the ongoing work on early grade reading and numeracy.  The incumbent will also support the government officials and other partners in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of quality early learning and development and education programmes for children from birth to nine years.  The monitoring will include analysing and evaluating data to ensure achievement of result statements and/or takes corrective action when necessary to meet programme objectives.

To qualify as a/an [champion or advocate] for every child you will have... 

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: education, economics, psychology, sociology, or another relevant technical field.

*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree. (This is optional)

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in programme planning, management, and/or research in education is required.
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset. 

For every Child, you demonstrate... 

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and Competency Framework of Building and managing partnerships; Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness; Drive to achieve results for impact; Innovates and embraces change; manages ambiguity and complexity; thinks and acts strategically; works collaboratively with others; and natures, leads and manages people.

How to apply...

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit their application to the following link: https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=530982 by 16 April 2020.

This notice will also appear on http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/, http://www.unicef.org/southafricaUN Job List, UN Jobs.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only complete applications as indicated in the VA will be reviewed.

We invite you to watch a short video on the system on how to apply: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePgDIQ9RVYs&feature=youtu.be 

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. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 

UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at:  http://www.whed.net 

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.