Education Specialist, P3, Lebanon Beirut, Temporary Appointment (6 Months Only)

For every child, a champion! The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nation. Job organizational context: Within the framework of the RACE II strategy (Reaching All Children with Education) which  aims to contribute to furthering the equitable right to a quality and relevant education for all children and youth between 03-18 years of age in Lebanon, by addressing policy, systems, quality service-delivery and demand bottlenecks at the national, sub-national and community levels; the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) and UNICEF are working towards ensuring the access to quality education for children in Lebanon both in formal and non-formal education. Also within the partnership with UNICEF that aims to Include the continuation of enrolment support into primary school, while actively engaging in supporting young children and youth enrollment in formal kindergartens and technical-vocational education. UNICEF is seeking an Education Specialist to support the implementation of two main components of the RACE II plan, the back to school campaign for school year 2017/2018 and the ALP program (Accelerated Learning Programme). Purpose for the job: Under the overall guidance of the Education Specialist (NOC level) in charge of the access and quality components of UNICEF education programme provide technical, operational and administrative assistance to implement ALP and Back to School interventions as per AWP (Annual Work Plan) and UNICEF agreed actions. This includes the range of interventions from managing and implementing a variety of technical and administrative program tasks to facilitate program development, implementation, and program progress monitoring, evaluating and reporting.   How can you make a difference? Summary of key functions/accountabilities: The Education TA will have the following main duties and responsibilities but not limited to: Back to School Program (BTS): Support the UNICEF liaison Officer to coordinate with MEHE on issues related to the Back to School initiative 17/18 Support the Education Specialist lead the internal UNICEF BTS task force Work closely with various UNICEF sections, education field colleagues, education coordinators, MEHE and NGO partners to ensure that they are informed of and support the implementation of the campaign activities Coordinate with UNICEF Education field officers all related tasks to do with the BTS campaign: trainings, outreach, data collection, CRM, and other tasks as needed Monitoring the Complaints Referral Mechanism platform and ensure that all complaints received are being addressed by the appropriate entities in a timely manner  Participate in all interagency meetings related to the BTS  Accelerated Learning Program (ALP): Coordinate with MEHE and partners to ensure timely and effective implementation of the ALP program (including outreach, delivery of supplies, organization of teacher training, and timely pre/post testing)  Management of Partnerships: Management of BTS and ALP related programme documents/partnerships Ensure timely programme reporting and proper financial liquidation from partners Provide technical input to reports and proposals from partners Coordinate and arrange for capacity development sessions for partners when necessary Impact of Results: The strategic and effective advocacy, planning and formulation of education programs/projects and the achievement of sustainable results, contribute to achievement of goals and objectives to improve learning outcomes and equitable, inclusive and universal access to education in the country. Achievements in education programs and projects in turn contribute to maintaining/enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide program services for mothers and children that promotes greater social equality in the country. To qualify as a champion you will have… An advanced university degree in education, psychology, sociology or other social science field A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in social development planning and management in education and related areas at the international and/or in a developing country is required. Relevant experience in education related areas, program/project development and management in a UN system agency or organization is an asset Fluency in English is a requirement; and knowledge of Arabic is an asset Competencies and level of proficiency required: Core Values Commitment Diversity and inclusion Integrity Core competencies Communication (II) Working with people (II) Drive for results (II) Functional Competencies: Leading and Supervising (I) Formulating Strategies and Concepts (II) Analyzing  (III) Relating and Networking (II) Deciding and Initiating Action (II) Applying Technical Expertise (III)