Associate Education Officer (Coordination Unit) – Nob – Hru033 - Beirut

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT. Define the role of the position within the team, describing its leadership role, if any, it’s external/internal work relationships or contacts, the contextual environment in which it operates and the scope of supervision received, and where applicable, exercised by the incumbent. The UNHCR Operation in Lebanon currently has over 1.1 million refugees registered or awaiting registration. The dramatic increase in the size of the refugee population means that more is required to assist them as well as the hosting communities in which they reside.  Overall coordination of the inter-agency response rests with UNHCR, with other UN agencies and NGOs playing critical roles in areas of their respective expertise.  The operation has grown substantially and Field Offices cover operations in Beirut (Mount Lebanon), Tyr (South), Tripoli and Qobayat (North), and Zahle (Bekaa). Lebanon is currently assessed at security level 4: substantial.  The unrest in Syria has had an impact in Lebanon and security incidents are on the rise, which can disrupt the smooth delivery of the humanitarian programme.  In addition, the scattered nature of the refugee population often in areas with difficult access, pose challenges.  The Government of Lebanon is not party to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees or its 1967 Protocol.  There is no legislative or administrative framework governing refugee affairs.  Refugees who cross unofficially into Lebanon, or overstay their visas, are considered to be illegally in the country and are at risk of arrest, detention and even deportation.  UNHCR’s mandate is recognized but the role of the Office very much depends on maintaining clear, open and transparent communication with the Government so that we are able to maintain the position of authority and respect currently experienced by the Office. The number of refugee children has largely overstretched the capacity of public schools. Health providers report mounting unpaid bills from refugees. With limited livelihood opportunities, the vulnerability of refugees is increasing over time, which may lead them to resort to negative coping mechanisms, such as a child labor, child marriage or survival sex. Donors have been generous in responding to the humanitarian appeal. However, the continuous stream of refugees and their growing needs, as well as the overstretched capacity of the GoL and communities, pose clear resource challenges, including for the longer term. Many thousands of refugees continue to face extreme hardship and burdens on host communities and public infrastructures continue to mount. As the designated lead agency in the refugee response in Lebanon, UNHCR has established a sector-based structure in Beirut and in the field to support the Government.  The structure brings together over 70 partners in identifying and agreeing on the strategic priorities to address the needs of Syrian refugees and other affected populations. 2.2 FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT. Describe the accountabilities, responsibilities and authorities associated with the position. Accountability (key results that will be achieved) -  The education needs of refugees are met through the application of International and National Commitments, including the MDGs and EFA commitments, relevant UN/UNHCR protection standards and IASC principles governing humanitarian coordination, including those of the INEE. -   Education activities are guided by global, regional and country priorities and reflect UNHCR’s policy on age, gender and diversity (AGD). -   Issues related to education access and quality is addressed from a longer-term perspective. -   Collaborative, consultative partnerships ensure quality education planning and service provision for refugees.  -   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.  -   All protection incidents related to education activities are immediately identified and addressed. - Integrity in the delivery of education services is assured by education and protection staff. Persons of concern are treated with dignity and respect.   Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results) Strategic Direction and Coordination -   Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on access to and quality of education and inform the development of the education strategy. -  Actively pursue opportunities to implement UNHCR’s urban policy and support mainstreaming refugees within national education systems. Coordinate with relevant partners to support access to education for refugees and host communities. Advocacy, Information Management and Research -   Advocate with authorities for respect of the right of persons of concern to an education and for their access to education services. -   Coordinate with Education networks and ensure that refugee education interests are understood and included in relevant policies and initiatives.  -  Identify gaps in education service provision and advocate with relevant authorities for service provision. -  Ensure that best practices are identified, documented and widely disseminated. -  Support the country education information management strategy through the collection of disaggregated data on populations of concern, and ensure the collection and dissemination of education information and best practices to enhance education delivery.   Response and Advice - Assist in providing comments on existing and draft legislation related to education for persons of concern.  - Coordinate with partners and other actors in education to align education activities with the national education strategy. - Provide technical advice and guidance on education issues to persons of concern; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance and recognition of education relevant documentation. - Assisting in ensuring that education programmes in line with Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) standards and the child protection systems approach. - Facilitate inter-sectoral linkages with child protection, SGBV, gender, community services, livelihoods, environment, shelter and health, among others. - Provide inputs for the development of global/regional international education policies and standards. - Intervene in cases of denial of access to education with government and other relevant parties.    - Identify and promote education activities that support durable solutions. - Assess needs for services of persons of concern, as related to education, and coordinate partners’ responses. - Systematically promote and comply with the Age, Gender and Diversity policy and other priorities such as the guidelines on HIV/AIDS.   Promotion and Capacity Building - Undertake initiatives to support and build the capacity of field coordinators. - Promote and participate in initiatives to capacitate national authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs to strengthen access to quality, certified education for refugees.   External Relations - Contribute to a communications strategy that generates external support for UNHCR’s education activities and the education rights of persons of concern.   Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results) -  Intervene with authorities on education issues. -  Appraise the performance of supervised staff.     2.3 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES, which illustrate behaviours that are essential to achieving deliverables described above, and that are critical to successful performance. All jobs require the staff to abide to the Values and Core competencies of UNHCR.  Where applicable, select a maximum of six Managerial and  of three Cross-Functional Competencies. (Note that the Performance Appraisal and Management System (PAMS) allows for up to five Cross-Functional Competencies to be selected by the staff member and the supervisor. Code Managerial Competencies 1.  M001 Empowering and Building Trust 2.  M002 Managing Performance 3.  M003 Judgement and Decision Making 4.  M004 Strategic Planning and Vision 5.  M005 Leadership 6.  M006 Managing Resources     Code Cross-Functional Competencies 1.  X001 Analytical Thinking 2.  X002 Innovation and Creativity 3.  X003 Technological Awareness 4.  X004 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution 5.  X005 Planning and Organizing 6.  X006 Policy Development and Research 7.  X007 Political Awareness 8.  X008 Stakeholder Management 9.  X009 Change Capability and Adaptability