Lead Policy and Partnership Specialist (GPE System Capacity Grant)

Organizational Context

Lebanon's education system faces significant challenges due to economic collapse and humanitarian crises, impacting hundreds of thousands of learners. Despite this, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) is committed to reform through Vision 2030 and the Seven Pillars for Educational Renewal. Lebanon's recent membership in the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) in 2024 supports these reform efforts, aiming to strengthen national systems for inclusive coordination, evidence-based planning, and data-driven decision-making.

Job Purpose

UNESCO Beirut seeks a Lead Policy and Partnership Specialist to provide strategic technical and advisory support as Co-Grant Agent for the Lebanon System Capacity Grant. The role focuses on strengthening education system transformation by guiding the development of the GPE Partnership Compact and institutionalizing an effective Local Education Group (LEG). Key objectives include ensuring coherent reform prioritization, advancing enabling factors, aligning financing, and establishing mutual accountability mechanisms to accelerate equitable, resilient, and SDG 4-aligned sector outcomes. The specialist will also support resource mobilization efforts aligned with the GPE SCG and MEHE Vision 2030, acting as a senior strategic advisor to UNESCO and national counterparts.

Responsibilities

The Lead Policy and Partnership Specialist will provide high-level strategic advisory support to UNESCO on education sector reform and transformation, leading the development and implementation of the GPE Partnership Compact. This involves strategic engagement with the GPE Secretariat, development partners, and national stakeholders, ensuring technical leadership and quality assurance for reform prioritization and sequencing. The role includes leading discussions on education sector financing and resource mobilization, preparing policy briefs, and identifying strategic opportunities and risks. Additionally, the specialist will strengthen the LEG's effectiveness by providing strategic leadership, developing its governance architecture, and leading quality assurance for policy dialogue. High-level engagement with MEHE, development partners, and other stakeholders is crucial for building consensus and ensuring alignment of investments with national priorities and the GPE Partnership Compact. Strategic analysis of the political economy and institutional landscape will inform recommendations for effective reform implementation.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in education or international development is necessary. Knowledge of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and its challenges in Lebanon is essential. Direct experience in Lebanon, particularly in strategic advisory roles, is an asset, as is proven capacity in resource mobilization and partnership building.

Skills

The role requires strong business and grant writing skills, report writing proficiency, and excellent communication abilities. Professional proficiency in English and Arabic is expected, with French being an asset.

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