Chief Education (P-4), FT, #00107698, Lilongwe - Malawi, ESAR

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

The Chief Education is responsible for managing and supervising all stages of education programming, including school readiness, foundational literacy, and alternative learning pathways for adolescents. This role supports the UNICEF Malawi Country Programme's alignment with the Malawi United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) and Malawi Vision 2063. The focus is on the progressive fulfillment of the rights to survival, development, education, protection, and participation of all children, especially the most vulnerable. The position requires risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus to strengthen disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, and resilience capacity.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Representative, the Chief Education is responsible for managing and supervising all stages of education programming, including school readiness, foundational literacy, and alternative learning pathways for adolescents. This includes developing, implementing, and monitoring education strategies and interventions aligned with the UNICEF Malawi Country Programme Document (CPD) and the Malawi United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF). The role involves co-leading the Human Capital Development strategic priority and ensuring alignment with Malawi Vision 2063. Key areas of focus include Child Survival and Development (Health, Nutrition and WASH), Learning, Skills and Protection, Social Policy (Social Protection and Public Finance for Children), Gender Equality, Inclusion and Innovation. The Chief Education will ensure that programming is evidence-informed and supports the progressive fulfillment of children's rights, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups. Additionally, the position requires implementing risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus, strengthening disaster preparedness, climate adaptation/mitigation, and enhancing the resilience capacity of institutions, communities, and young people, in line with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in education programming, including at least two years in a developing country context. Experience in managing complex programmes and working with government counterparts is desirable.

Skills

Education Programme Management, Foundational Literacy, Adolescent Learning, Human Capital Development, UNSCDF Alignment, Malawi Vision 2063, Risk-Informed Programming, Humanitarian-Development Nexus, Climate Adaptation, Child Rights, Stakeholder Engagement, Monitoring and Evaluation

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