Education Specialist-Gender Equity (UNGEI), (P-4), Fixed Term, #00133295, Global Programme Division, Kenya - Nairobi COE

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. The Global Programme Division, through its Centres of Excellence, provides global strategic leadership and technical expertise to support country and regional offices in achieving programmatic excellence and institutional strengthening.

Job Purpose

The Education Specialist (Gender Equity) will lead strategic initiatives and provide high-quality technical assistance to UNICEF regional and country offices, governments, and global partners to advance gender equality in and through education. This role is crucial for strengthening national education systems to achieve gender equality, supporting Gender-Responsive Education Sector Planning, fostering gender-transformative leadership, and addressing harmful gender norms and school-related gender-based violence. The position also contributes to advancing gender equality in education in emergencies and protracted crises, while supporting capacity-strengthening initiatives across UNGEI’s global network, directly contributing to UNICEF’s Strategic Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 and SDG 5.

Responsibilities

The Education Specialist (Gender Equity) will provide strategic leadership and coordination for global initiatives such as the Gender at the Centre Initiative (GCI) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Gender Technical Assistance Initiative, working closely with governments, donors, and partners. Responsibilities include generating and applying evidence to inform policy and programming, leading research and learning agendas, and supporting the development and dissemination of global standards and analytical tools for gender-responsive education systems. The role involves engaging in high-level advocacy, partnerships, and global platforms to influence policy and mobilize action for girls’ education and gender equality. Collaboration across UNICEF and UNGEI platforms is essential to strengthen partnerships with governments, civil society, and youth movements, ensuring a coordinated effort to remove gender-related barriers across the education lifecycle. The specialist will help embed gender-transformative approaches into education systems, policies, and programmes, contributing to improved access, learning outcomes, and skills for girls and marginalized learners globally. Key accountabilities include leadership, management, coordination, technical advisory services, research, learning, monitoring, evaluation, advocacy, networking, programme partnership building, and programme and staff management.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in education, with a focus on gender equality in education, gender-responsive education systems, or related fields. Experience in programme management, policy analysis, research, and advocacy is required.

Skills

Gender Equality in Education, Education Sector Planning, Gender-Transformative Leadership, Addressing Harmful Gender Norms, Education in Emergencies, Policy Analysis, Research and Learning, Advocacy and Partnerships, Programme Management, Technical Assistance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Cross-cultural Communication

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