Chief Education (Learning, Skills and Engagement)
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, viewing it as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal growth, fostering a sense of purpose while serving children and communities globally. We welcome individuals seeking to belong and grow in a diverse, passionate culture with attractive compensation and benefits.
Job Purpose
The Chief Education (Learning, Skills and Engagement) provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNICEF Mozambique’s Learning, Skills and Engagement (LSE) programme. This role is accountable for the quality, coherence, and results of integrated strategies aimed at improving foundational learning, expanding inclusive learning and skills pathways, strengthening education system resilience and accountability, and enabling adolescents and young people to participate meaningfully and transition towards further learning, work, and earning opportunities. The Chief translates the Country Programme vision into scalable programme strategies, offers authoritative advice to government and partners, ensures clear delegated accountabilities within the section, and utilizes data and evidence for adaptive management, policy dialogue, institutionalization, and scaling. The position involves leading a diverse, multidisciplinary team and fostering an inclusive, ethical, and results-oriented culture.
Responsibilities
The Chief Education (Learning, Skills and Engagement) is responsible for providing strategic leadership, accountability, and management for the LSE section. This includes integrated programme design, planning, and quality assurance across the three LSE outputs. The role involves programme management, monitoring for results, evidence generation, and demonstrating impact. Key accountabilities also include engaging in policy dialogue, strengthening systems, and institutionalizing scalable models. Furthermore, the Chief is responsible for fostering partnerships, advocacy, and resource mobilization for learning, skills, and engagement initiatives. This position also drives innovation, knowledge management, and capacity development within the LSE programme, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's global goals and the specific needs of children and adolescents in Mozambique.
Work Experience
A minimum of eight years of professional experience in education programme planning, management, and implementation, with a focus on learning, skills development, and youth engagement. Experience in a developing country context is desirable. Experience in leading and managing diverse teams is essential.
Skills
Strategic leadership, Programme management, Education systems strengthening, Skills development, Youth engagement, Policy dialogue, Partnership building, Resource mobilization, Data analysis, Team leadership, Innovation, Results-based management