Education Specialist (ECD)
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO) serves twelve English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries, focusing on equitable access to primary health care, learning and skills; protection of children from all forms of violence; and child poverty reduction and resilience strengthening.
Job Purpose
The Education Specialist (ECD) will contribute to the achievement of the Caribbean MCO’s programme goals in Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Education. This role is crucial for advancing results for children across the region by focusing on equitable access to learning and skills, particularly for vulnerable children and adolescents. The specialist will support the development and implementation of integrated programmes, leveraging policy influence, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships. The position aims to address interconnected challenges such as learning losses, mental health concerns, violence, child poverty, and climate-related disasters, ensuring that children, especially those in remote areas or from marginalized communities, receive quality education and developmental support.
Responsibilities
Contribute to the development and implementation of the ECD and Education programme components within the Caribbean MCO, aligning with the Multi-Country Programme 2027-2031 and UNICEF’s global strategies. Provide technical expertise and policy advice to governments and partners on ECD and education policies and programmes, with a focus on equitable access, quality, and inclusion. Support the design and implementation of innovative approaches to address learning losses, mental health, and violence prevention in educational settings. Facilitate capacity building for national and sub-national partners, including government ministries, NGOs, and community-based organizations, to strengthen their ability to deliver effective ECD and education services. Monitor and evaluate programme activities, ensuring timely and quality reporting on progress, challenges, and lessons learned. Foster and strengthen strategic partnerships with governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to enhance programme impact and sustainability. Support resource mobilization efforts for the ECD and Education programme. Contribute to research and knowledge management on ECD and education issues in the Caribbean context, disseminating findings and best practices. Ensure that programming is responsive to the specific needs of vulnerable children, adolescents, indigenous communities, and those in remote areas, considering the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in Early Childhood Development and/or Education programming, with a focus on policy and programme implementation. Experience working in developing countries, preferably in the Caribbean region, is an asset. Experience in programme management, monitoring, and evaluation is required.
Skills
Early Childhood Development, Education Policy, Programme Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Capacity Building, Partnership Development, Resource Mobilization, Research and Analysis, Cross-cultural Communication, Advocacy, Project Implementation, UNICEF Programme Principles