SESP Liaison Officer

Organizational Context

UNICEF champions the rights and well-being of children globally, working in 190 countries to support the most vulnerable. In Nepal, UNICEF partners with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) to implement the School Education Sector Plan (SESP) under a Sector Wide Approach (SWAp). The Development Assistance Coordination Section (DACS) within MoES is central to coordinating development partners and overseeing SWAp mechanisms. This role supports strengthening government capacity during a critical SESP transition.

Job Purpose

Nepal is undergoing a crucial transition in its School Education Sector Plan (SESP), moving from the first phase (2022-2027) to the second (2027-2032). This necessitates strengthening and institutionalizing government capacity to lead sector coordination, policy dialogue, planning, monitoring, resource mobilization, and partnership management. The SESP Liaison Officer will support the Ministry of Education and Sports' Development Assistance Coordination Section (DACS) and other government counterparts. The assignment aims to reinforce institutional systems, coordination mechanisms, and organizational capacities for effective SESP and SWAp implementation. Key objectives include institutionalizing functions currently supported by external technical assistance, enhancing government ownership of coordination processes, improving engagement with development partners, and fostering knowledge management for evidence-informed decision-making. This ensures coordination and partnership functions are embedded within government systems for long-term sustainability.

Responsibilities

The SESP Liaison Officer will primarily focus on institutional strengthening and capacity development, supporting MoES DACS to enhance systems, processes, and capacities for SESP coordination, planning, monitoring, and implementation. This includes documenting and operationalizing standard operating procedures, coordination mechanisms, and knowledge management systems for SWAp and development partner engagement, while strengthening DACS's secretariat role. Key duties involve SESP and SWAp coordination, assisting DACS in managing the transition between SESP phases (2022-2027 to 2027-2032) to ensure continuous sector dialogue. The role will facilitate effective communication among MoES, development partners, civil society, and other stakeholders, and support the review and implementation of SWAp frameworks, including partnership mechanisms and technical working groups. Furthermore, the officer will promote government ownership and institutionalization of technical assistance by supporting the Common Framework for Technical Assistance, identifying opportunities to consolidate externally supported initiatives, and strengthening coordination across federal, provincial, and local government levels. Responsibilities also include evidence, knowledge management, and sector monitoring, such as organizing sector reviews, preparing analytical summaries, and enhancing the use of data for planning and policy dialogue. Finally, the role involves partnership engagement, supporting country-level interaction with the Global Partnership for Education and other partners, and fostering transparent, accountable sector governance.

Work Experience

Candidates must have a minimum of 6 years of working experience in education, specifically with a coordinating function, and experience in development country settings. Desirable qualifications include an understanding of Nepal's education sector and government structure, previous volunteer experience, and working knowledge of Nepali.

Skills

Required competencies include professionalism, demonstrating understanding of UNICEF Nepal operations, discretion, and good judgment. Integrity, teamwork, and respect for diversity are essential, emphasizing effective partnerships in multicultural environments. The role demands a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and strong planning and organizing skills, including problem-solving, managing workload, setting priorities, and working under pressure. Specific skills mentioned are good interpersonal, networking, communication, analytical, and computer skills.

Explore related opportunities