Early Childhood Development Programme Specialist

Organizational Context

UNICEF in Egypt promotes child equity and sustainable development, focusing on Early Childhood Development (ECD) from conception through early education. This initiative bridges critical developmental stages to address child welfare through cross-sectoral approaches. The program aligns with national priorities, the 2030 National Sustainable Development Strategy, and the UN Partnership for Development Framework. UNICEF's work strengthens child-sensitive social protection and enhances early years' health, nutrition, and development, prioritizing vulnerable children, those with disabilities, and adolescent girls.

Job Purpose

This UN Volunteer assignment supports UNICEF Egypt's Early Childhood Development (ECD) programming, contributing to integrated health, parenting, education, and child development initiatives. The role involves assisting in the implementation, monitoring, and advocacy of ECD programs, working closely with government counterparts and stakeholders to strengthen nurturing care services for young children and caregivers. The assignment offers a valuable experiential learning opportunity within an international development organization, enabling the volunteer to contribute to tangible results for children in Egypt and gain hands-on experience in a key UN agency. This position is part of a UNV initiative to increase representation from specific countries.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support the implementation, monitoring, and advocacy of UNICEF's Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives in Egypt. Key responsibilities include: Program Implementation & Support: Coordinate with the Child Survival and Development team to execute the ECD workplan, conduct research on development trends impacting ECD, and support program development and preparation. Assist in program implementation procedures, including documentation and budgeting. Program Monitoring & Results Delivery: Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, review program progress with counterparts, and prepare reports. Monitor the use of ECD program resources, ensure compliance with regulations, and report issues for timely resolution. Prepare inputs for program and donor reporting and conduct field visits to assess progress and provide support. Stakeholder Coordination: Build and sustain partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders, facilitating program implementation and capacity building. Participate in technical working groups and inter-agency platforms related to ECD.

Work Experience

Requires 3 years of relevant experience, including supporting program implementation, coordination, research, or technical assistance. Experience with early childhood development interventions in community or nursery settings is essential. Prior engagement with government institutions, UN agencies, or NGOs in policy advocacy or program implementation is advantageous. Experience working with children, caregivers, healthcare providers, or community-based interventions is also beneficial.

Skills

Core competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Technical skills encompass project management, program development, strategy, and expertise in education and general/specialized medicine. Strong research, literature review, report writing, data analysis, communication, interpersonal, and coordination skills are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is necessary.

Explore related opportunities