Education Specialist

Organizational Context

UNICEF, present in Brazil since 1950, advocates for children's rights and supports their development. The current 2024-2028 Country Programme focuses on the most vulnerable and excluded children, particularly those affected by violence. Despite progress in inclusion, deep inequalities persist, especially in the Amazon, Semiarid regions, and urban peripheries. Educational rights are threatened by exclusion, learning gaps, and digital divides, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. The Belém Field Office coordinates education initiatives across four states, aiming to combat educational exclusion.

Job Purpose

The Education Specialist UN Volunteer will support the UNICEF Belém Field Office in implementing education programmes across Pará, Amapá, Tocantins, and Mato Grosso. The role involves providing technical and operational support for initiatives focused on school access, retention, learning recovery, and adolescent transition. This includes strengthening intersectoral strategies to address school exclusion and supporting vulnerable populations, particularly indigenous and traditional communities. The position aims to enhance capacity building, evidence generation, and advocacy for equitable and inclusive education, contributing to the achievement of UNICEF's Country Programme goals and the Sustainable Development Goal for Quality Education.

Responsibilities

Support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and documentation of UNICEF education programmes in the Amazon territory. Assist state and municipal education authorities and partners in strategies to enroll and retain children at risk of dropout. Contribute to inclusive learning environments through intersectoral coordination and advocacy. Support early childhood education actions, including training and technical assistance. Develop and disseminate technical materials, reports, and knowledge products. Conduct field visits and consultations to monitor programme implementation and coordinate efforts. Support evidence generation, data analysis, and reporting for programme decision-making. Strengthen partnerships with government institutions, civil society, and local stakeholders. Promote equitable access to education for vulnerable populations, considering cultural dynamics. Participate in internal coordination and contribute to convergent programming. Document lessons learned and best practices. Provide technical and operational support for initiatives like School Active Search, Successful School Pathways, Education that Protects, and Generation Unlimited. Support foundational learning, adolescent participation, and digital inclusion. Offer operational support for trainings, events, and advocacy. The role may involve travel, collaboration, and producing reports and communication materials.

Work Experience

Requires 3 years of professional experience in education programmes, public policy, social development, child rights, or humanitarian-development contexts. Experience in the Amazon region or internationally is an asset. Experience with education policies, school retention, learning recovery, intersectoral programming, or inclusive education is desirable. Prior work with vulnerable populations, indigenous communities, or governmental/civil society organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Brazilian education system, especially in the Amazon, is a strong asset.

Skills

UNICEF values: Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, Sustainability. Competencies: Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness, Collaboration, Partnership Building, Innovation, Strategic Thinking, Drive for Impact, Managing Ambiguity and Complexity. Areas: Community development, Education.

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