Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Liaison Officer
Organizational Context
UNICEF is dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of every child globally, with a focus on the most vulnerable and excluded. In Nepal, UNICEF collaborates with the Ministry of Education and Sports and local governments on an initiative to enhance early childhood education and development (ECED). This program aims to improve early learning experiences and children's readiness for basic education by adapting and testing pedagogical packages and teacher support mechanisms, generating evidence to inform policy and future expansion.
Job Purpose
The Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) Liaison Officer will support UNICEF's Education Section in Nepal, facilitating coordination, communication, and stakeholder engagement for an ECED program. This role is crucial for ensuring effective implementation, learning, and institutionalization of the program, which focuses on adapting and testing pedagogical packages and teacher support mechanisms. The officer will work closely with government counterparts at federal, provincial, and local levels, as well as technical partners. Key contributions include supporting consultations, technical meetings, field visits, and documenting actions and decisions to inform government policy, planning, and future program expansion, ensuring government ownership and system integration.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will facilitate communication and coordination between UNICEF and government counterparts at all levels, supporting engagement with the Ministry of Education and Sports, Department of Education, and local governments. Responsibilities include following up on agreed actions, organizing and documenting coordination meetings, and assisting in the planning and implementation of ECED program activities, including teacher training and package validation. The role involves supporting Test-Learn-Adapt (TLA) processes by organizing workshops, consolidating feedback, and documenting decisions for program refinement. Additionally, the officer will assist in stakeholder mapping, monitoring policy developments, and supporting relationship-building with key actors. Knowledge management tasks include preparing meeting notes, briefs, and reports, and maintaining records of program decisions. The role also supports capacity building through organizing training events and participating in field monitoring visits, providing follow-up support. Monitoring, reporting, and administrative support, including tracking activities and preparing updates, are also key functions. Cross-cutting responsibilities include promoting equity, inclusion, and child rights, and supporting coordination among various stakeholders.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience in education sector management, public administration, policy development, program management, or institutional coordination is required. Prior experience working with government education offices, particularly in Nepal, and demonstrated experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder engagement processes are essential. Experience with development partners and a strong understanding of Nepal's education sector governance are also necessary.
Skills
Essential skills include strong interpersonal, diplomatic, and relationship-management abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to engage effectively with senior government officials. Excellent coordination, facilitation, negotiation, and consensus-building skills are crucial. The role requires strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, the capacity to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results under tight deadlines. Strong organizational and follow-up skills, commitment to teamwork, integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity are also vital. A demonstrated commitment to child rights, equity, inclusion, and gender equality is expected.