Job Description

Applications are invited from suitably qualified Ghanaian Nationals for the position of Education Officer ( National Officer Category.)

• VN No.: VN-15-08
• IMIS #:  GHA 15014
• Type of Contract: Fixed-Term
• Post Level: NO-C
• Duty Station: Accra

Job Purpose:

Under the general guidance of the Education Specialist (P3), the Education Specialist will be accountable for Quality Outcome of the Education Programme.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ghana Education Services to enhance effective programme, sectoral or inter-sectoral planning, implementation and monitoring of UNICEFs Education programme with a particular emphasis on the Quality Outcome of the programme.
• Promote knowledge management through the effective collection of evidence-based data and best practice at school and community level to contribute to key documents and reports for use in policy dialogue with Government authorities. Support the exchange of knowledge, information, experience or lessons learned; provides solid technical recommendations on major programme directions and on introduction of new initiatives in the country.
• Support the promotion of quality of rights-based Education programming through participation in the formulation of programme goals, and approaches. Bring synergy and added value to sectoral or programme management processes using a results-based management approach to planning and design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Support with the development of the sectoral work plan which reflects UNICEF contribution as part of the coordinated support of external partners to national efforts to achieve the programme goals.
• Support efforts to ensure programme, sectoral or inter-sect oral efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation, with an emphasis on gender-disaggregated data. Participation in major evaluation exercises, programme reveviews  and annual sector review meetings with government counterparts with invovement of all stakeholders. Ensure the preparation of annual Education sector status reports with contribution of all major partners.
• Support in the exchange of information, experience, help identify new strategies and courses of action to accelerate/improve delivery of services and achieve Education programme requirements and objectives.
• Conduct field visits to monitor programmes and collect information. Conduct periodic programme reviews with Government counterparts and other partners.
• Liaise with Operations and Supply unit on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government and all other implementing partners accountability: and to orientate and train Government and UNICEF implementing partners in UNICEF supply and non-supply policies and procedures.
• Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and sub-mits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.

Required Skills or Experience

• Advanced university degree in one or more of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Education; Primary Education, or a Social Sciences fields relevant to international development assistance.
• Five years of progressively professional work experience at national (required) and international (desired) levels in field programmes relevant to Education programmes.
• Experience working in the  UN or other international development organisations, managing and reporting on large donor funded education programmes an asset.
• Experience in working in lower/middle income countries.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English required.
• Knowledge of local working language of the duty station and another UN working language an asset.

Competency Profile   
Core Values (Required)

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core Competencies (Required)

• Communication [I]
• Drive for Result [I]
• Working With People [I]

Functional Competencies (Required)

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [II]
• Analysing [III]
• Applying Technical Expertise [III]
• Leading and Supervising [I]
• Deciding and Initiating Action  [II]
• Relating and Networking   [II]

Other Skills and Attributes

• Knowledge of the theories, principles and methods in one of the following areas: Education; Primary Education, Social Sciences, and/or related fields.
• Excellent analytical, negotiating, cuinmuniuitioii fboth verbal and written) and advocacy skills.
• Supervisory, leadership and managerial skills.
• Initiative and resourcefulness. Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other team members and partners, with sensitivity, in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment.
• Gender equity and diversity awareness.
• Knowledge of computer management and applications