Early Childhood Education Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The UNICEF Education Programme is a key component of the Government of Lao PDR-UNICEF Country Programme 2022–2026. The Education Programme and the broader Country Programme aims to support the Government of Lao PDR meet its national education targets as well as the Sustainable Development Goal on quality education. In particular, the UNICEF Education Programme aims to support the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) to ensure children are prepared for formal schooling through quality early childhood education and are in school and learning and acquiring the knowledge and skills that prepare them for continued education and for a better future. UNICEF works closely with the Ministry of Education and Sports, development partners and other key stakeholders to ensure children are ready for school and are adequately learning in basic education, by accelerating efforts to strengthen sector management and governance at all levels of the system, with emphasis on empowering schools, communities, and district and provincial education officials.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Education Specialist, the UNV Early Childhood Education Officer will:

1. Support the Education Section in the programme management, monitoring and implementation of early childhood education interventions, including the integration of the parenting programme.
2. Support the coordination with the Ministry of Education and Sports, provincial and district education offices and schools and Early Childhood Education (ECE) centers, as well as development partners to ensure smooth and efficient programme delivery, including support to the ECE sub-sector working group.
3. Support knowledge management, donor reporting and advocacy on ECE, including integration of the parenting progamme and broader early childhood development (ECD) work of UNICEF Laos.
4. Support the implementation of COVID-19 education response activities, in particular related to ECE and the broader ECD.
5. Support the implementation of the broader Education Programme, as needed.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility

programme/project planning, implementing, managing and monitoring in the area of education, early childhood development, social work, psychosocial support, community development and social development is required.

Knowledge and understanding of emergency programming and UNICEF’s approach is desirable.

Experience of working in the government, UN or other international development organization is an asset.

Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and online meeting and training platforms

Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision and ability to work with tight deadlines

Vientiane, Lao PDR is a family duty station and is relatively safe. As part of the appointment process, the UNV is required to complete the B-SAFE training and submit the certificate. UNICEF's Emergency Operations Centre (OPSCEN) in New York is 24hours/7 days a week in contact with all UNICEF offices all over the world. In addition, the office works closely with UNDSS (United Nations Department of Safety and Security) Office in Lao PDR. The UNICEF Operations Manager is the security Focal Point. A security badge will be provided to the UNV and a full security briefing will be offered at the time of joining the office.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF Lao PDR has activated its Business Continuity Plan (BCP). While programme delivery continues with the disruption kept to a minimum extent, all staff have flexible teleworking arrangements. All staff and their dependents receive necessary personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves and are briefed on staff safety measures. Regular all staff meetings take place to ensure the continuity of emergency response and regular programming.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.