Education Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

UNICEF Philippines Education programme aims to improve quality and inclusive learning for early childhood, basic education and the alternative learning system, with a focus on vulnerable, disadvantaged and hard-to-reach children in the country. To achieve this goal, UNICEF Philippines takes a series of inclusive, equity-oriented strategies, including careful selection of programme focus areas/municipalities based on degrees of inequities, poverty incidences, remoteness, serious socio-economic conditions, armed conflicts, etc and natural disasters risks. As part of the 8th Country Program defined with the Government of the Philippines, UNICEF is strongly supporting the Department of Education and the Early Childhood Care and Development Council to implement the education sector plan (Basic Education Development Plan – BEDP 2030) and the ECCD Strategic Plan 2019-2030, respectively. In 2023 and 2024, UNICEF will continue supporting the capacity strengthening on sector planning and futures thinking within the Department of Education and the implementation of BEDP 2030. For ECCD, UNICEF will continue supporting the capacity strengthening of the ECCD Council, Local Government Units and communities to implement the ECCD Strategic Plan.

The UN Volunteer's support to the education programme will have a strong focus on the implementation of BEDP 2030 and the ECCD National Strategic Plan 2019-2030. The UNV will also support the national level education sector information and data analysis with strong equity lens, to identify areas of advocacy for equitable education sector enhancement.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Education, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Provide support to the education programme (Basic Education and Early Childhood Care and Development) with strong focus on the implementation of the Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP 2030) and the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) National Strategic Plan (2019-2030);

• Assist with planning, coordination, monitoring and reporting initiatives related to the BEDP 2030 and ECCD National Strategic Plan. Support the application and/or implementation of Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and other Grants and provide analytical inputs and ensuring adequate coordination among the different actors that are part of the Local Education Group – LEG (Education Forum): Bureaus at the Department of Education, GPE, international donors, civil society organizations, among others);
• Provide technical assistance for further enhancing the quality of the Basic Education and ECCD programmes in Samar, Northern Samar and Zamboanga del Norte (and/or areas identified in the new Country Programme), in light of most disadvantaged children (conflict affected, ethnic groups, disabilities etc.). Support Manila-based coordination efforts on the education/ECCD sectors in Samar, Northern Samar and Zamboanga del Norte (inter-sectoral, inter-UN agencies, inter-governmental agencies) • Support developing progress reporting and external communication materials (e.g. donor updates, web-based progress brief etc.). Coordinate closely with the Education Section for smooth programme implementation and fundraising efforts for the most disadvantaged children in Samar, Northern Samar, and Zamboanga del Norte. • Support the analysis of the existing monitoring and evaluation information and methodol-ogies, and recommend for further improvement.

2. Contribute to the ECCD, Basic Education, and Adolescents Learning sector data/information analysis for better programme planning and evidence-based advocacy

• Compile and analyze the information and data on the education sector and education financing, through strong equity lens (disadvantaged children, children with disabilities, hard-to-reach areas, conflict-affected areas, indigenous and other minorities), and identify areas for UNICEF education sector advocacy and programming; • Provide support to inter-sectoral and/or inter-UN agencies coordination in Samar, Northern Samar and Zamboanga del Norte where necessary for smooth and effective implementation of the education projects, fund raising efforts, M&E and reporting. Closely work with the UNICEF Regional Office and the Headquarters for leveraging the global-wide expertise/ knowledge in programme implementation. • Based on the experience of field visits and information analysis, support the development of advocacy materials (both internally and externally) and fundraising proposals for enhancing the most disadvantaged Filipino children’s access to quality education; • Contribute to the Knowledge Management efforts of the education programme in Manila. Support the preparation of programme progress and other technical briefs for donor relations, external communication etc. as required;

Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Working in Teams

education, research and policy planning/analysis.

Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;

Previous experience in the education sector would be highly regarded;

Previous experience in data analysis would be an asset.

The Philippine archipelago is geographically located between latitude (approximately) 4o23'N and 21o25'N and longitude (approximately) 112oE and 127oE. It is composed of 7,107 islands, with a land area of 299,764 sq. kilometers. Its length measures 1,850 kilometers, starting from the point near the southern tip of Taiwan and ending close to northern Borneo. Its breadth is about 965 kilometers. The Philippine coastline adds up to 17,500 km. Three prominent bodies of water surround the archipelago: the Pacific Ocean on the east, the South China Sea on the west and north, and the Celebes Sea on the south. This position accounts for much of the variations in geographic, climatic and vegetational conditions.

Metro Manila is strategically located in the middle of Luzon, on the eastern coast of Manila Bay and at the mouth of the Pasig River, sprawled over an area of 626 sq.km. Manila sits in the middle of a swampy deltaic plain formed by accumulated sedimentary deposits from the Pasig River and other streams. Most of its densely populated areas are found along the Pasig River running across the metropolis dividing it into two sections - the north and the south.

The local climate is hot, humid, and tropical. The average yearly temperature is around 26.5 °C (79.7 °F). There are three recognized seasons: The hot season or summer from March to May, the rainy season from June to November, and the cold season from Dec to Feb.

Metro Manila is the capital of Philippines and a very modern city with amenities for modern living. Various living choices are available to suit one's budget. People of Philippines are very friendly and amicable. Manila is classified as “A” – the lowest hardship for a developing coun-try posting—and all western amenities (food, clothing, restaurants) are available in the city. Traffic congestions and air pollution is a nuisance to some inhabitants. Housing is readily available and one should be able to find suitable permanent accommodation within two weeks. Price may range widely depending on the location and the type of accommodation one chooses.

Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide. Grab app for taxis is widely used and cheap. Jeepneys and buses are inexpensive ways of getting around in most places. In Metro Manila the fastest way of commuting is via the railway system.

The Pesos (PHP) is the official currency and is used for most transactions in the Philippines. ATM machines are available in urban areas. Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours. Western Union has facilities in most towns, cities and provinces. Traveler’s cheques and major foreign currencies can be changed in most commercial banks and Central Bank dealers. They are also accepted in the majority of hotels, shops and restaurants. MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diner's Club are widely accepted in major organizations in big cities of the Philippines.