Education Specialist
Contribute to design, implementation, and monitoring of education and skills development interventions.
Overview
Contribute to design, implementation, and monitoring of education and skills development interventions.
You have:
- Experience in conducting programme-specific research, planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and knowledge management
- Proven experience in M&E, particularly in a developing country context
- Working in a demanding environment, cross-functional team with diverse partners
- Experience in education, adolescent and youth development programmes, preferably in developing countries
- Strong analytical competencies and experience working in teams
- Fluency in English
- Prior experience working with the UN will be an added advantage
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.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Rwanda is implementing its new Country Programme (2025–2029), which is closely aligned with national priorities outlined in Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2, 2024–2029). The programme places strong emphasis on inclusive education and skills development, particularly for adolescents and youth, including those with disabilities and from marginalized communities. Youth (aged 16–30) represent a significant demographic in Rwanda—accounting for over a quarter of the population—yet they continue to face substantial barriers in the transition from school to work. Many young people lack market-relevant skills and face limited access to decent employment or entrepreneurial opportunities. This is reflected in the high proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET), especially among girls, who are disproportionately affected. To address these challenges, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is partnering with the Government of Rwanda (GoR), particularly the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, to support innovative programmes that equip youth with skills and link them to livelihood opportunities. One of the flagship initiatives includes the Ingazi digital platform (www.ingazi.rw), which offers accessible, demand-driven upskilling opportunities and employment connections to youth nationwide, with a focus on equity and inclusion.
The UN Volunteer will contribute to the design, implementation, and monitoring of such education and skills development interventions under the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)’s adolescent and youth empowerment portfolio. Working closely with government and civil society partners, the UNV Education Specialist will help ensure that programmes are inclusive, gender-responsive, and aligned with national education and employment goals. This assignment offers a unique opportunity to support transformative change in the lives of Rwandan youth and contribute to long-term national development
Under the supervision of the Chief Education at UNICEF, the UN Volunteer/Education Specialist will undertake the following tasks:
• Support planning, implementation, and monitoring of programmes aimed at enhancing the school-to-work transition for youth.
• Support situation analysis and development of implementation plans, including activities related to monitoring and evaluation in the Education sector.
• Assess existing monitoring arrangements in youth programming to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
• Support monitoring and evaluation data collection and analysis to inform the implementation of adolescents and youth projects and programmes.
• Contribute to the development or adaptation of M&E tools and support their use by project implementing partners and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) staff.
• Monitor regularly programme activities, outputs, and outcomes, and prepare progress reports documenting achievements, challenges and lessons learned.
• Support progress reviews by analyzing period programme implementation reports from partners and identifying risks and issues in the projects or programmes.
• Support in the preparation of quarterly and annual reports on project/programme progress based on agreed activities and performance indicators.
• Contribute to the development of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) annual work plans and support in conducting project/programme mid-term reviews as well as impact evaluations
☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Communication ☒ Integrity ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams
• Experience in conducting programme-specific research, planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and knowledge management • Proven experience in M&E, particularly in a developing country context • Working in a demanding environment, cross-functional team with diverse partners. • Experience in education, adolescent and youth development programmes, preferably in developing countries. • Strong analytical competencies and experience working in teams • Fluency in English. • Prior experience working with the UN will be an added advantage
Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, has experienced remarkable rejuvenation and stability, reflected in its modern infrastructure, safe environment, and well-organized transport system. While motorcycle taxis are the fastest option, standard taxis, public buses with prepaid cards, and rental cars offer safer alternatives. The city boasts well-maintained roads with minimal congestion. Accommodations and recreational facilities are readily available, alongside diverse shopping options for imported goods and essentials. Kigali has both public and private healthcare facilities, with major hospitals like King Faisal Hospital and Legacy Clinic offering comprehensive services and accepting CIGNA insurance. The city is exceptionally safe, with emergency services accessible via 999 for police, 111 for firefighters, and 112 for general emergencies.
Visa process:
Rwanda facilitates a straightforward visa process for international visitors:
Visa on Arrival: Nationals from all countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. This visa is typically valid for 30 days. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member countries receive this visa free of charge for visits up to 30 days. Visit Rwanda
Online Application (e-Visa): Travelers preferring to secure a visa before arrival can apply online through the IremboGov portal. The processing time is approximately 7 days, and fees vary based on the visa type. Irembo Support
Application Requirements:
• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• Completed visa application form.
• Proof of accommodation or invitation letter.
• Return or onward travel ticket.
Important Considerations: • Visa fees and processing times may vary based on nationality and visa type. • It's advisable to check the latest visa policies before travel, as regulations can change. • Ensure all required documents are prepared to facilitate a smooth application process. For the most current information, consult the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration or the nearest Rwandan embassy or consulate.
Potential interview questions
| Can you provide an example of how you have successfully implemented a monitoring and evaluation framework in a previous project? | This question assesses your practical experience in M&E and its application in real situations. | Detail a specific project, the framework you developed, and the results achieved. |
| Describe a time when you faced challenges while working with diverse partners. How did you overcome those challenges? | The interviewer wants to understand your adaptability and teamwork skills in a challenging environment. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure that the programmes you develop are inclusive and gender-responsive? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use to analyze monitoring data and transform it into actionable insights for decision-making? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What role do you think technology plays in enhancing education and skills development for youth? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Tell us about a time when you had to report on a project's progress. What challenges did you encounter, and how did you address them? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects simultaneously? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you discuss any innovative approaches you've used in previous roles to engage youth in education or skills development? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |