Elimu Scholarship Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV Refugee contract. More about UNV Refugee contracts.

The operation in Dadaab is simultaneous a protracted refugee situation and a large number of new arrivals due to drought and insecurity in Somalia. The Dadaab Refugee Complex was established in 1991 to host refugees from Somalia fleeing the civil war.

The East and Horn of Africa have long been center stage for conflict and forced displacement with Kenya currently hosting 774,370 refugees and asylum-seekers. Established in 1991 and situated in Garissa County, the Dadaab Refugee camps are now home to 382,658 individuals/ 78, 258 households. Figures are as of May 2024. Somali refugees are the majority, representing more than 96% of the population.

Refugees and asylum-seekers have been living in extremely challenging conditions for more than three decades.

The Government’s Department of Refugee Services (DRS) is responsible for the management and coordination of refugee affairs with technical support from UNHCR.

For more than three decades, refugees and asylum-seekers in the Dadaab refugee complex have been living in challenging protection conditions, set within a volatile security situation, limited provision of basic services, limited freedom of movement and access to justice as well as poor shelter and infrastructures. Despite the protractedness of the situation, refugees depend on UNHCR-provided tarpaulin for shelter.

In addressing the challenges, UNHCR works with partners to advocate for effective international protection and durable solutions. There have been positive developments, led by the Government and supported by UNHCR. The Garissa Integrated Socio-Economic Development Program (GISEDP) was launched in September 2023 and will promote the economic growth of Dadaab, take a whole-of-society approach, and offer sustainable solutions for refugees and host communities. It forms an integral part of the Government-led Shirika Plan which will empower communities and transform camps into socioeconomic hubs.

Find out more here: https://www.unhcr.org/ke/gisedp-1

The Ministry of Education (MoE) is currently implementing the World Bank's Window for Host Communities and Refugees (WHR) IDA 19 grant from 2022 to 2026. The Primary Education Equity In Learning Programme (KLEEP) project, as part of WHR, is being executed in refugee camp schools, featuring the provision of Elimu secondary school scholarships for refugee learners. The Elimu Scholarship program, run by the Equity Group Foundation (EFF) with MoE's support, awarded 1024 scholarships in 2023 and 914 in 2024 in Dadaab. Challenges including logistical, psychosocial, cultural, and academic have impeded scholars' progress. UNHCR has faced high demand to support Elimu scholars and address dropouts in Dadaab. Additional support for scholar retention, alongside the guidance of a successful young refugee, is essential for the program’s success.

Under the direct supervision of Assistant Education Officer, and the overall guidance from the Community Based Protection Officer in Dadaab the Elimu Scholarship Assistant will support in the day-to-day implementation and monitoring of the Ministry of Education (MoE) Elimu Scholarships for refugee learners in Dadaab refugee camps. He/she will serve as UNHCR’s focal point for the Elimu scholarship programme. The Refugee UN Youth Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Serve as the contact point for Elimu scholars at the camp’s level. • Create awareness of the scholarship programmes among prospective recipients and the broader refugee community • Support follow-up of individual case management and provision of counseling related to access to education services. • Support Elimu scholars and their families to solve emerging complaints, and problems while providing appropriate feedback and reports. • Closely work and Coordinate with refugee Education partners, Equity Group Foundation (EGF), Ministry of Education (MoE), and Department of Refugee Services (DRS) to serve the Elimu Scholarship beneficiaries and resolve emerging issues. • Work with grant associate (EGF) to ensure accuracy and timeliness of scholarship grant disbursement including distribution of scholastic materials. • Monitor Elimu scholars and work with EGF to identify students at risk of dropping out. • Work with partners to design responses, and programmes to support the retention of Elimu scholars • Serve as a mentor for Elimu scholars • Provide support to secondary education partners and programmes in Dadaab. • Support in the collection and analysis of relevant Elimu scholars' data and information while regularly reporting to UNHCR Education, Equity Bank, and MoE offices in Dadaab. • Closely work with relevant primary and secondary schools to ensure refugee learners have access to Elimu scholarships and other Education services. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Education programs, school management, coordination between different stakeholders, and project management experience. Strong written and spoken communication skills are a must. Knowledge of, and experience with Kenya’s education system is an advantage as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;

Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in Education, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Dadaab town is in the North-Eastern Province of Kenya. It is in a semi-arid area and is mostly dry and hot all year round with some rains during specific periods. Due to the isolation of the duty station and ongoing security concerns, the duty station is categorized as hardship category ‘E and substantial security level. The UN compound is surrounded by Hesco fences, and there is a curfew in place from 6 pm to 6 am, when the external gate is closed.

All movements outside the UN compound to and within the refugee camps require armed police escort.

Banking facilities are available through a local bank, such as Equity Bank and ATMs are also operational in Dadaab town in which staff may open an account and withdraw cash with certain debit/credit cards.

Internet and communications networks are available at the compound. Remoteness, isolation and lack of entertainment in social life are the factors to also be considered prior to applying. There is, however, a gym and a tennis court available, as well as space around the compound for exercising.

Security Considerations: The security situation continues to be a challenge in Sub Office Dadaab, and the candidate needs to undergo proper security training including the mandatory SSAFE training. Meanwhile, staff movements in the Dadaab Operation are restricted, and all staff are obliged to adhere to security advisories. Staying in the office compound is regulated by a curfew in effect during the night and the requirement to answer daily radio checks.

Dadaab is at UN security level (SLS) 4 as a duty station.

Kenya is a unique country and Dadaab is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides an interesting and enriching environment but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”