Background
After two decades of conflict, a generation of children lost the opportunity for formal education and other benefits of a stable childhood. Somalia has one of the world’s lowest enrolment rates for primary school-aged children – only 42 per cent of children are in school and only 36 per cent of these are girls. The number of out-of-school and at risk children and youth aged 6-18 years has been estimated as being 4.4 million, out of a total population of approximately 9.2 million.
In Central South Somalia, more than three quarters of public schools have been destroyed and/or closed. State intervention in the education sector has been limited and fraught with implementation difficulties.
Despite a more stable situation in Somaliland and Puntland, there are still significant challenges: inadequate facilities, a high number of unqualified teachers, challenges in paying teacher salaries and poor learning outcomes are reflected in high drop-out rates and low examination pass rates, especially for girls.
In the past few years, however, there has been renewed momentum to mobilize education stakeholders under the leadership of the Government’s flagship Go-2- School programme. This nationwide programme (2013-2016) aims to bring 1 million children back to school by building education systems that can provide quality formal education, innovative solutions for marginalised out-of-school children and education opportunities for unemployed and vulnerable youth.
UNICEF has played a key role in supporting the Government’s Go-2-School programme while continuing to provide emergency education to children in Somalia affected by conflict, displacement and natural disasters. To this end, UNICEF manages a large and diverse portfolio of education projects in all three regions of Somalia. The programme aims to achieve the following outcomes : i) increase access to quality formal basic education; ii) out of school children realize their right to education through innovative and diverse delivery of basic education; iii) unemployed and vulnerable youth are empowered through access to alternative education programmes; iv) education authorities and school management are strengthened in leadership skills and commitment to the provision of quality education for all; v) provide support to emergency affected primary school age children with access to child-friendly temporary learning spaces including essential learning and recreational materials.
Objectives and Scope of Work
Under the guidance of the Education Specialist, the Consultant will provide additional support to the Education Section in project development, management and reporting. Working closely with colleagues based in Nairobi, as well as Zonal Offices in Somaliland, Puntland and Central South Somalia, the Consultant will carry out the following tasks:
i. Contribute to the development of new proposals:
a. Conduct preliminary research on best practices and thematic issues such as non-formal basic education, pastoralist education, early grade reading, and innovative technology-based approaches to education.
b. Undertake collection of data and identify appropriate indicators to develop baselines and results based frameworks
c. Assist in drafting and editing proposals, in accordance with donor requirements and templates
d. Assist in the preparation and review of budgets
ii. Contribute to the timely review and clearance of Contracts and Partnership Cooperation Agreements (PCA) with implementing partners
a. Review PCA documents and ensure all requirements are met prior to submission to PCA Review Committee
iii. Contribute to the monitoring of project implementation and PCA agreements:
a. Analyze narrative and financial reports from implementing partners and ensure compliance with M&E plans and PCA SOPs
iv. Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of robust monitoring and reporting systems that are aligned with UNICEF M&E systems and donor requirements
v. Support the timely compilation of donor reports:
a. Collect inputs from zonal and Nairobi colleagues
b. Review inputs and reports and ensure adherence to donor requirements and deadlines
c. Assist in drafting and editing of reports
vi. Liaise with zonal colleagues on monthly SITREPS and prepare SITREP for timely submission
vii. Support the preparation of annual reports, presentations to donors and communications products
Administration and Logistics
· This consultancy is equivalent to NO-C level/P-3. The duration is for 11 months.
· The Consultant will work directly under the Education Specialist, USSC Nairobi. Office space and computer will be provided. The consultant will be based in Nairobi, with possible travel to Somalia.
· Working conditions is as per UNICEF policies and guidelines for the individual consultant on an SSA.
Desired background and experience
· Masters level or higher degree in education, social sciences or related discipline
· At least 5 years relevant post qualification experience in education, research, development work
· Demonstrated experience in programme management and results-based reporting systems
· Demonstrated strategic thinking and analytical skills
· Strong oral and written communication skills
· Strong assets include experience in education in pastoralist and conflict-affected communities, Somalia’s sociopolitical context, and UNICEF’s programming and operational environment
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications with updated UN Personal History Form P11, updated CV attaching copies of academic certificates to the email below. UN staff are requested to provide the last two Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs). Applications submitted without a duly completed and signed Personal History Form (P11) which can be downloadedathttp://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/PersonalHistory_Form_UN_P_11-UNICEF_version.docwill not be considered.*Please indicate your expected fee for the assignment - applications without quotation for fee will not be considered*. The fee should be quoted as a lump sum, with any travel costs and daily subsistence amounts indicated separately. Applicants must quote the vacancy number, UNICEF-SOM/2015/023 and post title in the subject line of the application.
Email application to: somaliahrvacancies@unicef.org
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted
