[Assam] [Iep] UNICEF job posting -elementary in India

umesh sharma jaipurschool at yahoo.com
Fri Jul 7 03:01:16 EDT 2006


any takers for elementary education -to work in India now? The salary would be about $20,000 -40,000 per annum atleast.
   
  Umesh

Barbara Perlo <perloba at gse.harvard.edu> wrote:
    From: "Barbara Perlo" < @gse.harvard.edu>
To: iep @ gse.harvard.edu
Date: Tue, 04 Jul 2006 13:37:19 -0400
Subject: [Iep] UNICEF posting


Programme Officer - Education

New Delhi, India, L-4

UNICEF, the world's leading organization working for the rights of

children, seeks a Programme Officer - Education to join the UNICEF

Education team in the India Country Office. The prospects for making a

lasting contribution towards a more inclusive, child friendly and effective

elementary education system have never been more promising. The national

policy environment is very open to new ideas in order to meet the current

challenges. UNICEF is now looking for a solid, committed professional to

help the team develop evidence-based strategies to inform and influence

national policies and programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Chief, Education Section, the responsibilities

for this post include:

· Synthesizing and analyzing data to prepare evidence-based policy
briefs;
· Creating costing models to ascertain the feasibility of projects;
· Providing technical assistance to states for program monitoring and
data analysis;
· Undertaking field visits to monitor UNICEF programmes in different
states;
· Participating in external meetings to facilitate knowledge sharing
and promote UNICEF programme goals;
· Contributing to fine-tuning and quality control on UNICEF-sponsored
studies and evaluations
Key Requirements

· Strong critical thinking skills and ability to synthesize large data
for policy briefs;
· Strong knowledge of research methodologies and ability to create
costing models;
· Strong advocacy skills and in-depth knowledge of best practices,
innovations and current debates in the field of education worldwide;
· 8 - 10 years progressively responsible professional work experience
at the national and international levels in policy analysis, advocacy,
programme planning, management, monitoring and evaluation;
· Fluency in English and another UN language required. Knowledge of one
of the
local working language of the duty station is an asset;

· Advanced university degree in social sciences, education or related
technical field
Application Instructions

A detailed job description attached to this email. If you want to make a

lasting contribution to build a better world for children and match the

profile outlined, send a detailed curriculum vitae in English, AND a duly

completed United Nations Personal History form (which can be downloaded at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_apply.html) to Neha Jhalani at

njhalani at unicef.org. Acknowledgement will be sent to short listed

candidates only.--------
1. ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING

a) REPORTS TO: (Indicate post, by job title and level, to which this position reports.)


(1) Chief, Education Section (L-5 IMIS No.____)


b) RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS (Indicate the title, level and number for whose work the post 
is responsible.)

Title Level Number

Sr. Programme Asst GS7 One
Secretary GS4 One


c) ORGANIZATION CHART (Show the IMMEDIATE SECTION where the post is located, as well as the 
supervisor, subordinates and all other related posts. Only the officially approved organization 
chart should be used.)

See attached organogram



2. PURPOSE OF THE POST (Statement of overall post accountability.)

(1) Under the general guidance of the Chief, Education Section, responsible for the planning, 
implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Education programme within the country programme.

3. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Describe in order of importance what incumbent does and how. 
Do not exceed more than 10-12 major duties. Indicate the percentage of time devoted to each duty 
or responsibility. Do not include duties of less than 5%.)
Percentage
25% 1. Reviews and synthesizes data-based evidence to develop policy briefs and strategies for 
strengthening quality education with emphasis on teacher development, achievement testing and 
social inclusion. Provides technical support to states for data analysis and program monitoring.
15% 2. Ensures that the preparation of appropriate analyses and updates is based on rigorous data 
analysis and research. Provides technical support and guidance to field officers to analyse 
existing data and conduct research in order to evaluate programme achievements against measurable 
indicators. Develops program linkages with key institutes and partners in India and abroad.
10% 3. Reviews and evaluates the financial feasibility and constraints of UNICEF 
programmes/projects in co-ordination and collaboration with government and other partners. Assists 
in developing costing models that include multiple inputs in order to achieve the desired 
programme outcome, keeping in mind the realities of the Indian context.
10% 4. Undertakes field visits, evaluations and studies in order to monitor and evaluate programme 
implementation. Identifies problems and proposes timely remedial action. Identifies alternative 
courses of action to accelerate/improve programme delivery.
10% 5. Participates in the formulation and review of programme goals and strategies for the UNICEF 
plan of co-operation. Assists in ensuring that they are founded on sound research relating to 
innovative education practices and effective education management that measures the impact of 
child-centred curricula. Plans, implements and monitors assigned activities in the 
UNICEF-Education plan of cooperation.
10% 6. Develops the workplan for the Education sector and monitors compliance to ensure objectives 
and targets are met in a timely manner. Establishes effective internal monitoring, information, 
results based management and reporting systems. Guides and supervises professional and support 
staff, ensures their training needs are met, and provides on-the-job training to strengthen their 
skills and understanding in the area of quality education. Co-ordinates activities and exchange 
information/ideas with other programme sectors.
10% 7. Participates in the preparation of programme reports for management, Board, donors, budget 
reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc. Assists the Chief, Education Section in the 
management and administration of the Section.
5% 8. Co-ordinates with Operations/Supply staff on supply and non- supply assistance activities. 
Works with the Education Section to approve disbursement of funds ensuring proper utilization and 
accountability, and that activities are within established plans of action, and the programme 
budget allotments. Develops capacity to better scope and manage field studies and data.
5% 9. Coordinates activities and exchanges information/ideas with other programmes, to contribute 
to achievement of overall country programme objectives. Participates in establishing effective 
monitoring, information and reporting systems, and in the development of communication materials 
and strategies to support advocacy and community participation.


4. WORKING CONDITIONS (Do the duties of this post involve frequent travelling or unusual 
conditions, or is it an office-based post?)

Post is office based with frequent travel within the country and occasionally outside.


5. IMPACT AND CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

(a) Describe the type of decisions regularly made and the impact of those decisions.

Makes technical decisions relating to data interpretation, and relating to planning, policy 
development, organization and implementation of proposals related to the education strategy of the 
Master Plan of Operation (and thereby the workplan). Decisions would include financial and 
resource allocations and monitoring etc.

These decisions not only affect the quality and quantity of UNICEF assistance to Government/NGOs 
within the framework of the MPO, but have a direct bearing on the efficiency and effectiveness of 
programme outcomes.


(b) Describe the type of recommendations regularly made and why they are important.

i) Identify priorities and major areas for UNICEF support in light of relevant data and 
international experience, in relation to the National Education Policy of Government of India and 
Master Plan of Operation;

ii) Reviews and recommends areas for programme development and UNICEF assistance which will have a 
bearing upon future programming;

iii) Recommends linkages with other sectors of UNICEF intervention as well as external technical 
assistance and resource requirements;

iv) Develops policy recommendations to Government of India and state governments regarding the 
needs and capacity of the education sector.

Recommendations, if accepted, directly affect a whole range of the organization’s activities, and 
those of government and other agencies. This includes issues of a policy nature.


(c) Describe the most damaging error(s) that could be made in the performance of the job and their 
consequences.

i) The most damaging error would be in the areas of data interpretation assessing country 
situation and needs and in the recommendations relating to UNICEF support. Application of 
experience from other countries must be judiciously applied to Indian realities to assure optimal 
use of international practices and to avoid inappropriate adoption of education policy and 
practice.

ii) Errors in decisions or recommendations would cause damage to the organization’s programmes in 
terms of wastage of human and financial/material resources, impeding the achievement of goals and 
objectives.

6. INDEPENDENCE (Describe the degree of direction or management guidance the incumbent receives 
from the immediate supervisor, (e.g., incumbent exercises judgement, takes initiative, etc., under 
minimal supervision.)

Within the overall policy direction of the Chief of Section, the incumbent would exercise 
considerable freedom and independent initiative and judgement. The incumbent functions in close 
support and collaboration with Section Chief, working as part of the Education team in the India 
Country Office.

7. GUIDELINES
(a) Indicate which guidelines are required for performing the duties of the post (rules, 
regulations, policies, procedures, practices, precedents, manuals, instructions, etc.)
UN programme manuals and policy guidelines
UNICEF programme manuals and policy guidelines
UNICEF Board Policy Paper, PRO's and Executive Directive
UNICEF Country Programme Plans
UNICEF personnel, financial, supply and administrative 
rules, regulations and manuals
Government development plans and policies (Government of India and state governments)
Office Workplan
Technical literature or related programmes
Cooperating Agencies guidelines and manuals


(b) Describe the degrees to which interpretation of, and deviation from, existing guidelines are 
permitted, and the authority to propose or establish new guidelines.

Considerable freedom exists to interpret/deviate from existing practices and evolve guidelines and 
recommend policy direction and/or changes suited to the existing situations and problems. In fact, 
this aspect is an integral and significant part of the job, given the fact that global education 
policy can only be implemented on a country specific basis, taking into consideration the social, 
political and cultural practices of the country.


8. WORK RELATIONSHIPS
Indicate both the purpose and level of contacts within and outside UNICEF in order to perform the 
work effectively.

CONTACT PURPOSE & FREQUENCY
a) Internal
Representative/Deputy Director (Occasional) receive policy, directions, discuss progress

Other Section Chiefs (Occasional) exchange of ideas and inter-sectoral cooperation

Programme and Project Officers (Frequent) to support programme
At ICO and Field Officers development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Provide 
technical and advisory assistance

Information Officer (Frequent) strategies for information and social mobilization

Operations and Supply Staff (Frequent) financial and supply management and monitoring

Other country office staff (Occasional) coordination and information exchange

State Representatives (Occasional) as above


b) External
Government officials of relevant (F) Intersectoral cooperation,
Ministries, and regional/sectoral advocacy, technical support
and provincial government and programme/project
counterparts implementation

UN and other international (F) Coordination of activities,
and bilateral agencies, NGO's advocacy and exchange of
and private sector organizations information

National and international (F) Coordinating of information
research agencies and think sharing
tanks

9. QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES required to perform duties of the post:

(a) EDUCATION (Indicate the level of formal education and precise field and/or training and field 
of specialization required.)

Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, International Development or 
Education. Qualified candidates with a degree in Education and superior grasp of research 
methodologies are especially encouraged to apply.


(b) WORK EXPERIENCE (Indicate the length and type of practical experience required at the national 
and international levels.)

8 - 10 years progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and 
international levels in policy analysis, advocacy, programme planning, management, monitoring and 
evaluation in Education.


(c) LANGUAGES (Indicate the language requirements.)

Fluency in English and another UN language required.
Knowledge of one of the local working language of the duty station is an asset.


(d) COMPETENCIES (Indicate what key competencies are required, such as computer knowledge, 
management, communication, negotiating or training skills, etc.)

· Strong critical thinking skills and ability to synthesize large amounts of data for a policy 
brief

· Ability to create and navigate costing models that ascertain the financial feasibility of UNICEF 
programmes and projects

· Demonstrated experience in policy analysis and advocacy at the national and international levels

· Expertise in the principles of Education relating to achievement testing, pedagogic 
methodologies, active learning, and child-centred curriculum design

· Current knowledge of world-wide best practices, innovations, technology and debates in the 
Education Programme Sector

· Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, plan and manage programmes, as well as to impart 
knowledge and teach skills

· Leadership and teamwork abilities

· Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and 
effective working relationships both within and outside the organization

· Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.---














Barbara Perlo
Coordinator, International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education
434 Gutman
6 Appian Way
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
617-495-4845 Phone
617-496-3095 Fax
_______________________________________________

http://www.gse.harvard.edu/iep



Umesh Sharma
5121 Lackawanna ST
College Park, MD 20740

 1-202-215-4328 [Cell Phone]

Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005

weblog: http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
 		
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