Deadline for Applications March 19, 2026 Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based) B Family Type (not applicable for home-based) Family Staff Member / Affiliate Type UNOPS LICA9 Target Start Date 2026-04-01 Terms of Reference Proof of knowledge of inclusive education practices, understanding of child protection policies, familiarity with digital learning platforms, and experience with educational research, teaching or education administration are among the preferred profiles for this position. The incumbent is preferred to have sound technical knowledge, and good understanding of the educational coordination systems in the country. The Associate Education Officer must demonstrate experience in the design and implementation of refugee education projects, including budget management, prioritization and resources allocation for education projects. Having knowledge and experience with UNHCR policies and standards related to Education. Speaking one or more of the languages of the refugees is also an advantage. Disclaimer: Functional clearance is not required for this position. Standard Job Description Associate Education Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Associate Education Officer will support the roll-out of Refugee Education 2030, the Refugee Education Strategy, in line with the Global Compact on Refugees, which calls on States and relevant Stakeholders to contribute resources and expertise to expand and enhance the quality and inclusiveness of national education systems to facilitate access by refugee and host community children and youth to primary, secondary and tertiary education. Providing inclusive and equitable quality education is central to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Associate Education Officer will ensure UNHCR’s programming is in line with the SDGs. Leveraging the growing global momentum, UNHCR is working to translate the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) into impactful results, including through follow-up on pledges made through the 2019 Global Refugee Forum. Contributing to this global roll-out of the GCR, the Associate Education Officer, in collaboration with the Education Section in the Division of Resilience and Solutions (DRS), will provide technical support to UNHCR Country Office(s) and partners to advocate for and implement the objectives of Refugee Education 2030: 1. Promote equitable and sustainable inclusion in national education systems for refugees, asylum seekers, returnees, stateless and internally displaced persons 2. Foster safe enabling environments that support learning 3. Enable learners to use their education toward sustainable futures The incumbent will act as a focal point for education in the area of responsibility (AoR) and, under the leadership of the supervising officer(s), support UNHCR’s work regarding education and advocacy on all issues related to UNHCR education programmes and strategic directions. S/he normally works under the direct supervision of the Education Officer or Protection Officer and overall supervision of the Deputy Representative (Protection), depending on the office context. Under the general direction of the supervising officer(s), the incumbent will support the implementation of global level policies, including the UNHCR Education Strategy. The incumbent may supervise lower grade education staff. The Associate Education Officer may liaise with the Ministry of Education and with education coordination networks at national, provincial and district levels to improve the quality of refugee education. S/he will liaise with partners to assess the education context, to develop an implementation plan and to monitor the programme and assess impact. The incumbent will work in collaboration with in-country education partners to improve access to, and quality of, refugee education at all levels, both formal and non-formal and may liaise with partners for joint support for education access for refugee and host community children. The Associate Education Officer will develop innovative education approaches for emerging needs in refugee education, including attention to special needs, minorities, girls, pre-school education and non-formal activities. S/he will facilitate inter-sectoral linkages with programmatic areas including child protection, GBV, gender, community services, livelihoods/economic inclusion and health, among others. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties – Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on access to and quality of education and assist with the development of the education strategy. – Actively pursue opportunities to implement UNHCR’s urban policy and support mainstreaming refugees within national education systems. Coordinate with relevant partners to support access to education for refugees and host communities. – Assist in providing comments on existing and draft legislation related to education for persons of concern (PoC). – Coordinate with partners and other actors in education to adapt the Education Strategy to the local context and ensure ownership. – Collaborate closely with partners to ensure coherent annual planning based on a longer-term strategy, and jointly monitor and assess implementation, providing advice on programme reorientation where necessary. – Provide technical advice and guidance on education issues to PoC; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance and recognition of education relevant documentation. – Implement education programmes in line with Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) standards and the child protection systems approach. – Facilitate inter-sectoral linkages with child protection, GBV, gender, community services, livelihoods/economic inclusion, environment, shelter and health, among others. – Provide inputs for the development of global/regional international education policies and standards. – Intervene in cases of denial of access to education with government and other relevant parties. – Identify and promote education activities that support durable solutions through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement. – Assess needs for services of PoC, as related to education, and coordinate partners’ responses. – Systematically promote and comply with the Age, Gender and Diversity policy and other priorities such as the guidelines on HIV/AIDS. – Advocate with authorities for respect of the right of PoC to an education and for their access to education services. – Coordinate with education networks and ensure that refugee education interests are understood and included in relevant policies and initiatives. – Participate in humanitarian and development sector working groups to support and ensure all refugee education support programming at country level is extended, amplified and reported against sector development goals. Humanitarian partners and funding serve system strengthening. – Assist the Country Office(s) to elaborate and implement strategies to address issues related to education access, quality and data, in cooperation with other UN agencies (UNICEF, UNESCO, WFP, etc.) and other key education stakeholders. – Undertake direct dialogue with Country Office(s) on the implementation of education programmes in line with strategic directions, integrated with SDG4 and Education Sector Plans, including with Ministries of Education/Higher Education, education partners and coordination…