Job Opportunity: Senior Education Planning and Policy Advisor
Organizational Setting
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff across five operational areas. We are seeking dedicated individuals who are eager to make a meaningful impact in one of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
If you aspire to contribute to significant change, UNRWA invites you to apply for the position of Senior Education Planning and Policy Advisor. This role is pivotal in supporting strategic decision-making and shaping the Agency’s educational agenda across all fields.
Position Overview
Reporting directly to the Director of Education, the incumbent will be based at UNRWA Headquarters. This position serves as a vital link between strategic planning, data systems, and policy development. The advisor will collaborate closely with headquarters divisions and field education teams to influence essential processes, including resource allocation, school mapping, and systemic reforms.
The role involves providing technical leadership across various functions and may require leading or coordinating staff and consultants to guide complex, cross-field initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Education Planning & Policy Development
- Assist in developing, revising, and implementing UNRWA’s multi-year education strategy and operational work plans.
- Ensure alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 and UNESCO guidelines.
- Prepare financial simulations regarding staffing needs and quality enhancement investments.
- Develop cost-effective financial strategies for optimal resource utilization.
- Contribute to agency-wide strategies and donor submissions from an educational planning perspective.
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Data Analysis & School Mapping
- Lead annual class formation and school mapping processes across five fields.
- Coordinate with field offices to ensure adherence to class size norms and staff allocation standards.
- Develop algorithms and digital tools for resource optimization.
- Support the modernization of the Education Management Information System (EMIS).
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Monitoring, Evaluation & Policy Impact Assessment
- Oversee the creation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks for tracking educational goals.
- Contribute to the assessment of policy impacts and feasibility studies.
- Prepare annual education sector performance reports and policy briefs.
- Ensure integration of equity, gender sensitivity, and inclusion in policies.
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Capacity Development & Technical Assistance
- Provide technical assistance and capacity building to HQ and field-based education staff.
- Develop planning templates, guidelines, and training materials.
- Foster partnerships with universities and research institutions to enhance national education planning capacities.
Qualifications
- Education: An advanced degree in Education Planning, Economics of Education, Public Policy, or a related field.
- Experience: At least 7 years of progressive experience in education financing, school mapping, or EMIS development. Proven experience in education planning and policy analysis is essential. Familiarity with international education frameworks and multi-stakeholder coordination is preferred.
- Skills: Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, proficiency in Excel and planning software, and experience in drafting clear policy reports.
Languages
- Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
Contract Details
- Type: 1-year contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding availability.
- Location: Amman, with potential travel throughout the Agency’s operational areas.
Application Process
Interested candidates must complete their applications through UNRWA’s online recruitment system. Only fully completed applications will be considered, and late submissions will not be accepted. UNRWA is committed to gender balance and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities.
For further details about UNRWA and the application process, please visit our official website.
Note: UNRWA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.
