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For every child, the right to Education 

UNICEF has been the lead grantee for Education Cannot Wait's (ECW) Multi-Year Resilience Program (MYRP) for the Central African Republic (CAR) since 2019 to date, working closely with NCR and Plan International as two other grantees.  From 2019 to 2021, UNICEF managed the ECW MYRP programme with the major aim to address the country's most urgent education needs. In 2022, a new ECW-MYRP program has been approved (2023 to 2026) to be managed by a consortium of UNICEF, NRC and Plan International with UNICEF being the lead in consortium. Under UNICEF, MYRP will be implemented with package holistic approach that will include complete set of activities covering psychosocial support, GBV, training of teachers, support for birth certificates, construction and rehabilitation of school blocks, distribution of school supplies including dignity kits, and community dialogue, to mention but a few.

The 2023-2026 ECW MYRP will provide children and adolescents access to quality education in a safe and protective learning environment that offers protection, promotes resilience, and improves overall children’s well-being. Given the situation of Central African Republic (CAR), these aspects are critical to the CAR context, where a significant portion of children are out of school. The consortium programme will benefit 92,109 children and adolescents including vulnerable children and girls. UNICEF pursues the goals with mandate for the wellbeing of children, ensuring that gender equality and the rights of all children are respected. Therefore, the programme has gender and inclusion to mainstream gender in the programming and address inclusively the education and gender needs of children.

In addition to contributions from the ECW, since 2025 the CAR has benefited from GPE funding for capacity building in the education system, known as SCG, in particular to support the development of priority policies and strategies set out in the Education Sector Plan, including the strategy for girls' enrolment and the strategy to combat school dropout.

Against the above background, UNICEF is seeking to recruit an Education Specialist with specific focus and work on Gender and Inclusion who will be required to work with all the MYRP grantees in gender and inclusion component of the programme throughout the programme period. Within the remaining duration of MYRP, the Gender and Inclusion Specialist is expected to support gender analysis and inclusive education to effectively mainstream gender and inclusive education into the programme implementation.

How can you make a difference? 

The Specialist will:

a)          Gender

• Ensure the implementation of all the gender deliverables in the MYRP (gender mainstreaming and gender targeted strategies)
•  Lead on capacity building and knowledge building and management on gender equality and empowerment of women, girls, children with disabilities and other vulnerable children.
• Provide strategic advice to Grantees and MYRP steering committee for integration of gender
• Serve as quality assurance in MYRP implementation ensuring gender issues properly addressed.
• Support to create strategic partnerships and implementation of resource mobilization strategies for gender and inclusion.
• Serve as a focal point for all gender-related activities supported by the GPE SCG.

b)          Inclusive Education

• Lead on capacity building and knowledge building on Inclusive Education for resilience.
• Ensure the implementation of programme considers children with disabilities and other vulnerable children including girls.
• Ensure quality assurance through monitoring education for children with disabilities and vulnerable children.
• Provide strategic direction for implementation of Inclusive education to all the grantees and sub-grantees.
• Lead the protection component (psychosocial support and GBV mainstreaming) in the implementation MYRP as a protection focal person for grantees in Central African Republic.

II. Duties and responsibilities:

i) Ensure the implementation of a gender responsive MYRP and SCG with focus on the following results:

• Support grantees to implement the MYRP in a gender-responsive manner (in line with the gender priorities identified in the MYRP document and global/ECW guidance on gender).
• Establish the MYRP grantees and sub-grantees gender focal point team and hold a regular coordination meeting to discuss issues and find solutions.
• Ensure the gender analysis in the emergency context is up-to-date and available to all MYRP country team.
• Ensure the MYRP monitoring, and evaluation is gender-responsive: review and provide inputs on the formulation of work plans, budgets, monitoring and evaluation mechanism (set milestones and indicators for achievement).
• Ensure the IASC GAM monitoring tool is used at the end of the first year of implementation, and lessons learnt are collectively identified to strengthen implementation the following year.
• Complete the brief MYRP gender profile in collaboration with ECW Gender Manager
• Provide critical feedback and inputs on the implementation of specific program components in mainstreaming gender.
• Ensure gender equality and empowerment of women and girls is strongly reflected in the annual report and in the annual performance assessment review, including the provision of key human-interest stories highlighting how the MYRP is contributing to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
• Support grantees to identify local women organisations for collaboration and partnership as relevant and ensure local women organisations are meaningfully engaged in the MYRP implementation.
• Serve as UNICEF's focal point and provide the necessary technical support to the MoE for (i) the operationalisation of the action plan resulting from the Gender Diagnosis, (ii) the development of the Girls' Education Strategy, and (iii) the development of the strategy to combat school dropout, which affects girls more than boys.

ii) Capacity building and knowledge building and management on gender issues to MYRP country team achieving the following results:

• Identify gender capacity gaps amongst the MYRP country team and ensure adequate support is provided (training of gender focal points, coaching) in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in-country (Gender Taskforce, Gencap, GBV Taskforce, and others) based on earmarked MYRP funding available in the MYRP budget.
• Identify local and/or regional resources and network that can be accessed for knowledge building of MYRP country team on gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
• Monitor grantees and subgrantees to ensure gender capacity strengthening, monitoring, and coordination is prioritized by all partners.
• Contribute as relevant to knowledge networks and communities of practice on gender in Central African Republic.
• Organize the documentation of lesson learned and best practices.

iii)  Support in creation of strategic partnerships and alliance building for the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls in Central African Republic:

• Participation in partnership with the UN Agencies, donors, government institutions, and civil society in the promotion of gender equality and women and girl’s empowerment in country with a particular focus on key issues (nexus, localization and local women organisations, GBV risk mitigation,).
• Liaise as necessary with in-country gender coordination mechanisms and actors (Gender, GBV, PSEA) as relevant.
• Contribution to the overall UNICEF country team effort in resource mobilization.
• Preparation of draft project briefs, advocacy materials, presentations related to gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment in the MYRP.

vi)  Support, monitor and mainstream Inclusive Education to MYRP

• Support sub-grantees and all grantees including other partners to enhance inclusive education programme strategy, planning, implementation and monitoring, across all the education outputs for Central African Republic ensuring that inclusion of children with disabilities is mainstreamed into teacher education and general education programming.
• Ensure that gaps in the provision of education for children with disabilities and children from ethnic minority groups in Central African Republic is catered for. This will include providing training, orientation and follow up support to the team of grantees and sub-grantees based in the field.
• Collaborate with NGOs who specialize in inclusive education, specifically children with disabilities and other vulnerable children, as well as social cohesion, to contribute to their effective and timely support and to ensure capacity building to wider partner organizations, as well as utilisation of resources produced.
• Build and sustain close working partnerships with UNICEF partners counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge state on inclusive education in Central African Republic.
• Work closely within UNICEF in Central African Republic to provide technical support in the area of inclusive education and make relevant links to programme sections (child protection, WASH, Social Behaviour Change (SBC), Social Policy as well as Health).
• Contribute to the development of new programme cooperation agreements with international and national NGOs/CBOs for inclusive education including cash transfer for children with disabilities and other vulnerable children.
• Prepare donor proposals and resource mobilization materials on inclusive education.
• Work with grantees and sub-grantees to develop knowledge products, messages, and materials for inclusion of education for children with disabilities and other vulnerable.
• Facilitate capacity strengthening activities through provision of training for sub-grantees on inclusive education and teacher mentoring in schools.
• Support partners to empower communities by integrating inclusive education and gender programming into community dialogue activities and general package intervention.
• Lead partner mapping by working together with grantees to identify NGOs, community-based organizations, disability organisations and whose work focuses on gender and inclusion, and assess their capacity for involvement of stakeholders in the inclusive education and gender programme.
• Lead disability assessments of school children with disabilities to inform MYRP programming and enable implementation strategy.
• Support schools in the process of including identified out of school children with disabilities, in supporting their retention and the improvement of their learning outcomes.
• Provide guidance and support in facilitating psychosocial support activities to schools and communities.
• Participate in regular meetings with grantees and subgrantees for tracking progress of gender and inclusion in MYRP.
• Develop monthly, quarterly and annual reports on gender and Inclusive Education, and contribute Inclusive Education data into CAR Sitrep as well as donor report.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Master’s degree or equivalent in Women Studies, Gender, Social Science, Special Needs Education or related field focus on gender issues

• Work Experience: At least 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in the areas of Gender mainstreaming and women and girls’ empowerment, ideally within the education context.

• • Formal training in gender analysis and inclusion, gender and inclusion planning.
  • Experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of gender and inclusion mainstreaming projects in the humanitarian and development contexts.
  • Experience in coordination, networking and negotiation with government counterparts.
  • Previous work experience in MYRP country context is an added advantage
  • Thorough understanding of the gender and inclusion context in Central African Republic and experience working with government institutions and international or non-governmental organizations supporting gender and development work in the specific area of intervention.
  • Familiarity with gender and Inclusion analysis tools and methodologies in the specific area of intervention.
  • Strong communication skills are required, and ability to liaise with various stakeholders.
  • Experience of working in an emergency context

• Language Requirements: Fluency in both written and spoken French is required. Knowledge of English and any other UN Language will be an added advantage.

• Desirables:

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA). To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable Female applicants are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

UNICEF staff members holding fixed-term, continuing, or permanent appointments who are considered to be on abolished post status may apply for this temporary position and, if selected with a start date before 31 December 2025, may take it up as a temporary assignment, in line with UNICEF guidance on separation due to the abolition of posts or staff reduction. They will retain their fixed-term entitlements but will not hold a lien to their abolished post. For other scenarios where a Temporary Assignment may be possible, please refer to Additional guidance on IP to IP temporary assignments after completion of the full TOD.pdf (accessible to internal staff only).

The conditions of a temporary assignment, including relocation entitlements, will depend on the status of the staff member’s original appointment and may be limited in accordance with applicable UNICEF policies, procedures, and practices in force.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.