General
Description of assignment title
Education Data Specialist
Assignment country
Thailand
Expected start date
30/09/2023
Sustainable Development Goal
4. Quality education
Volunteer category
International UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity
UNICEF
Type
Onsite
Duration
12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Bangkok
Details
Mission and objectives
UNICEF is a UN agency mandated to promote the protection of children’s rights, including a right to education. UNICEF works to achieve 5 goal areas, including Goal 2: Every Child Learns, using 8 change strategies, including using the power of evidence to drive change for children. UNICEF work across all programmatic sectors is driven by its Strategic Plan (SP) 2022-2025 reflects UNICEF’s unreserved commitment to promoting the rights of all children, everywhere, as stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and guided by the Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action. Aligned to the Strategic Plan, the UNICEF Gender Action Plan (GAP) 2022-2025 prioritizes a gender transformative approach to promoting gender equality. UNICEF Global Education Strategy 2019-2030 sets out strategies to achieve the education goal.
Context
UNICEF EAPRO’s Education Section supports UNICEF Country Offices in 13 countries across the region in delivering quality inclusive education to all children. UNICEF EAPRO Education Section also works with partners at the regional level to carry out joint advocacy, capacity building and knowledge generation. This UNV assignment is designed to support UNICEF EAPRO Education section to carry out education data analysis to strengthen its knowledge base for supporting evidence-based education programming and advocacy at the regional and country levels.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Education Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Education Data Specialist will:
-
- Conduct desk review and analysis of existing education data and research studies (academia, UNESCO, UNICEF, Innocenti, etc.), around SDG 4 indicators and others including out-of-school population in the EAP countries, coordinating with Knowledge Management focal point.
- Supporting the data collection and analysis process for regional studies including Regional Out-of-School Studies and others
-
- Carry out a review of ongoing work on education and technology, education and climate change, ECE, and others, coordinating with Knowledge Management focal point.
-
- Support country offices in SDG monitoring including Mid Term Reviews
- Prepare briefs and slides based on the review and analysis at the regional and country levels.
- Provide technical support to UNICEF EAP COs Education staff on education/ECE data and monitoring, and, in coordination with Education Specialist, adapting indicator guidelines and references for use by COs and ROs.
- Provide technical advice to countries on education sector/situation analysis, policy reviews, education management information system (EMIS), household surveys (e.g. MICS), etc
- Coordinate with UNESCO and UIS on Education data and monitoring.
- Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
- Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
- Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
- Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/expected outputs
- As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
- Analysis of existing education data and research around selected SDG 4 indicators and others for use in knowledge products in coordination with Knowledge Management focal points.
-
- Regional OOSC Study supported and completed. With guidance to editor and graphic designer based on UNICEF Style Book.
- 2-page summaries of research in thematic areas such as education and technology, climate change and education, and others.
- Review of ongoing work on education and technology, education and climate change, and others.
- Investment cases and 2-pagers on regional/country work in thematic areas contributed to and updated in consultation and coordination with Knowledge Management focal point.
- Regional report on Mid Term reviews of SDG monitoring compiled and shared.
- 2 presentations completed on Regional and CO results for EAPRO.
- Technical support to Country Offices on education data and monitoring provided.
- Technical support to Country Offices on education sector/situation analysis, policy reviews, education management information system (EMIS), household surveys (e.g. MICS), provided.
- Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
- A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed
Eligibility criteria
Age
27 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
8 years of experience in Social Science, such as: Education, Sociology, Psychology, Economics.
- At least 8 years experience in related fields, of which 3 should be in data analysis;
- Demonstrated interest and/or experience in education data and research.
- Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others;
- Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; culturally and socially sensitive;
- Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team;
- Flexible and open to learning and new experiences;
- Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions;
- Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;
- Excellent oral and written skills;
- Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
- Have affinity with or interest in education and children’s rights, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
Area(s) of expertise
Education, Administration, Business management
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in Social Science, such as: Education, Sociology, Psychology, Economics.
Competencies and values
- Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
- Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
- Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
- Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
- Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
- Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
- Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
- Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Thailand is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. Bangkok provides basic living needs, including accommodation, banking facilities, medical facilities and telecommunications/internet services are readily available. All staple foods can be found in the markets, eg: rice, meat, vegetables, fruit, cooking oil, salt, etc. Many imported goods are available in Bangkok and other places throughout Thailand. Bangkok has many good restaurants with good health standards and most guesthouses provide food. In Thailand the most used means of transportation are taxi or local bus (and, in Bangkok, the elevated train service). Mobile phone is the most dependable tool to be in- touch with colleagues and friends. Internet service is readily available and affordable at most apartment complexes. ATMs are everywhere in Thailand and Western cards can usually be used to withdraw Thai Baht.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Reasonable accommodation
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.