Education Specialist (EdTech & Digital Transformation), NO-C, Temporary Appointment (TA-364 Days), #131645, Dhaka, Bangladesh # 578429 (For Bangladeshi Nationals only)

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

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For every child, a voice

In the Bangladesh context, this tagline underscores the unwavering commitment to improving the lives of every child in the nation. It reflects the organization’s determination to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, receives the support, opportunities, and care they need to thrive. It conveys a sense of purpose, highlighting the essential role of dedication in addressing the unique challenges faced by children in Bangladesh

How can you make a difference? 

The purpose of this assignment is to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise in advancing education and skills development for employment through innovative digital transformation and EdTech solutions. The Education Specialist will focus on equipping children, adolescents and youth, especially marginalized and underserved populations, with market-relevant skills, including digital literacy, technical competencies, and transferable soft skills, to enhance their employability and career prospects. This role involves collaborating with government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations to design and scale impactful education and skills training programs, strengthen digital learning ecosystems, and ensure alignment with labor market demands. Additionally, the Specialist will drive evidence-based policy development, oversee the deployment of digital platforms for learning and skills training, and promote sustainable investments in skills development initiatives. The assignment aims to bridge the education-to-employment gap, empower young people with future-ready skills, and contribute to building a skilled and resilient workforce.

The purpose of this job is: 

• To support government to development and refinement of teaching learning strategy, ensuring alignment with modern pedagogical approaches, digital integration, and global best practices.
• To assist Ministry of Education and Ministry of Primary and Mass Education to coordinate with other relevant ministries like ICT Division, Ministry of Post and Telecommunication etc to support developing national strategy/action plan of digital learning access and connectivity involving mobile network and data operators.
• To support GIGA initiative for mapping and connecting over 130,000 education institutions of Bangladesh with hi-speed internet to ensure quality and uninterrupted teaching and learning deliveries.
• To support to national and potential private learning platforms to ensure an interoperable web and mobile-based interfaces and architecture which are connected, user friendly and interactive.
• To assist design and development of gamified learning contents, solution and pedagogy that build a range of foundational, transferable, digital, entrepreneurial, and job-specific skills for all children. Developing a comprehensive content development and instructional design strategy that ensures focus on learning objects, distributed content creation, focused on interactivity as much as possible.
• Support Strengthening teachers’ online networks; learning management platforms; prioritizing blended training and learning approach in all possible area. Also directly support government to develop an integrated training and learning management system. Design and facilitate training sessions for educators and trainers to enhance their skills in curriculum delivery, pedagogical methods, and digital tools.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1.  Support to programme development and planning: 

Ensure that the design, planning, and implementation of education and skills development programs supported by UNICEF and implemented by government are well undertaken providing technical expertise, developing evidence-based strategies, and ensuring alignment with national priorities, digital transformation goals, and labor market needs.

Duties & Tasks

• Collaborate with programme sections in setting the targets for RAM and CSI indicators as appropriate for Cox’s Bazar field office.
• Assist the government in developing and refining teaching-learning strategies, integrating modern pedagogical approaches, digital tools, and global best practices to enhance education quality.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, and other ministries to develop national strategies for digital learning access, connectivity, and implementation of the GIGA initiative to connect all educational institutions with high-speed internet.
• Support the development of interoperable learning platforms, gamified and interactive learning content, and blended training approaches while strengthening teachers’ digital skills, online networks, and integrated learning management systems.
• Contribute to the design and planning of education and training programs, integrating digital tools and methodologies for enhanced learning outcomes. Develop and implement effective teaching and learning frameworks that incorporate innovative pedagogical strategies, both online and offline.
• Participate in strategic programme discussion on the planning of education programmes especially those related to education technologies integration in curriculum, teaching learning and assessment. Formulate, design and prepare programme proposals for the sector, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans and Country Programme and coherence/integration with the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), regional strategies and national priorities, plans and competencies.
• Help supervisor set priorities, strategies, design and implementation plans. Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery and maintain current technical knowledge especially on education reform and teacher development with strong linkages to the use of technology to support learning and skilling.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including government bodies, development partners, and educators, to align program objectives with national education priorities and digital transformation goals.

2.  Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results: 

Ensure that BCO supports ministries in teaching-learning strategies, digital connectivity initiatives, interoperable learning platforms, and teacher training systems are effectively developed and implemented to enhance education quality, accessibility, and employability skills.

Duties & Tasks

• Plan and collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators to assess/strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector on education programmes.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results with a focus on education technologies in curriculum and teaching related interventions at national and camps’ setting.
• Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and weaknesses in programme management.
• Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
• Actively monitor programmes/projects through field visits and surveys, and exchange information with stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems, and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity, ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
• Prepare regular and mandated programme reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.

3.  Technical and operational support to programme implementation:

Ensure that technical and strategic support is provided on education technology, curriculum, and teaching, including policy drafting, guidance to stakeholders, expert coordination, and participation in programme planning and implementation.

 Duties & Tasks

• Help drafting policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials related to the role and use of education technology in learning, curriculum and teaching for management use.
• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and country office partners and donors on interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices and approaches on education and related issues to support programme management, implementation and delivery of results especially those related to curriculum and teaching related interventions at national and camps’ setting.
• Arrange/coordinate availability of technical experts with Regional Office/HQ to ensure timely and appropriate support throughout the programming process.
• Participate in education programme meetings including programme development and contingency planning to provide technical and operational information, advice and support on effective learning approaches.

4.  Networking and partnership building:

Ensure that networking and partnership with government and other private counterpart is well established and maintained to achieve the objectives and goals to integrate technology in the teaching learning and digital transformation in the education and skills capacity building and service delivery.

• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with relevant government counterparts, national stakeholders, global partners, donors, and academia through active networking, advocacy and effective communication to build capacity, exchange knowledge/expertise and to reinforce cooperation to strengthen the application of education technologies to support delivery of learning at national and camps’ setting.
• Prepare communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships and support fund raising for education programmes including the provision of technology-based education at national and camp settings.
• Participate and/or represent UNICEF in appropriate inter-agency (UNCT) discussions on education and related issues to collaborate with inter­ agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF planning and preparation of programmes/projects ensuring organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF process in development planning and agenda setting

5.  Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building: 

Ensure that technology enabled innovative and scalable solutions are properly documented and owned by relevant stakeholders with necessary skills and knowledge.

Duties & Tasks

• Find the good practices of innovation, knowledge management and capacity building across the region and global UNICEF supported countries and identify the best model for contextualization to a local perspective.
• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders and to support the implementation and use of technology in education at national level and in the camps’ setting.
• Develop and modify Theory of change and log frame related to educational technologies keeping abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best practices in education technology, learning and curriculum. Assess and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of remote learning interventions.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  ToR_Education Specialist (EdTechDigital Transformation)_TA-NO3 Dhaka.pdf

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Advanced University Degree (i.e. Master’s degree or equivalent) in education, social sciences, social work, statistics, development studies, or other relevant technical field.
• Work Experience: A minimum of five years of professional experience in digital education platform, edtech solution, programme planning, management, and/or monitoring system is required.
• Experience supporting technology-based education curriculum, learning materials and online course design is a plus point.
• Experience in education continuity, instructional design or any learning solution during emergency is an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or similar organization is considered as an asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset

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 is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility jobs-near-me.org UNICEF.

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 an equal-opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from female candidates, gender-diverse individuals and people with disabilities.

UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/

The VA is open to all (internal and external candidates)

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.

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.

Internal candidates may be given preference over external candidates. The term “Internal” refers to all staff members with fixed term, continuing or permanent appointments. Internal candidates who are legally permitted to work for UNICEF in Bangladesh, independently of UNICEF appointment, will also be considered.

Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their candidate profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in the Applicant system in order to be considered.  The information submitted will be used for administrative purposes, salary/step determination and conditions of employment. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be accepted for applications that have already been submitted for this position.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.