Arabic-speaking Crisis and Risk Management Expert

As part of the UNESCO Jordan’s “System Strengthening Partnership with the Ministry of Education in Jordan” programme (SSP), the overall objective of the assignment is to support the Ministry of Education in the operationalisation of the Crisis and Risk Management strategy and its monitoring. 

The UNESCO Jordan Office will be responsible for overseeing the roles, functions, tasks and performance evaluation of the Expert in cooperation with the MoE Head of Division appointed to oversee the Officer’s work when at the Ministry. It is expected that the Officer will spend 60% of their time at the Ministry of Education, and the remaining 40% at the UNESCO Jordan Office. 

Background:

As part of its broader portfolio of support in education, UNESCO Jordan is implementing the System Strengthening Partnership (SSP) programme with the Ministry of Education (MoE), through a Multi-Year Trust Fund (MPTF) with the generous funding of Canada, the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation, Switzerland, and Norway in-kind support (through NORCAP). The SSP aims to support the MoE in strengthening evidence-based, strategic, and crisis-sensitive, policymaking, and coordination at the MoE. Through this multi-year programme, UNESCO is supporting the strengthening of the core functions of the MoE in planning and budgeting, monitoring and reporting, research and evaluation, data and information management, and coordination and partnership. Furthermore, the programme aims to further strengthen an enabling institutional environment for crisis-sensitive planning in Jordan, including risk management.
 

Addressing education needs in crisis settings, while preventing and mitigating known and potential risks, in a comprehensive and adapted manner is a necessary step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4.

Expected outputs for the assignment include:

• Relevant MoE staff receive timely and quality day-to-day support in coordinating internal activities, including in operationalising the new MoE Unit on Crisis and Risk Management (CRM), as well as in coordinating the implementation of the CRM Strategy at the different system levels, central, field directorate and school levels.
• The Crisis Risk Management strategy is disseminated and operational - A concise and clearly articulated internal workplan and monitoring plan is developed and disseminated to the different levels to implement the operational plan of the CRM Strategy.
• The MoE develops and maintains an operational risks matrix 
• Capacity of relevant MoE staff is reinforced to operationalize crisis and risk management at the different levels, including through day to day on the job coaching. 
• Enhanced, more consistent processes are in place for the effective implementation and monitoring of crisis and risk management at the different levels, including through supporting data management and evidence-based planning.
• Roles and responsibilities are discussed and agreed at different levels of the system, and at central level between the CRM Unit and the different MoE Departments.
   

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Ensure that an effective and productive working relationship is built and maintained with the Ministry of Education and MoE staff.
• Provide high quality technical support to MoE staff in the Department of Educational Planning and Research and in the Crisis and Risk Management Unit to implement the CRM Strategy, in coordination with and under the supervision, of the Head of the Unit, including (but not limited to) day-to-day support for the: 
  • Support to the development and sound functioning of internal communication, coordination and feedback systems/mechanisms to implement the CRM Strategy and operational plan. This includes supporting the full operationalisation of the CRM Unit and an efficient workflow with clear established roles and responsibilities between the different levels (central, FD and school). 
  • Support the MoE with the collection, use and analysis of data to prevent, prepare for and mitigate risks, as well as to support the MoE monitoring and reporting, in line with the MoE EMIS ecosystem. This include the timely analysis of and dissemination of analytical, monitoring and evaluation and research products with a focus on more ‘accessible’ formats to ensure sharing and learning.
  • Preparation of communication materials highlighting MoE successes related to CRM (at all levels). This includes support for the dissemination of MoE results to internal and external stakeholders or sharing content, as appropriate, with MoE Media Directorate. 
• Based on identified needs with the Head of the CRM Unit, develop a capacity mapping, and develop /implement a capacity-building plan to support the MoE staff to mainstream CRM throughout the implementation of the ESP and based on the CRM Strategy and operational plan. 
• Provide technical support for the preparation of related CRM workshops, consultation sessions and trainings and support the close coordination of activity implementation between MoE, UNESCO and relevant partners. 
• Support the development of an operational risk register for the Ministry of Education 
• Participate in SSP Steering Committee meetings as a technical resource, as needed, and support the monitoring of the SSP programme as needed.
• Participate in UNESCO Education team meetings to share updates on activities and progress.
• Submit monthly reports to document the capacity development and technical support provided to the MoE, which identifies achievements, challenges and recommended way forward.

Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree (Master of equivalent) in a relevant field of study, in particular Education, International Development, and Social Studies.
• Minimum five years of previous work experience in the field of crisis sensitive planning with national institutions and crisis and risk management in general with coordination skills in the education sector at the national and/or sub-national level, and including in international setting.
• Excellent communication skills, in both written and spoken English and Arabic is required. 
• Excellent coordination, organisation, and prioritisation skills and the ability to manage multiple competing tasks. 
• Strong team working skills and ability to take initiative and be proactive within established parameters.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-cultural work environments; strong skills of adaptability and flexibility.
• Experience working with national authorities or Ministry of Education staff or within UN/INGO systems in providing such support.
• Strong commitment and proven ability to improve education systems through knowledge transfer, effective collaboration and a strong capacity development approach.
• Previous experience in operational risk management (including financial, strategic and operational risks) is a strong asset. 
• Previous experience in results communication with a focus on more ‘accessible’ formats (e.g. infographs, policy briefs, website design and upkeep, highlighting success stories, use of social media in cooperation with the MoE media department, etc.) is a strong asset.

What we offer

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• Join NORCAP’s team of experts and be considered for future assignments elsewhere
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit
• Grade/Level: P3 NORCAP