ICT Specialist in Education – UNV jobs in East Timor

• Location: Dili, East Timor
• Vacancy No: N/A 
• Salary: N/A
• Organization: UNV
• Gender: Both
• Deadline: 2024-02-23

Details
Mission and objectives
UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children’s rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children.

UNICEF insists that the survival, protection, and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress.

UNICEF mobilizes political will and material resources to help countries, particularly developing countries, to ensure a “first call for children” and to build their capacity to form appropriate policies and deliver services for children and their families.

UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children – victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation, and those with disabilities.

UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care.

UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority.

UNICEF aims, through its country programmes, to promote the equal rights of women and girls and to support their full participation in the political, social, and economic development of their communities.

UNICEF works with all its partners towards the attainment of the sustainable human development goals adopted by the world community and the realization of the vision of peace and social progress enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Context
UNICEF started work in Timor-Leste in 2001 with the signing of the first Country Programme of Cooperation between the Government of Timor-Leste and UNICEF. UNICEF works in partnership with the Government, other UN agencies, development partners, community-based organizations and civil society partner, to enable children and their families to realize their rights and fulfil their potential. The UNICEF Country Programme is fully aligned with the United Nations Development Assistance Framework which reflects the global, national, and United Nations priorities. More information about the work of UNICEF in Timor-Leste can be found here: https://www.unicef.org/timorleste/what-we-do.

UNICEF’s current Country Programme Document (CPD) extends from 2021 to 2025. Within the CPD Education is one of the Outcomes. One of the strategies in the education programme is to scale up the use of Information, Community, Technology (ICT) to improve quality of Education. UNICEF also introduced the Learning Passport Platform, a collaboration between UNICEF and Microsoft to promote distance learning during the closure of schools due to COVID-19.

UNICEF Timor-Leste is also currently piloting a project on ICT in Education in 30 Basic Education schools in Ainaro, Ermera and Liquica municipalities. The project will focus on development of ICT strategic plan and implementation in target schools, gathering research data on the use of the existing platforms such as Learning Passport and exploring its potential use for teacher certification. The project also will adapt existing modules for trainers, teachers, and students, conducting motivational event with students and teachers on ICT literacy, and reaching out to out of school students by promoting courses on 21st century skills for employability.

UNICEF Timor-Leste is therefore looking for an International UNV Specialist on ICT in Education to lead strategy development of the ICT planning and implementation and provide technical support to the implementation of the project schools. He/she will be based in the Education Section and work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Education. The incumbent will work closely with other staff of the education section as well as with relevant directorates of the Ministry of Education including INFORDEPE, the teacher training institute of the Ministry of Education and relevant partners.

Task description
Under the direct supervision of the UNICEF Chief of Education and working closely with relevant directorates of the Ministry of Education and INFORDEPE, the International ICT Specialist UNV will undertake the following tasks:

I. Development of a Strategy for the use of ICT in Education
• Conduct mapping of ICT for learning and Edtech tools that could be integrated to support the ICT in Education programme.
• Develop a strategic roadmap and implementation plan for integrating ICT in education focusing on the use of educational technology and innovations to improve quality teaching and learning with focus on 30 schools and beyond.
• Support planning, coordination, and implementation of Training of Trainers, training of teachers, training of students on ICT in education.
• Support the organization of motivational events on Digital Literacy and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) activities with focus on use of ICT.
• Provide feedback on modules for digital literacy and FLN.
• Support developing Terms of Reference (ToR), and tools for surveys, baseline, endlines related to ICT in Education.

II. Support integration of ICT into recurrent education programme
• Conceptualize and develop strategies for innovative learning pathways for out-of-school children, children with disabilities and adolescents with focus on using a variety of educational technology tools.
• Support the revision and implementation of existing 21st century skills courses for adolescents and youth, and including children with disabilities.
• Provide training to staff of the Ministry and as well to out of school students on updated 21st century skills courses.

III. Programme monitoring and visibility.
• Plan and collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators to assess and strengthen performance and accountability related to ICT in Education.
• 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.
• Support writing of donor reports and human-interest stories for programme advocacy to promote awareness about ICT in education.

IV. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building on ICT in Education
• Conduct research on global perspectives on the use of ICT for learner’s engagement.
• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders and to support the implementation and delivery of activities related to ICT in Education.
• Organize and facilitate capacity building training on ICT in Education for UNICEF Education staff.

Eligibility criteria
Age
27 – 80

Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in ICT in Education and flexible learning approaches.
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Excellent oral and written skills in English; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• 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.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Sound security awareness.
• Have affinity with or interest in education area, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise
Education, Information technology, Development programmes

Driving license
–

Languages
English, Level: Working knowledge, Required
Portuguese, Level: Basic, Desirable
Tetum, Level: Basic, Desirable

Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in education technology, economics, psychology, sociology, or another relevant technical field; a first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with relevant training and/or professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

•Understanding of the overall global development context, including issues such as poverty, conflict and the impact of these factors on education and vice-versa; and inter-sectoral approaches to address such issues in collaboration with other sectors (including Social Policy, Child Protection, Nutrition, WASH, Health, and Communications within UNICEF)
•Knowledge of global developments in education and international engagement strategies, including the application of equity and human rights perspectives to programming.
•Strong technical knowledge of education technology and its application to enhance quality/equity in education.
•Understanding of gender and inequity, and its analysis to policy and planning in education.

Competencies and values
Core Values (Required)
• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity
Core Competencies (Required)
• Communication Skills
• Working with People
• Drive for Results
Functional Competencies (Required)
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts
• Analyzing
• Applying Technical Expertise
• Learning and Researching
• Planning and Organizing

Other information
Living conditions and remarks

• Security situation
Timor-Leste has made progress in terms of security since gaining independence in 2002. Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) works 24/7 hours. Staff also receive security alert message shared through United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS).

• Access and air travel
Timor-Leste has one international airport President Nicolau Lobato and two domestic airports in Oecusse and Covalima. There is also Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) that can be used to travel between some municipalities (Dili-Atauro-Dili, Dili-Covalima-Dili). There are also international flights to Timor-Leste that primarily connected to nearby countries in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, Australia and Singapore to and from Dili capital. Few airlines operate in Dili are Citilink, Sriwijaya and AirTimor during the weekdays and weekend.

• Climate
Timor-Leste is an island country and has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity. It has two seasons – Wet Season typically occurs from November to April with its annual rainfall with heavy rains and thunderstorm, while Dry Season usually takes place from May to October. During this time, rainfall is significantly reduced, and the weather is generally drier.

• Cultural awareness such as dress code / alcohol use
Timor-Leste has a rich and diverse cultures influenced by Portuguese, Indonesian, and indigenous traditions. Respect for local customs, ceremonies, and rituals is crucial. It is common to greet people with a handshake, and it is polite to inquire about one’s well-being and family. Elders are often greeted with particular respect, such as calling by Maun (Brother) and Mana (Sister) followed by their first names.

• Medical facilities
UN staff can access to the following contact number for medical purpose:
Institution/clinics
Timor-Leste National Ambulance
• Phone: +670 3311044
• Toll-Free: 110/119
Stamford Medical Clinic
• Emergency: +670 77721111
• Business Hours: +670 3310 141

Cost of living
Cost of accommodations, especially in urban areas like the capital city, Dili, can be relatively high. It cost between US$ 800-USD 1,000 for one-bedroom apartment or over $3,000-$ 5,000 with 3-bedroom apartment. Prices may vary based on the type of housing and its location.

• Availability of food/water/electricity
Locally produced food items, including fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, and fish are available in local markets and grocery stores at affordable prices. However, in more remote and rural areas, access to a diverse range of food items may be limited.
Access to treated and piped water are available in urban areas. You can also buy drinking water from grocery stores at affordable prices.
Access to electricity in Timor-Leste, particularly in Urban areas is significantly improved and many urban households and business are connected to the electricity grid. However, in some instance there can be a power off for longer than 2 hours between days.

• Banking facilities
Timor-Leste has several commercial banks, including both domestic and international banks. Banco Nacional Ultamarino (BNU), Banco National Timor Leste (BNCTL), Mandiri Bank and BRI Bank. Electronic banking services, such as online banking and ATM facilities, are available in urban areas like the capital city, Dili, and in municipalities level. However, the coverage and accessibility of such services may be limited in more remote areas. Transaction using Debit Card can only be used in either BNU or Mandiri Banks.

• Communications infrastructure
Mobile operators offer 3G and 4G services in both urban areas with limited access in remote areas. Three main Internet Service Providers (ISPs) – Timor-Telecom, Telkomsel and Telemor operate in Timor-Leste for internet services. The services include both wired and wireless broadband options, however, access to internet is limited.

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.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.

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