Assistant Instant Network School (INS) Officer at UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Internal/External Vacancy Notice No.: LICA/KEN/KAK/18/005

Category /Grade

LICA-8

Duration

Initially up to 31 December 2018

Reporting Date

1 November 2018

Type of Contract

Local ICA

Date of Issue

26 September 2018

Location

Sub Office Kakuma

Closing Date

03 October 2018

General Background and Context

UNHCR Kakuma Education Programme have rapidly expanded in the past years with school enrolments across all the levels increasing and the operation currently having 16 pre-schools, 26 primary schools and 6 secondary schools with a student population of nearly 80,000 children. In addition to Kakuma camp, UNHCR coordinates education provision in the newly established Kalobeyei settlement that hosts 38,000 refugees. Management of such an expansive and complex education programme requires additional staffing to support the Associate Education Officer in the planning, coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the education support to refugees and to ensure alignment with the national education system. In addition to this, there are number of ongoing education initiatives such as the deployment of Kakuma Education Management Information System (KEMIS) to improve availability of accurate and credible education data for planning and this requires dedicated staffing for successful deployment. It is against this background that this position is requested.

In response, Vodafone Foundation (VF) and UNHCR have worked together on the Instant Network Schools (INS) Programme to address learning resource needs. In collaboration with Vodafone Foundation and refugee communities, UNHCR has developed and adapted the INS to meet context-specific challenges. Instant Network Schools provide a holistic solution to transform an existing classroom into an innovation hub for learning – complete with a local network; internet connectivity; sustainable solar power; a classroom kit, localized digital content; and a robust teacher training programme. INS aims to improve access to quality education for displaced children in refugee camps, through the use of technology and connectivity, alongside teacher training and capacity building support.

The INS is now implemented across 6 locations in Kakuma ((3 secondary schools, 1 primary, 1 community centre and 1 teacher training centre). Each INS is run by a local coach who provides in-service training and support for learners and teachers. Daily logs of INS use are also recorded and uploaded to a global platform; which helps to track utilization, flag challenges, and identify areas for re-design or capacity building.

The Assistant Instant Network School (INS) Officer is a member of the protection team and reports to the Associate Education Officer with support supervision from the Senior Protection Coordinator. It is responsible for the day-to-day implementation and monitoring of the Instant Network Schools programme in Kakuma. Working closely with the Coaches who are hired by implementing partners to run the Instant Network Classrooms on a daily basis in each school, the Programme Manager is responsible for the effective and efficient management and implementation of all activities within the Instant Network Programme in Kakuma.

Accountability (key results that will be achieved)

• INS activities are guided by global, regional and country priorities and reflect UNHCR's policy on age, gender and diversity (AGD)
• Participation of persons of concern is assured through continuous assessment and evaluation using participatory, rights and community based approaches
• Persons of concern are treated with dignity and respect and all protection incidents are immediately identified and addressed.

Responsibility (processes and functions undertaken to achieve results)

• Support to programme set-up and consolidation: Provide programmatic and operational support to the setup and consolidation of the INS locations in schools and community hubs across Kakuma Camps
• Programme Management: Responsible for supporting the implementation of the INS programme in accordance with approved time schedules, budgets and both UNHCR and Vodafone Foundation guidelines and procedures. Support UNHCR and VF team with the strategy, project planning, and identifying mobile technology based solutions for the specific education needs in the location.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Support Coaches and partners in monitoring the programme, including support in the effective use of online tools for data collection and analysis on INS programme usage
• Resource Planning & Management: Support the work of the Coaches in the schools and ensure effective and optimal deployment and use of INS platforms and tools.
• Training and Support: Provide on-the-job training, and facilitate training by others, to Coaches, partners and other stakeholders in using educational technology, ICT maintenance and other relevant areas.
• Train Coaches in use and basic maintenance of the equipment, use of content, integrating technology into lesson planning and delivery

Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)

• Implement INS activities as required
• Issue documents and reports for clearance by the Education or Protection and/or Senior Protection Officer
• Provide advice on INS implementation

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in ICT
• A background in education and knowledge of educational technology will be an advantage
• 3 years of proven experience with various distributed ICT Systems and Networks, preferably in a development setting
• Experience working in harsh environments with low bandwidth field technologies.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of Swahili and Local Turkana language will be an added asset
• Desirable Qualifications & Competencies
• Excellent team work and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience and skills in facilitation and delivering trainings.
• Demonstrated experience conducting data collection for monitoring and reporting
• Solid writing skills and an understanding of project management cycle and programme management in complex emergencies
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer literacy.
• Must be able to multi-task effectively and balance competing priorities, reporting lines and deadlines.
• Advanced interpersonal skills he/she must be able to relate well with others, dictate responsibilities, offer support and constructive feedback.
• Must have excellent problem-solving skills. He/She must be able to adeptly and quickly solve problems as they come up.

Competencies:-

Values

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect For Diversity Core Competencies

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Team Work & Collaboration
• Communication
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Client & Results Orientation
• Organizational Awareness

Candidates may also be tested on relevant managerial and cross function competencies. Examples are listed below:-

Managerial Competencies

• Empowering & Building Trust
• Managing Performance
• Judgement & Decision Making
• Strategic Planning & Vision
• Leadership
• Managing Resources

Cross – Functional Competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Innovation & Creativity
• Technological Awareness
• Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
• Planning & Organizing
• Policy Research & Development
• Political Awareness
• Stakeholder Management Change Capability & Adaptability