Head of Education Position with UNICEF in Turkey 2026
By: UnicafLast update:
Applicant criteria
NationalityNo specific nationality required
Age
- No specific age required
Gender
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Job Type
- Full time
Job FieldsAdministration Jobs
Opportunity FieldPsychology and Sociology, Educational Sciences, Political Sciences and Economy, Others
Job locationTurkey
Deadline2026-06-29
Opportunity description
UNICEF is recruiting a Chief Education (P-4) based in Ankara, Turkey. The position is responsible for leading and managing UNICEF’s education portfolio in Turkey, including strategic planning, programme development, results monitoring, support for national education systems, and promoting equitable access to quality education, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized children.
Benefits and Advantages
- Opportunity to work with a leading international organization operating in more than 190 countries and territories.
- Fixed-Term Appointment with UNICEF.
- Meaningful role focused on advancing every child’s right to education.
- Competitive salary and benefits package in accordance with UNICEF policies.
- Professional and personal development opportunities within an international work environment.
- Opportunity to contribute to strengthening national education systems and improving learning outcomes.
- Involvement in programmes targeting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
- Inclusive and diverse workplace that encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
- Reasonable accommodations may be provided for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and employment period.
Duties & responsibilities
- Lead and manage UNICEF’s education programmes and projects in Turkey.
- Oversee all stages of education programming, from strategic planning and design to implementation and results delivery.
- Develop clear work plans and monitor implementation progress to ensure objectives are achieved.
- Strengthen national education systems to improve learning outcomes and educational quality.
- Promote equitable access to primary education and early childhood education services.
- Support inclusive, quality education for the most vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged children.
- Advance skills development initiatives in secondary education to facilitate the transition from learning to employment.
- Manage and supervise a team of professional and support staff.
- Provide strategic advice, technical guidance, and education expertise to partners and stakeholders.
- Build partnerships, strengthen coordination, and lead advocacy efforts with government entities, donors, and other key stakeholders.
- Foster innovation, knowledge management, organizational learning, and capacity-building initiatives.
- Ensure that all education programmes align with UNICEF’s strategic priorities, performance standards, accountability frameworks, and quality requirements.
- Monitor programme performance and recommend improvements to maximize impact for children and young people.
Eligibility criteria
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following fields:
- Education
- Economics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Policy
- International Development
- Social Policy
- Public Administration
- Development Studies
- Statistics
- Or a related discipline
- Have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrate experience in education management, education policy, or education sector development.
- Have proven experience in programme management, monitoring and evaluation, results-based management, and strategic planning.
- Possess experience in partnership development, advocacy, capacity building, and knowledge management.
- Experience working with donors and donor relations is considered highly valuable.
- Demonstrate fluency in English, both written and spoken.
- Have strong expertise in:
- Programme planning and management
- Education policy and systems strengthening
- Social policy
- Global partnerships and stakeholder engagement
- Gender equality and inclusion in education
- Strong leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and team management skills are essential for this position.
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