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Stretch Assignment: Education Specialist/ Manager, (P3/P4), Lahore, Pakistan, 03 months.

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Stretch Assignment: Education Specialist/ Manager (P3/P4), Lahore, (Onsite) Title: Education Specialist/ManagerLevel: P3/P4Reports to: Chief of Education,

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OtherEducation Specialist

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Education in Islamabad and the Chief of Filed Office of Lahore UNICEF Office, the Education Manager, Punjab will provide leadership and oversight for UNICEF’s education programme in Punjab. The assignment comes at a critical juncture, as UNICEF is in the final implementation year of the GPE ESPIG-TALEEM grant in the province and preparing for the operationalization of the new Google for Education partnership. Punjab, as Pakistan’s largest province with significant education disparities, is central to the country’s learning agenda. The Manager will be responsible for ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of GPE-ESPIG commitments, overseeing programme implementation, monitoring, and risk management, while also setting up the team and systems to expedite the Google initiative and other provincial digital learning and non-formal education priorities. The role requires close coordination with provincial government counterparts, development partners, and implementing agencies to ensure alignment with the Education Sector Plan and national frameworks, while contributing to UNICEF’s broader goals on learning poverty reduction, foundational skills, adolescent skilling, and system strengthening.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Education in Islamabad and ideally for a period of 03 months the Education Manager, Punjab will lead and coordinate UNICEF’s education portfolio in the province, with a focus on the final year of the GPE ESPIG-TALEEM grant and the operationalization of the Google “Click to Learn” programme. The Manager will be responsible for ensuring accelerated delivery of results, strategic engagement with government and partners, and building team capacity to achieve UNICEF’s goals for children in Punjab.

Represent and liaise on behalf of UNICEF’s education programme with the Minister of Education, Secretary, and other senior government officials.

Ensure smooth coordination and build consensus with provincial authorities and sector partners such as World Bank, FCDO, British Council, British High Commission, JICA to expedite programme implementation in line with agreed grant conditionalities.

Leverage policy dialogue with the Punjab Education Council (UPEC) and engage with private sector stakeholders to influence standards for outsourcing private schools and shape decision-making at ministerial level.

Oversee the final implementation of the GPE ESPIG-TALEEM grant in Punjab, ensuring timely delivery of results, compliance with donor requirements, and risk management.

Establish systems for tracking funds and managing smaller grants to ensure efficiency, transparency, and alignment with programme objectives.

Monitor programme milestones and deliverables, providing regular progress updates to the Chief of Education and donors.

Lead the kick-start and management of the Google for Education partnership in Punjab, including the design and operationalization of the “Click to Learn” model.

Organize co-creation workshops with government, technology partners, and private sector actors to define programme pathways, standards, and operational models.

Recruit and coordinate technical expertise, and establish a clear programme timeline with milestones, roles, and responsibilities for the UNICEF team and partners.

Ensure effective follow-up on supply chain, procurement, and logistical arrangements to enable seamless deployment and implementation.

Provide coaching, mentoring, and day-to-day guidance to the provincial education team to foster collaboration, motivation, and a results-driven culture.

Strengthen the team’s technical and operational capacity to accelerate delivery for children, with a strong focus on teamwork, accountability, and problem-solving.

Support fundraising efforts for the next Country Programme Document (CPD) cycle in Punjab, identifying strategic opportunities to expand partnerships and resources.

Contribute to the design of innovative, scalable models to expand non-formal education supplies and pathways for out-of-school children and adolescents.

Leverage partnerships with private sector actors and development partners to secure investment and innovation for education system strengthening.

Responsibilities

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The stretch assignment will also contribute to the quality assurance of reports produced by the Education Section, ensuring that all deliverables meet UNICEF standards and donor requirements.

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Support the education section to finalize end-of-year RAM reporting and provide quality assurance through a final review.

Requirements

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An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Education, Social Sciences, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field is required. Specialized training or demonstrated knowledge in digital learning, education technology, or systems strengthening is an asset.

*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in education programme management, with significant field-level leadership experience.

Proven track record in designing, managing, and delivering large-scale education programmes, preferably with GPE or other major donor-funded grants.

Demonstrated experience in policy dialogue and high-level government engagement, particularly with education ministries, secretaries, and provincial authorities.

Experience in managing digital learning or technology-enabled education initiatives, including partnerships with private sector and technology firms.

Prior experience in resource mobilization and fundraising within the education sector is highly desirable.

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

Strong expertise in education systems strengthening, non-formal education models, and strategies to reduce out-of-school children and learning poverty.

Sound understanding of grant management, financial tracking, and donor reporting.

Knowledge of EdTech solutions, digital platforms, and blended learning approaches is an advantage.

Familiarity with UNICEF programming, CPD cycles, and results-based management is preferred.

Leadership and Soft Skills:

Excellent leadership, coaching, and team management skills, with proven ability to motivate diverse teams toward results.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with capacity to manage complexity and tight deadlines.

Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, with the ability to influence senior government counterparts and partners.

Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with government, private sector, and civil society to advance education reforms.

High degree of adaptability, innovation, and initiative to navigate complex political, institutional, and operational environments.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered may be required.

Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)
Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
Works Collaboratively with others (2)
Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

• The staff member must have an existing Fixed-Term, Continuing or Permanent appointment with UNICEF that is valid through the end of the stretch assignment.

• The staff member must have the agreement from their supervisor to go on a stretch assignment for the full duration of the assignment

Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their management before applying.

1. Updated Profile/CV

2. Two most recent PERs

3. Supervisor & Management approval

Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.

Advertised: 11 Jun 2026 Pakistan Standard Time
Applications close: 24 Jun 2026 Pakistan Standard Time

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