Mission and objectivesWith the strong presence on the ground and partnerships with local communities and organizations across multiple sectors, UNICEF aims to reach more children and families. Upholding the humanitarian principles, UNICEF supports integrated, multi-sectoral programming and continues to improve sustained, equitable and safe access to critical basic services in areas where the needs are the highest. UNICEF, in coordination with partners, aims to ensure accountability to affected populations with integration of gender, child safeguarding as well as prevention from sexual exploitation and abuse into its programmes. UNICEF aims to reach children no matter where they are or live.
ContextThe education sector in Northeast Syria (NES) is among the most affected sectors, shaped by years of conflict, shifting political dynamics, and ongoing humanitarian challenges. Since the collapse of the central regimeโs authority, NES has witnessed significant changes in education delivery, particularly in terms of curriculum and accreditation. Tens of thousands of children have been affected by these shifts, often facing uncertainty regarding the quality and recognition of their education. Even prior to these transitions, the education system in NES struggled with limited technical capacity among education authorities, gaps in teacher qualifications, and the simultaneous use of multiple curricula. These longstanding issues have been further exacerbated by prolonged conflict, widespread displacement, and administrative fragmentation, leaving the sector overstretched and under-resourced. As agreements regarding the future governance of NES remain unresolved, the eventual integration of NES education facilities with national structures will require substantial technical and operational support. In the meantime, there is an urgent need to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure that education delivery is coordinated, context-sensitive, and responsive to the unique needs of children and communities in NES. UNICEF remains committed to ensuring all children in Syria have access to quality and inclusive education. Addressing current gaps requires strengthening institutional capacity through targeted support in school management, curriculum alignment, assessment frameworks, evidence-based planning, and referral systems. Delivering quality education in Syria demands a holistic approach, one that tackles structural barriers, shifts social norms, and builds the capacity of students, families, teachers, and local systems. Inclusive learning environments must be fostered through positive teaching practices and community engagement that promote resilience and recovery. In 2021, a comparative review of the NES Education Committee curriculum and the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculumโconducted by international and local expertsโhighlighted significant gaps, particularly in the NES curriculum. one of the major findings is that students following the NES curriculum are unable to pass MoE-administered national exams, reinforcing the urgent need for curriculum harmonization and broader system reform.
Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Education Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Education Expert will: - Support the development of a contextualized framework for enhancing teaching quality and inclusive education in Northeast Syria (NES) - Conduct curricula review and provide technical guidance on curriculum alignment Facilitate Training of Trainers (ToT) workshops on inclusive teaching practices, active learning strategies, and assessment tools - Develop a roadmap and technical guidance for formalizing referral mechanisms from non-formal to formal education - Support technical consultations and facilitate engagement to co-develop a conceptual framework for inclusive, data-informed education planning Develop a strategy to support children studying under different curricula in NES, including referral and integration mechanisms - Support the development of a study on out-of-school children in NES due to curriculum issues - Provide technical support for integration of education facilities and systems in NES following agreement formalization - Overall monitoring and support of partners implementation of Non-Formal Education programs in camps and community settings
Competencies and values- Accountability - Adaptability and flexibility - Creativity - Judgement and decision-making - Planning and organising - Professionalism - Self-management
Living conditions and remarksAs this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Damascus. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions. Benefits Package: โข Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 919 โข Monthly Expertise Differential at the amount of USD 367.76 โข Well-being differential USD 275.82 โข Annual and learning leaves โข Medical and life Insurance โข Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service