Deadline for ApplicationsSeptember 16, 2025
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)B
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS LICA8
Target Start Date2025-08-01
Terms of Reference1. General Background
In the last quarter of 2025, Kenya hosts over 800,000 refugees, mainly in designated settlements in Kakuma and Dadaab. With over half of the refugee population under the age of 18 and a steady stream of new arrivals, the demand for education services continues to increase. UNHCR manages 107 institutions in Kakuma and Dadaab, with the support of implementing and operational partners and donors. One of UNHCR’s strategic objectives for education is the progressive inclusion of refugee schools and learners in the national education system. The Shirika Plan, launched by the Government of Kenya in 2025, entails a paradigm shift from a purely humanitarian approach towards a more development orientation encompassing an integrated education service delivery approach for refugees and nationals alike. Key enablers in this shift include the Global Refugee Forum policy pledge, the Djibouti Declaration (2018) and the draft costed national MOE Education and Training Strategy for Refugee and Host Communities in Kenya. Significant progress has been made towards this aspiration, including inclusion of refugee learners in the national Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning programme, registration of refugee schools and learners in NEMIS, and increasing technical support from a variety of Ministry of Education (MOE) State Departments, Directorates and SAGAs. UNHCR anticipates further engagement with the Ministry of Education on inclusion of refugees, and additional support needed to support implementation of the strategy and coordination of other MOE programmes and activities in the camp and host community schools in 2025.
2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
(Concise and detailed description of activities, tasks and responsibilities to be undertaken, including expected travel, if applicable)
The purpose of this assignment is to liaise and coordinate between UNHCR and the MOE on key activities and to identify further areas of collaboration to progress alignment and inclusion of refugees in the national education system.
Key activities under this Terms of Reference include:
• Consolidate, track and document progress made towards refugee inclusion in the national education system
• Liaise with development actors, government counterparts and relevant authorities to leverage linkages between county and national level education sector coordination mechanisms, maximizing opportunities for refugee inclusion in education services during the transition phase of the Shirika Plan
• Support the finalisation, planning, coordination and monitoring of the Costed Education and Training Strategy for Refugee and Host Communities in Kenya
• Provide technical support to the implementation of refugee inclusion components of Global Partnership for Education programmes (e.g. KPEEL), Window for Refugee and Hosts programmes (e.g. SEEQIP) and other programmes led by the Ministry of Education.
• In collaboration with Directorate of Refugee Services (DRS) and Data Information Management unit (DIMA), support the mainstreaming of refugee data into KEMIS at the Field level.
• Support coordination and engagement with Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS) to provide guidance on academic progression in refugee camp secondary schools, and support registration of refugee learners in the KUCCPS platform
• Support engagement with Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) on refugee inclusion in Competency Based Assessment activities & examinations management and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) on textbooks procurement and use of digital CBE content in schools hosting refugee and host community learners
• Coordinate government education support missions to refugee settlements and support other emerging engagements with MOE Directorates and SAGAs as needed
• Support the Senior Education Officer in policy dialogue, meetings and activities relating to inclusion of refugees in the national education system
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
(Clear description of measurable outputs, milestones, key performance indicators and/or reporting requirements which will enable performance monitoring)
• Quarterly reporting on progress towards achievement of MoE Strategy priorities and outcomes.
4. Qualifications and Experience
(List the required education, work experience, expertise and competencies of the individual contractor. The listed education and experience should correspond with the level at which the contract is offered.)
a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)
Graduate degree in relevant discipline (education, international relations, development studies, etc.)
b. Work Experience
(List number of years and area of required work experience. Clearly distinguish between required experience and experience which could be an asset.)
• 5 or more years of experience working in the Kenya education sector
• Demonstrable knowledge of the national education system, including national education reforms, programmes and ways of working
• Knowledge of and experience working with refugees or other marginalised groups
• Demonstrable experience with coordination of multiple stakeholders to achieve common outcomes
• Professional experience working in either the national education sector or the humanitarian or development sector in Kenya;
c. Key Competencies
(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment. Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies)
• Excellent coordination and communication skills
• Strong advocacy skills
• Ability to work on a team as well as independently
• Drive for results
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Work Experience
Other informationInterview is mandatory whilst written test maybe conducted if considered necessaryThis position doesn't require a functional clearance
RemoteNo