Education Programme Associate

Host entity: UNICEF GEO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Community development, Education

Application deadline: 08/11/2026

Mission and objectives

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to uphold the rights of every child, everywhere. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Sustainable Development Goals, UNICEF supports efforts to ensure that every child is protected, healthy, educated and able to reach their full potential. UNICEF places particular emphasis on reaching the most disadvantaged and excluded children and addressing inequalities that limit children's opportunities and outcomes.

In Georgia, UNICEF works with government institutions, academia, civil society organizations and development partners to support children’s rights and well-being. Through its education programme, UNICEF contributes to strengthening equitable, inclusive and quality education systems, improving learning opportunities and outcomes for children and young people, and supporting evidence-informed policies and partnerships that help ensure no child is left behind.

Assignment context

The UNICEF Georgia Country Programme for 2026–2030 sets out UNICEF’s priorities for advancing the rights and well-being of children in Georgia, with learning and skills development as one of its key programme areas.

The Learning and Skills Development component aims to support national efforts to provide high-quality and inclusive education for all children, particularly the most vulnerable, and to equip children and adolescents with the skills needed for education, work and life. Key areas of work include strengthening early childhood education and care; inclusive and bilingual education; pre- and in-service professional development; support for children with disabilities, developmental delays and those at risk of dropping out; The programme also supports adolescents in developing relevant skills, including digital, leadership, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and in transitioning from school to further education and employment.

The programme is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, municipalities, universities and other partners, with particular attention to vulnerable and underserved children and young people. It also promotes equitable opportunities for ethnic minority students, especially girls, and meaningful engagement of children and young people in environmental and climate-related issues.

The Learning and Skills Development component has an indicative five-year budget of US$4.82 million, comprising US$0.82 million in Regular Resources and US$4.0 million in Other Resources. Effective implementation requires strong programme coordination and technical support, sustained partnerships and resource mobilization to translate programme priorities into sustainable results for children.

Within this context, the UN Volunteer will support UNICEF Georgia’s Education Section in programme implementation and monitoring, partner coordination, research and evidence generation, documentation and knowledge management. Working closely with UNICEF colleagues and external partners, the Volunteer will contribute to the effective implementation of activities across the Education Section’s areas of work.

The assignment offers an opportunity for a young professional to gain practical experience in programme implementation, partnership engagement, research, knowledge management and advocacy within the United Nations system. The Volunteer will work under the direct supervision of the Education Specialist / Head of Section and will receive regular guidance and mentoring.

The UN Volunteer will be based on-site at the UNICEF Georgia Country Office in Tbilisi. As an entry-level and learning-oriented assignment, the position will not carry independent authority to make programme commitments, approve or sign agreements, commit UNICEF resources, or represent UNICEF externally without prior authorization.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Education Specialist / Head of Section, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Programme implementation and coordination
- Support the implementation and monitoring of Education Section activities and follow-up on agreed actions with partners.
- Support coordination with government counterparts, academic institutions, civil society organizations and development partners, including through meetings, consultations, workshops and field visits.
- Support the organization and documentation of programme activities, capacity-building events and learning initiatives.
- Collaborate with colleagues across relevant UNICEF programme areas to support integrated approaches to children’s learning, development and well-being.

2. Support to priority education areas

- Contribute to activities aimed at strengthening early childhood education and care through research, coordination and programme support.
- Support activities promoting inclusive and equitable education, with particular attention to vulnerable and underserved children and young people, including children with disabilities and ethnic minority children.
- Contribute to activities supporting adolescent skills development and transition from education to further learning and employment, including approaches that promote gender equality and meaningful youth participation.

3. Research, evidence and knowledge management
- Support the collection, organization and analysis of programme information related to children’s learning, skills development and inclusion, including information used for programme planning, proposals and donor reporting.
- Contribute to research and desk reviews on relevant education topics, including inclusive education, early childhood education, digital learning and skills development.
- Contribute to documenting programme results, lessons learned and promising practices, and support the preparation of reports, briefing notes, presentations and other programme materials.

4. Communication and advocacy
- Contribute to communication, knowledge-sharing and advocacy activities promoting children’s right to quality and inclusive education.
- Perform other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor to support effective programme implementation and learning.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience in:
- Education programmes, projects or research
- Child rights, social development, inclusion or related fields
- Data collection, report writing, knowledge management or stakeholder engagement
- Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collect, organize and synthesize information from multiple sources
- Report drafting and documentation skills
- Strong organizational and event coordination skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in multicultural environments

Competencies and values

Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Building Trust
Client Orientation
Commitment and Motivation
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Communication
Creativity
Ethics and Values
Integrity
Knowledge Sharing
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Self-Management
Technological Awareness
Working in Teams

Living conditions

This is a volunteer assignment, not employment. By sharing your time, energy, and talents, you can support communities in need and become part of something greater than yourself — a global movement for peace, development, and humanitarian aid. Volunteering strengthens trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens, and it can promote a sense of belonging and purpose.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Tbilisi and responsible for arranging her/his own housing and other living essentials. The full entitlements at the duty station: https://app.unv.org/calculator.
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service: https://explore.unv.org/cos

Summary of National UN Volunteer Entitlements:
• Current Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) is USD 1,996
• Private insurance coverage by CIGNA
• Family allowance (if applicable): USD 250
• Entry allowance: USD 3,500
• Exit allowance: USD 225 per month, and upon the satisfactory completion of assignment
• Free access to different learning platforms and UN & UNV network

Notes:
1) The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the volunteer work.
2) It's important to note that UNV assignments are volunteer assignments, not employment.

The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service.

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a safe and welcoming city that offers a comfortable quality of life, affordable housing, reliable public transportation, and access to quality healthcare and other essential services. The city combines a rich cultural heritage with a vibrant social scene, diverse dining options, and a growing international community. English is commonly used in professional settings. Surrounded by scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, Tbilisi provides an enjoyable environment for both work and leisure.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.