Education Manager Career Opportunity at UNICEF Gambia

Job Overview

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is seeking highly qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Education Manager (NO-D) in The Gambia. This contract-based opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about education development, child rights, education policy, learning systems improvement, and international development careers.

The role focuses on strengthening national education systems, improving learning outcomes, and ensuring access to quality, equitable, and inclusive education, particularly for marginalized, disadvantaged, and excluded children.

Professionals searching for UNICEF jobs, education manager jobs, international NGO jobs, education specialist careers, development sector jobs, public policy education jobs, education leadership vacancies, child development careers, monitoring and evaluation jobs, and programme management jobs may find this opportunity highly rewarding.

Job Details

Company Name: UNICEF – The United Nations Children’s Fund
Job Title: Education Manager (NO-D)
Job Type: Contract
Location: Fajara, Kanifing, Brusubi, Bakau, and Bakoteh, The Gambia
Sector: International Development / Education / Child Welfare
Application Period: 28 May 2026 – 19 Dec2026
Application Deadline: 19 Dec 2026

Professionals interested in additional development-sector and NGO opportunities in West Africa may also explore education jobs in Gambia for updated vacancies, career insights, and recruitment information.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s most challenging environments to protect children’s rights, improve lives, and help children reach their full potential. Operating in 190 countries and territories, UNICEF supports programs focused on education, health, nutrition, child protection, social inclusion, and emergency response.

The organization is committed to creating equal opportunities and delivering sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities worldwide.

Job Purpose

The Education Manager (NO-D) will provide technical leadership and operational support throughout all phases of education programming. The successful candidate will help strengthen national education systems to improve learning outcomes and promote access to primary education, early childhood education, and inclusive learning opportunities.

The role contributes to achieving sustainable education outcomes aligned with Results-Based Management (RBM) principles, UNICEF Strategic Plans, and accountability frameworks.

This opportunity is particularly suitable for candidates interested in education policy jobs, programme leadership roles, international education careers, education planning jobs, school system strengthening, and inclusive education management.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing technical guidance for national education programmes and policies
• Supporting planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of education projects
• Strengthening education systems to improve learning outcomes and student participation
• Promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality education for vulnerable children
• Supporting early childhood education and primary education development strategies
• Leading programme coordination with government agencies and education stakeholders
• Applying Results-Based Management (RBM) approaches to programme delivery
• Monitoring programme performance and ensuring accountability standards are met
• Supporting policy development for education reform and child-focused initiatives
• Managing partnerships with development organizations and stakeholders

Candidates looking for education programme jobs, policy advisor careers, development management positions, UN careers, monitoring and evaluation jobs, and child-focused programme roles are encouraged to apply.

Education Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• An Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in one or more of the following areas:
  • Education
  • Educational Planning
  • Educational Administration
  • International Development
  • Public Policy
  • Social Sciences
  • Development Studies or related disciplines

Equivalent qualifications in education systems strengthening or programme leadership may also be considered.

Experience Requirements

To qualify for this role, candidates should demonstrate:

• Significant professional experience in:
  • Education programme management
  • Education system strengthening
  • Policy development and implementation
  • Child development and inclusive education initiatives
• Experience working in:
  • International organizations
  • Government education systems
  • NGO or development agencies
  • Multi-stakeholder programme environments
• Proven leadership in education reform, strategic programme management, and learning outcomes improvement

Applicants with expertise in education policy, school improvement programmes, curriculum support, teacher development, and education governance will have an added advantage.

For broader international NGO and education-sector career opportunities, candidates may also review education jobs in South Africa for updated professional vacancies and employment resources.

Required Skills and Competencies

Successful applicants should possess:

• Strong leadership and programme management skills
• Technical expertise in education systems and policy development
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Strategic planning and analytical thinking skills
• Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting expertise
• Knowledge of Results-Based Management (RBM) frameworks
• Strong problem-solving and project coordination capabilities
• Ability to work in multicultural and international environments

Knowledge of inclusive education, education policy reform, child rights programming, and international development standards will be advantageous.

Salary and Benefits

Expected Salary: UNICEF offers a competitive and attractive remuneration package based on qualifications, experience, and internal grading structures for the NO-D level.

Potential benefits may include:

• International-standard compensation package
• Paid parental leave and family-friendly policies
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional growth and leadership development
• Health and wellness support
• Diverse and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities for international exposure and collaboration

Training and Professional Development

Selected candidates may receive exposure and training in:

• Education systems strengthening
• Programme design and implementation
• Child rights and inclusive education strategies
• Monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Leadership and strategic programme management
• UNICEF operational standards and accountability systems

Professionals interested in expanding careers in international development, education leadership, and humanitarian sectors may also visit education jobs in Kenya for broader recruitment opportunities and professional insights.

Diversity and Inclusion at UNICEF

UNICEF is committed to fostering a gender-equal, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Female candidates and qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The organization also supports:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities
• Breastfeeding breaks and parental leave policies
• Employee well-being and workplace inclusion

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online only through the official UNICEF Careers Portal.

Important Notes:

• Hard copy applications will not be accepted
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• Eligible female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Application Deadline

19 Dec 2026

Early online application is encouraged for timely consideration.