Job Summary:

The Education Officer will oversee the implementation of the DAFI Scholarship Programme, ensuring equitable access to tertiary education for refugees and host community youth. The role focuses on program management, student support, stakeholder coordination, and alignment with UNHCR’s Refugee Education 2030 strategy and the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR).

Key Responsibilities

1. Programme Management:

• Coordinate the implementation of the DAFI scholarship programme at country level.
• Ensure transparent student selection, enrollment, and monitoring processes.
• Manage scholarship budgets, contracts, and reporting requirements.
• Provide academic and psychosocial support structures for scholarship recipients.

2. Student Support & Development

• Facilitate career guidance, mentorship, and leadership training for DAFI scholars.
• Monitor student progress, retention, and graduation rates.
• Support alumni networks to strengthen long-term impact and community engagement.

3. Partnerships & Advocacy

• Collaborate with universities, ministries of education, NGOs, and donors to expand opportunities.
• Advocate for refugee inclusion in national higher education systems.
• Mobilize resources and partnerships with private sector and civil society.

4. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Collect and analyze data on scholarship beneficiaries for accountability and impact measurement.
• Prepare reports for UNHCR headquarters, donors, and stakeholders.
• Identify challenges and propose solutions to improve programme effectiveness.

5. Capacity Building

• Provide technical guidance to UNHCR field offices and implementing partners.
• Train staff and partners on scholarship management and refugee education inclusion.
• Share best practices and lessons learned across regions.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Advanced university degree in Education, Social Sciences, International Development, or related fields.
• Minimum 2–6 years (depending on grade level) in education programme management.
• Experience in refugee or humanitarian contexts preferred.
• Strong knowledge of education policy and refugee protection frameworks.
• Partnership building and donor relations.
• Data analysis, monitoring, and reporting.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and organizational skills.

Key Competencies

• Results-oriented with strong planning and organizational ability.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills; sensitive to conflict dynamics and safeguarding.
• Analytical mindset with ability to translate market findings into training and opportunities.
• Adaptability, resilience, and ability to work in complex field environments.
• Collaborative team player with ability to work across sectors and partners.

Other Skills

• Proven team player
• Able to work effectively with minimum supervision and in a diverse team environment
• Excellent planning and prioritization skills
• Ability to think tactically
• Good motivator of others
• Willing to work additional hours at crucial times

Physical Demands:

• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift 5-50 lbs.

Continued Professional Development CPD:

CARITAS NIGERIA is committed to providing CPD for its Employees. Employees are required to undertake available Training Courses and Research to enhance personal knowledge, skills and experience.

CARITAS NIGERIA fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a Competitive Benefit, Professional Development and Policies/Programs that support healthy Work/Life balance. Join our workforce to help create a society where everyone enjoys… Fullness of Life!