Education Specialist (Policy & Budget), NOC, FT

About the role

The Education Specialist (Policy and Budget) is based in Bridgetown, Barbados, within the Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO) for the UNICEF Future Focus Initiative. The specialist belongs to the Equitable and Resilient Services for Primary Health Care, Learning and Skills working group, which advances nutrition, mental health, learning and skills across the 12 English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries. The role reports to the Assistant Representative for Equitable and Resilient Services (based in Belize) and works closely with the in-country Lead in Barbados.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in education policy development, education system financing, costing analysis and public budget advocacy for children across the MCO.
• Support evidence-based education policy, track education budget allocations and engage regional education bodies to improve learning outcomes and ensure sustainable financing.
• Work with government counterparts and partners to turn evidence into policies, strategies and programmes that support child survival, growth, development and resilience.
• Collaborate with the Social Policy Specialist responsible for public finance for children, contributing education-sector analysis to work on fiscal space, public financial management, equity and financing.
• Help education authorities strengthen the policy and financing foundations for quality, inclusive and resilient education, including early and foundational learning, socio-emotional and future-ready skills, accessibility for children with disabilities, continuity of learning and climate-shock resilience.