Chad’s Education Crisis: UNHCR and UNOPS Partner for Refugee Support
Chad is facing a growing education crisis, particularly for refugee populations. With a refugee population that has more than tripled since 2023, access to education remains a significant challenge. The UNHCR, in collaboration with the Chadian Ministry of National Education and Civic Promotion (MENPC), is working to implement the National Refugee Education Strategy 2030, aiming to provide refugee children with educational opportunities equivalent to those offered to Chadian nationals.
The Expanding Need for Educational Access
Currently, over 508,500 children in Chad are of school age, yet only 184,600 have access to education – representing just over a third. This disparity is particularly acute for refugees. Since 2021, with donor support, 3,380 refugees (1,858 of whom are women) have been able to pursue university studies. Yet, university enrollment remains low, with only 1.5% of young refugees accessing higher education compared to a global average of 9%.
UNOPS and UNHCR Collaboration: A New Education Associate Role
To address these challenges, the UNHCR is seeking an Education Associate based in N’Djamena, Chad. This role, supported by UNOPS, will focus on expanding scholarship programs and facilitating access to higher education for refugees. The position, running from April 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, will report to an Education Officer (P3) and work under the technical supervision of an Associate Education Officer (P2).
Key Responsibilities of the Education Associate
The Education Associate will be responsible for a range of tasks, including preparing scholarship applications, coordinating with universities and vocational schools to place 3,000 scholarship recipients, and directly monitoring the progress of 600 students. This includes negotiating university enrollment, tracking academic performance, and processing scholarship payments. A key component of the role involves creating a comprehensive guide for students, covering application procedures, university enrollment, and potential risks associated with obtaining Chadian identification documents.
the associate will explore scholarship opportunities at foreign universities, assess eligibility for refugees, and provide guidance to students. They will also organize workshops on career development, including resume writing and interview preparation.
Skills and Qualifications Required
The ideal candidate will possess a university degree in education, social work, or international development, along with at least three years of relevant professional experience. Demonstrated experience in higher education programs, scholarship coordination, and working with refugee populations is essential. Strong project management, communication, and interpersonal skills are also crucial.
Fluency in French and Arabic is required, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is also necessary. Experience within the UNHCR and knowledge of its programming are considered assets.
UNOPS’s Broader Role in Chad
UNOPS has been active in Chad since 2020, delivering projects in health, education, and procurement of essential goods like vehicles and medical equipment. This collaboration with UNHCR underscores UNOPS’s commitment to supporting sustainable development and strengthening national capacities within Chad. The government of Chad has consistently acknowledged and welcomed UNOPS’s support, reaffirming its commitment to continued collaboration.
FAQ
Q: What is the duration of the Education Associate position?
A: The position runs from April 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
Q: What language skills are required?
A: Fluency in French and Arabic is required.
Q: What is the primary focus of this role?
A: The primary focus is to expand access to higher education for refugees in Chad through scholarship programs and university partnerships.
Q: Does this position require prior experience with the UNHCR?
A: While not required, experience within the UNHCR is considered an asset.
Did you know? The refugee population in Chad has more than tripled since 2023, significantly increasing the demand for educational resources.
Pro Tip: Strong communication skills in both French and Arabic are essential for success in this role, as you will be interacting with students, universities, and UNHCR staff.
Interested in learning more about humanitarian work in Chad? Explore other opportunities with the UNHCR and UNOPS. Share this article with your network to help raise awareness about the education challenges faced by refugees in Chad.
