Senior Coordinator – Fifth International Conference on the Safe Schools Declaration

POSITION SUMMARY

The Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) is seeking a consultant to support the organization of the 5^th International Conference on the Safe Schools Declaration, which will be hosted by the government of Kenya in November 2025.  GCPEA seeks to recruit a Senior Coordinator to be based in Nairobi, who will be instrumental in supporting the realization of the conference. The coordinator will represent GCPEA in Nairobi and will work closely with the Government of Kenya and other relevant partners, including States, UN agencies and civil society organisations.

GCPEA was formed in 2010 by organizations working in the fields of education in emergencies, higher education, protection, and international human rights and humanitarian law who were concerned about ongoing attacks on educational institutions, their students, and staff in countries affected by conflict. GCPEA is governed by a Steering Committee made up of the following international organizations: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Education Above All Foundation, Plan International, Save the Children, UNICEF, and UNESCO. GCPEA is a project of the Tides Center, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, which serves as fiscal sponsor

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent GCPEA in Nairobi to ensure smooth and effective collaboration with focal points from the Kenyan government (including all the ministries involved in the planning of the Conference) as well as other co-hosts and partners;
• Significant engagement and support to multi-stakeholder coordination and conference design and planning, including partner outreach and mobilization, operations, and communications;
• Collaborate with partners to realize conference engagement and inclusion objectives, including substantive youth participation;
• Contribute to technical work and facilitate the provision of GCPEA’s substantive expertise on the Safe Schools Declaration and the Guidelines, to contribute to the design and outcomes of the conference;
• Lead GCPEA’s immediate responsibilities in follow-up to the conference, including reporting, evaluation and learning;
• Other responsibilities as assigned and when needs arise.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and experience

• Advanced degree in international development, humanitarian affairs, human rights, or a related field.
• At least 10 years’ experience in policy and advocacy work, including senior-level engagement with the government of Kenya, the African Union and the UN.
• Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder partnerships and inter-agency alliances, including collaboration with civil society organisations.
• Experience in high-level event management and international conference planning.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Excellent diplomatic and communications skills, and ability to navigate the political context of Kenya;
• Ability to lead and steer complex multi-stakeholder partnerships and interact with people from different background and cultures;
• Strong grasp of national and regional context and issues in relation in international cooperation and humanitarian response.
• Understanding of protection of civilians in humanitarian contexts and armed conflict, with knowledge on education and child protection in emergencies highly desirable;
• Familiarity with the protecting education agenda, including the Safe Schools Declaration, Education Under Attack, and the Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use in Armed Conflict;
• Ability to identify and manage risks and issues as they arise;
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks, and maintain open communication with supervisors and colleagues remotely and across time zones;
• Excellent writing, editing and presentation skills;
• Written and oral fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French, Arabic and/or Spanish is desirable. 

Work Environment, Location and Travel

GCPEA cultivates a supportive and inclusive environment and reasonable accommodation will be made for people within the defined scope of duties.  The location for this position is Nairobi, Kenya. This position will require frequent travel within Nairobi to meet with government counterparts and stakeholders and to visit event spaces and with contractors.

Applications

GCPEA’s pay range for this position is a daily rate of 350 – 400 USD, paid monthly by wire transfer. This position is open to both Kenyan Nationals and international candidates based in Nairobi. The consultancy will span March – December 15, 2025 (120 working days total). 

To apply, please send a cover letter with your daily rate, CV, and two references to safeschools@protectingeducation.org.

Applications will close on Friday, March 7^th 12PM Eastern Standard Time.