NORCAP works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. We do this by providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners, because we believe working together is the best way to reduce needs, risks and vulnerability over time. We seek and promote more effective ways of working at the global level and in the field. NORCAP’s aim is not only to reduce needs, but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people. NORCAP works with and through our partners to improve aid in two complementary ways:
- We provide targeted expertise to strengthen our partners’ response.
- We collaborate with partners to develop solutions to un‑met gaps and challenges.
This role contributes directly to NORCAP’s mission by strengthening national education systems to ensure inclusive, coordinated, and sustainable education pathways for people affected by displacement.
NORCAP is partnering with the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) of the Republic of Moldova to support the government’s response to the education needs arising from the war in Ukraine. The assignment focuses on strengthening institutional capacity for refugee education, improving coordination across government and partners, and supporting the inclusion of Ukrainian refugee children and adolescents within Moldova’s education system.
The Role
The Education Officer strengthens the Ministry of Education and Research’s capacity to plan, coordinate, and implement inclusive education responses for Ukrainian refugees in Moldova. Working closely with ministry counterparts and humanitarian partners, the role supports effective coordination, monitoring, and data‑informed decision‑making, with a strong emphasis on sustainable systems, national ownership, and practical solutions.
The position is based in Chișinău, is a non‑family posting, and is offered as a fixed‑term contract until 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension. The role reports to the Head of Interethnic Relations Policy Section at MER, with a technical reporting line to the NORCAP Education Thematic Manager.
Main tasks and responsibilities
As the Education Officer, you will take on the following responsibilities:
- Support the Ministry of Education and Research in coordinating the Refugee Education Working Group, including agenda preparation, meeting facilitation, documentation, and systematic follow‑up of agreed actions.
- Strengthen internal and inter‑ministerial coordination on refugee education, ensuring consistent, up‑to‑date information on enrolment, attendance, and education modalities.
- Support the implementation and monitoring of the national Roadmap for the Inclusion of Refugee Children in the Education System, with particular attention to accelerated learning and preparatory programmes.
- Develop and maintain practical monitoring and tracking tools to support evidence‑based oversight of refugee education initiatives.
- Facilitate structured engagement and information exchange between the Ministry of Education and Research of Moldova and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine on refugee education.
- Support school visits, community outreach, and engagement with local authorities to identify access barriers and practical solutions for refugee learners.
- Strengthen ministry capacity in data collection, information management, reporting, and coordination related to refugee education.
- Contribute up to 15 per cent of time to NORCAP knowledge exchange, collaboration with other experts, and participation in relevant technical initiatives, in line with the partnership agreement.
Qualifications and experience
To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:
- At least six years of relevant professional experience in education in emergencies and/or education development, with strong experience supporting ministries of education and system strengthening in crisis and displacement contexts.
- Proven experience in refugee education programmes, including needs assessment, contingency or preparedness planning, and capacity strengthening, with solid knowledge of Inter‑Agency Network for Education in Emergencies Minimum Standards and refugee protection principles.
- Comprehensive understanding of humanitarian response, protection, peacebuilding, and human rights, including practical experience supporting education in post‑crisis or emergency settings and advising national or local authorities on the right to education.
- Familiarity with United Nations coordination mechanisms and demonstrated ability to engage in effective partnership, coordination, and negotiation with government and humanitarian actors, including working under pressure and tight deadlines.
- Familiarity with International, EU and European Commission education policies and benchmarks is considered an asset.
- Master’s degree or higher in education, social sciences, or another relevant field.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken).
- Working knowledge of Russian and/or Romanian (written and spoken).
Please read the attached terms of reference for more details on activities and deliverables before applying.
Competencies
The main competencies for the NORCAP expert taking on this role are:
- Building working relationships
- Planning and organising
- Adaptability
- Communicating with impact
What we offer
In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:
- Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
- Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
- A dedicated Staff Care Unit
- Eligibility for consideration for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review
- Residents of Moldova will be appointed on a NRC national contract.
Our values and commitment
NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
All NRC employees are expected to act in accordance with the organisation’s values.
Being dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are behaviours and beliefs that guide how we work and how we build relationships. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.
NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crisis.
NRC has a zero‑tolerance stance toward any form of exploitation or abuse, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH), and we do not tolerate inaction when concerns arise.
All offers are subject to reference and background checks conducted in line with our safeguarding standards, and NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
How to apply
Based on what you have read so far, do you think you could be a good fit? If so, please follow these steps and apply!
- When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
- NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates
- An approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment
- Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement
Apply before Tuesday, 28th April 2026, 11.59 PM CET.
We look forward to receiving your application!