Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development and addressing global challenges through its various programs and initiatives, including those focused on education, gender equality, and youth empowerment. UNESCO operates with a diverse workforce and emphasizes the importance of equity and inclusion in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of UNESCO's Technical Assistance Programme aimed at transforming the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in Jordan. This position involves coordinating with national stakeholders and development partners to ensure the successful execution of the programme, which is designed to address youth unemployment and gender disparities in education. The Project Officer will be responsible for developing strategic and operational plans, monitoring and evaluating programme activities, and ensuring quality assurance of deliverables. The role requires strong communication and coordination skills to facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders, including government ministries and educational institutions. The Project Officer will also contribute to broader educational initiatives aligned with UNESCO's goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in relation to SDG 4, which focuses on quality education for all.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will oversee the implementation of the Technical Assistance Programme, ensuring adherence to project agreements and plans. Key responsibilities include:

• Programme Management: Overseeing the implementation of the TA Programme, developing strategic and operational plans, and ensuring monitoring and evaluation of programme activities.
• Technical Support and Coordination: Establishing communication channels with local authorities, participating in thematic groups, and contributing to the development of technical reports and proposals.
• Donor Relations: Maintaining effective communication with donors, ensuring programme visibility, and preparing progress reports.
• Partnerships and Coordination: Building relationships with partner ministries and participating in coordination meetings related to TVET and education.
• Supervision and Teamwork: Supervising staff and contracted personnel, contributing to a collaborative work environment, and ensuring effective teamwork.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, international development, social sciences, or a related field. A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in education, particularly in TVET or closely related fields, is required. Candidates should have proven experience in institutional system strengthening, capacity development, and project management, with a sound understanding of results-based management principles. Strong analytical skills, effective team management abilities, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, international development, social sciences, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the education sector and the specific challenges faced by the TVET system in Jordan.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in education, with a focus on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) or closely related fields. Preferably, at least two years of this experience should have been acquired at the international level. Proven experience in project management, including a solid understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles, is also necessary.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic is considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the Project Officer's role in Jordan.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Project Appointment with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is USD $91,416, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities.