National 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. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women, focusing on education, science, culture, communication, and information.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) activities, ensuring they align with the Comprehensive School Education System Improvement (CSESI) components. This position requires a strong focus on enhancing Pacific education systems and capacities, particularly in areas such as mainstreaming life skills, strengthening inclusive education policies, and improving national capacities in data production and utilization for evidence-based policy planning and implementation. The officer will work under the supervision of the Education Programme Specialist and collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including Heads and Programme Specialists of UNESCO's Pacific Office and International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Officer will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Technical Coordination and Communication: Establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with supervising authorities and project partners, organizing regular meetings, and ensuring all stakeholders are informed about project progress and challenges.
• Planning and Organising: Organizing logistics for technical meetings and workshops, ensuring timely planning and execution of hybrid regional and national level meetings, and preparing necessary materials and agendas.
• Progress Monitoring: Monitoring project activities, providing quarterly progress reports, supporting the design of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and disseminating monitoring questionnaires.
• Programme Visibility and Reporting: Ensuring the programme's visibility at regional and national meetings, coordinating inputs for narrative and budget reports, and managing programme funds transparently.
• Incorporating lessons learned and best practices into reports to ensure sustainability beyond the programme's closure.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social sciences, project management, international development, or closely related fields. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in education or related fields, demonstrating knowledge of education planning and management, teacher training, and curriculum development. Understanding conflict-sensitivity and risk management in education contexts is essential, as is experience in developing training materials and collaborating with ministries and development partners.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social sciences, project management, international development, or closely related fields is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational systems and the ability to implement effective project management strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of experience in the field of education or related areas, particularly in contexts involving climate change and humanitarian situations. Candidates should have a good understanding of education planning and management, as well as experience in training and capacity building within educational settings. Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations is highly desirable, particularly in project coordination and education system strengthening.

Languages:
Excellent spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Additional proficiency in Pacific languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with a duration of one year. The role is open to both internal and external candidates, and UNESCO offers a competitive salary package, including benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 103,364 FJD. Candidates are encouraged to apply online, and the selection process may include assessments and interviews. UNESCO emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds.