Associate National Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is a prominent institute under UNESCO, dedicated to promoting education that fosters peace and sustainable development. Established to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4.7, the institute focuses on creating educational frameworks that encourage global citizenship and social responsibility. MGIEP employs a diverse team of professionals and operates in various countries, working collaboratively with educational institutions, governments, and NGOs to implement innovative educational practices. The organization is committed to enhancing the quality of education through digital pedagogies and social-emotional learning, aiming to build peaceful societies through education.

Job Overview:
The Associate National Project Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the Director of UNESCO MGIEP by managing the office's coordination and ensuring effective communication and execution of the Institute's programs. This position requires a proactive individual who can facilitate the smooth flow of information and assist in the planning and implementation of strategic initiatives. The officer will be responsible for liaising with various stakeholders, including UNESCO headquarters, field offices, and national commissions, to ensure alignment with the Institute's objectives. The role demands a strong focus on strategic planning, monitoring progress, and preparing analytical reports that contribute to the Institute's mission of promoting peace and sustainable development through education.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic support to the Director by coordinating and monitoring program planning, implementation, and reporting in accordance with the Institute’s Mid-term Strategy and Biennial Programme.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including UNESCO HQ, Field Offices, and various educational ministries, to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
• Assist in formulating and executing strategic priorities and initiatives, contributing to the Institute’s strategic planning processes.
• Prepare policy briefs, analytical summaries, and draft inputs for reports on cross-cutting issues.
• Collaborate with the communications team to prepare reports for the Annual Governing Board Meeting and other official communications.
• Draft and review speeches, talking points, and briefing notes for the Director and senior officials.
• Coordinate meetings chaired by the Director, including background research and documentation.
• Manage the Director’s schedule, travel, correspondence, and related documentation, acting as a backup for the executive assistant when necessary.
• Maintain tracking systems for institutional priorities and provide regular updates to the Director. 1
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the supervisor to ensure the smooth functionality of the Institute.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master’s) in international relations, public or business administration, political science, social sciences, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in managing executive functions, including program coordination and policy advisory roles. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and proficiency in standard office software are essential for this position. Candidates should demonstrate a capacity for teamwork and maintaining effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master’s) in relevant fields such as international relations, public or business administration, political science, or social sciences is required. A PhD in these areas is considered a desirable qualification, enhancing the candidate's profile for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in independently managing executive functions, particularly in program coordination and policy advisory roles. Experience working with various stakeholders, especially in multilateral organizations or the UN system, is highly valued and considered a significant asset.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, and very good knowledge of Hindi. Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or regional Indian languages is considered desirable and can enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is a project appointment with a contract duration of one year, which may be extended based on satisfactory performance. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, but only Indian nationals are eligible to apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is INR 3,188,100, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds, as well as persons with disabilities.