National Focal Point for SDG Stories Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, which serves as a vital link between the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Lebanese government and civil society. Established to promote education, science, culture, communication, and information, the Commission plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration between various stakeholders in Lebanon and the Arab region. It operates within the framework of UNESCO's mission to foster peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The Commission engages with multiple partners, including the Arab League Educational Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures (ALF), to enhance educational initiatives and cultural exchanges. The organization is dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and empowering young individuals through innovative educational programs.

Job Overview:
The National Focal Point for the SDG Stories Initiative will play a pivotal role in engaging young people aged 7 to 16 in Lebanon with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through storytelling. This position involves identifying and establishing networks among 30 schools across Lebanon to participate in the SDG Stories Phase V. The incumbent will work closely with ESCWA and the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO to facilitate joint activities and development projects that promote the SDGs. The role requires conducting field visits to beneficiary schools, organizing highlight events related to the SDG Stories Initiative, and ensuring effective communication between various stakeholders. The National Focal Point will also contribute to capacity-building sessions for teachers and promote intergenerational dialogue, good citizenship, and global leadership among participants. This position is expected to last for six months and is integral to the successful implementation of the SDG Stories Initiative in Lebanon.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Focal Point will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: acting as the primary liaison between ESCWA, the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, and the designated beneficiary schools; identifying 30 target schools for the SDG Stories Initiative for the academic year 2025-26; advising schools and national authorities on the adoption and implementation of SDG-related activities; facilitating information flow between ESCWA and schools; participating in field visits to beneficiary schools; assisting in the planning and organization of relevant events, including capacity-building sessions for teachers; exchanging expertise with the SDG Stories Team; and promoting the SDGs, intergenerational dialogue, good citizenship, and global leadership among teachers, staff, and students involved in the initiative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a recognized first-level degree in education, sociology, psychology, social service, international relations, political science, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of professional work experience with NGOs, local governments, and international organizations on projects related to education, science, and culture is required. A current relevant position at the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO is also necessary. Experience working with both public and private schools in Lebanon is desirable, as is other relevant UN experience.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a recognized first-level degree in fields such as education, sociology, psychology, social service, international relations, political science, or related areas. Candidates must submit a copy of their educational degree as part of their application, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional work experience, particularly in roles related to education, science, and culture, with a focus on collaboration with NGOs, local governments, and international organizations. Candidates should have a current relevant position at the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO and experience working with public and private schools in Lebanon is highly desirable. Additional relevant experience within the UN system is also considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory for this position, as it is a working language of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate fluency in all four areas of language proficiency: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Additionally, English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and knowledge of these languages is beneficial for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meetings, processing, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.