National Programme Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has been a pivotal entity in promoting education, science, culture, and communication globally since its establishment in 194

• With a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. The organization focuses on fostering international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms, aiming to ensure that everyone has access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. In Afghanistan, UNESCO has been particularly active in supporting skills development and literacy training, especially for marginalized groups such as women and girls, who face significant barriers to education and economic participation.

Job Overview:
The National Programme Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the planning, implementation, and coordination of UNESCO's Skills Development and Literacy (SDL) Programme in Afghanistan. This position is vital for overseeing the integrated literacy and skills development project across ten provinces, ensuring that the project meets its goals and targets. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including government authorities and implementing partners, to facilitate the effective delivery of educational programs. The role requires a strong commitment to promoting education as a fundamental human right and ensuring that marginalized groups, particularly women and girls, have access to quality learning opportunities. The officer will also be responsible for developing work plans, financial plans, and quality assurance mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness of the SDL Programme.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Programme Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the SDL Programme Team Lead in the overall planning, implementation, and coordination of the SDL programme.
• Overseeing the implementation of an integrated literacy and skills development project in ten provinces.
• Collaborating with key stakeholders and engaging with relevant authorities to ensure project progress.
• Developing detailed work plans for literacy and skills-related projects and regularly reviewing project activities.
• Creating financial plans, including procurement of goods and services, and ensuring timely delivery of teaching materials.
• Supporting the development of training and supervision plans for Master Trainers and facilitators.
• Monitoring project implementation, collecting and reviewing reports from implementing partners, and ensuring quality and completeness.
• Capturing best practices and lessons learned to inform ongoing project planning.
• Acting as the focal point for communication with implementing partners and addressing any bottlenecks. 1
• Establishing quality assurance mechanisms for teaching and learning processes and conducting regular field visits to monitor adherence to standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. A first-level degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional relevant experience. The role requires excellent project management skills, including financial management and monitoring, as well as strong coordination and organizational abilities. Candidates should demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to draft clearly and concisely. The ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and under pressure is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Education, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or Development Studies. A first-level degree may be considered if the candidate has additional relevant experience that compensates for the lack of a master's degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four years of relevant experience in project planning, implementation, and coordination within the education sector, particularly in technical and vocational education or non-formal skills development interventions. Experience with the UN or international organizations is desirable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the operational frameworks and standards expected in such environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates should have proficiency in Dari and/or Pashto, which are essential for effective communication within the local context and with beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a non-staff contract at Level 4, with a duration of 7 to 11 months. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, and the application deadline is set for midnight on October 11, 202

• UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.