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. 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 employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards sustainable development and fostering intercultural dialogue.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer position is a critical role within UNESCO's Education Sector, specifically focused on implementing the project 'Economic empowerment through community-based skills development and literacy training in Afghanistan.' This project is funded by the European Union and aims to empower illiterate youth and adults, particularly girls and women aged 15 to 45, by providing them with essential livelihood skills integrated with literacy training. The officer will work under the guidance of the Officer-in-Charge and the Head of Education at the UNESCO Office in Kabul, directly supervised by the international EU Project Officer. The role involves not only project implementation but also monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, ensuring that the project meets its objectives and adheres to EU guidelines and UNESCO regulations. The officer will also be responsible for integrating psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support into the project, recognizing its importance in fostering a nurturing learning environment for participants, especially in the challenging context of Afghanistan.

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

• Project Implementation: Collaborate with the international Project Officer to develop and execute a detailed work plan, ensuring timely implementation of project activities in accordance with the project document and budget. Manage the project in compliance with EU guidelines and UNESCO’s financial regulations. Assist in developing a project procurement plan and liaise with local implementing partners to ensure quality service delivery. Communicate project goals and progress to local communities.
• Project Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting: Draft and implement the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, including log frames and Indicator Progress Tracking Tables. Utilize feedback mechanisms to gather insights from beneficiaries and stakeholders. Monitor financial utilization and prepare periodic reports as required by the EU.
• Technical Assistance and Policy Advice: Lead the localization of the regional guidebook on parenting education. Stay updated on skills development and literacy programs in Afghanistan to provide informed advice to colleagues and stakeholders.
• IP Management: Develop training plans for implementing partners and maintain regular communication regarding project implementation. Guide and monitor the recruitment and procurement processes of IPs.
• Knowledge Management and Visibility: Organize consultation and knowledge-sharing events, develop a visibility plan for the project, and prepare success stories and impact reports.
• Coordination and Partnership: Coordinate with internal teams, external partners, donors, and stakeholders to maximize project impact and ensure effective collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, development studies, or a related field. They should have at least four years of relevant work experience in education and related fields, with a deep understanding of education development, particularly in non-formal TVET, literacy, and parenting education. Candidates should demonstrate excellent project management skills, including financial management and monitoring, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and under pressure.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as education, social sciences, development studies, or a related area. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational development and the specific challenges faced in Afghanistan.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of four years of relevant work experience in education and related fields. This experience should include a solid understanding of non-formal TVET, literacy programs, and parenting education, as well as familiarity with project management in a post-conflict context. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the UN or EU, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto is considered a valuable asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates, but only nationals of Afghanistan may apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is $53,759, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving workforce diversity, encouraging applications from under-represented groups.