Coordinador General de la Gerencia Externa Especializada (GEE)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, ensuring that its workforce reflects the global community it serves.

Job Overview:
The position of Coordinador General de la Gerencia Externa Especializada (GEE) is crucial for the successful implementation of educational projects in Panama, particularly in collaboration with the Instituto Técnico Superior Especializado (ITSE) and the Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD). The role involves overseeing the execution of work packages related to governance and institutional strengthening within the educational sector. The individual will be responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out efficiently and effectively, adhering to the timelines established with the Unidad Ejecutora del Proyecto (UEP). This position requires a strong focus on planning, monitoring, and coordination, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including the ITSE, UNESCO, and other partners. The overarching goal is to enhance the quality of technical education in Panama, aligning it with the needs of the labor market and contributing to the country's economic and social development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Coordinador General de la Gerencia Externa Especializada (GEE) include:

• Contributing to the supervision of the education sector at UNESCO to ensure the comprehensive execution of planned activities within the defined timelines.
• Engaging in continuous planning, monitoring, and adjustment of technical and administrative processes for the execution of work packages.
• Coordinating with a technical team of two additional members who will focus on institutional and academic strengthening.
• Maintaining ongoing communication with the UEP, UNESCO San José, and GEE team members.
• Implementing technical support for the UEP in executing the governance package, in collaboration with another consultant responsible for institutional strengthening.
• Preparing technical, programmatic, and financial reports for the UEP, UNESCO, and key partners.
• Creating institutional presentations to showcase processes and experiences related to GEE implementation.
• Supporting UNESCO San José in generating opportunities for ITSE to share its experiences and knowledge at various dialogue and cooperation events.
• Performing other functions as necessary for the efficient execution of the project, guided by relevant operational documents.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• A Master's degree in education sciences, economics, or social sciences.
• Certifications in project management competencies.
• A minimum of five years of proven experience leading projects in governance within higher education institutions.
• Demonstrated experience in the education sector, particularly in CINE 5 or higher, along with knowledge of Panama's educational regulations.
• At least five years of experience in developing Terms of Reference for public procurement of goods or services.
• Experience in monitoring the implementation of higher education projects.
• Excellent planning, decision-making, and team coordination skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to produce various documents, including reports and presentations.
• Proficiency in communication and information technologies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in areas related to education sciences, economics, or social sciences. A Doctorate in technical higher education is desirable but not mandatory. Additionally, certifications in project management are required to ensure that the candidate has the necessary skills to manage and lead educational projects effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in leading projects related to governance in higher education institutions. Candidates with ten years of experience are preferred, particularly those who have worked on regulatory development projects within the education sector. Experience in monitoring and evaluating higher education projects is also essential, as is a proven track record of effective team coordination and project management.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, with candidates expected to be native speakers or demonstrate excellent proficiency. Additionally, candidates must have a strong command of English, both oral and written, to facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time, in-person role based at the ITSE offices in Panama City. The contract duration is from 7 to 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance. Candidates must have the legal right to work in Panama. The working hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The recruitment process is open to external candidates, and UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices.