Consultancy for the Kiribati System Transformation Grant (STG)

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. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of more than 2,000 employees. The organization is committed to fostering inclusive and equitable quality education for all, and it plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges through its various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The position involves providing programmatic support for the Kiribati System Transformation Grant (STG), a significant initiative aimed at addressing critical challenges within the Kiribati education system. The incumbent will work under the authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States and will be directly supervised by the Education Programme Specialist. The role encompasses a variety of functions, including program and project coordination, technical oversight, financial and administrative management, capacity building, and risk management. The STG program, which has a budget of USD $2.5 million and runs from 2024 to 2028, focuses on improving access to quality education, enhancing teaching practices, and integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the education system. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that all activities align with the project document and work plan, and will assist in developing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress against the program's objectives. This position is crucial for the successful implementation of the STG program and for promoting effective communication and collaboration among various stakeholders in the education sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the position include:

• Programme and Project Coordination: Support the day-to-day management of the STG program, ensuring activities are implemented according to the project document and work plan. Coordinate technical and administrative support staff, allocate resources efficiently, and assist in developing a monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Technical Oversight and Quality Assurance: Provide technical guidance to ensure high-quality outputs related to ICT infrastructure development and teacher training. Conduct regular quality assurance checks to meet UNESCO's standards.
• Financial and Administrative Management: Assist in financial management, ensuring expenditures align with UNESCO's policies, prepare financial reports, and monitor the program's budget.
• Capacity Building and Training: Support capacity-building efforts for Ministry of Education personnel and teachers, coordinate training workshops, and enhance skills in digital literacy and data-driven education management.
• Risk Management and Safeguards: Identify potential risks to program implementation and support the implementation of mitigation strategies in line with UNESCO's safeguarding policies.
• Other Duties: Undertake field missions to monitor program activities and provide technical assistance, and perform other related duties as assigned by the Director and Education Programme Specialist.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, or closely related fields. A first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should possess strong project management and coordination skills, solid financial management skills, and excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with digital education tools or platforms are also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, or closely related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in these fields along with two years of relevant experience may be accepted. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education systems and the integration of ICT in educational practices.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience is required, particularly in coordinating or managing education projects. Experience in areas such as ICT integration, teacher development, or education system reforms is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects and possess strong project management skills.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English and Kiribati is required for this position. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful implementation of the STG program. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is open only to nationals of Kiribati and has a contract duration of 1 to 6 months. The role is full-time, and candidates are expected to submit their applications through the UNESCO Careers website. The application process requires candidates to provide a detailed CV, a cover letter, a short approach to work, and a proposed daily rate for consultancy fees. The selection process may include assessments and interviews, and candidates must provide accurate information during the application process. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.