Programme Assistant – Education

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 is committed to fostering sustainable development and promoting human rights, gender equality, and cultural diversity. UNESCO employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively across various sectors to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant – Education will play a crucial role in supporting UNESCO’s Education for Health and Well-being (EHWB) agenda in Bangladesh. This position involves providing technical, coordination, and operational support to ensure the effective planning and implementation of key EHWB projects. These projects include Health Promoting Schools (HPS), Social and Emotional Well-being (SEW), Building Strong Foundations (BSF), and initiatives related to gender-responsive pedagogy and the prevention of school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV). The Programme Assistant will also contribute to the regular education programme by engaging in research, knowledge management, and the development of training modules and curricula. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders and the ability to support evidence-based implementation of educational priorities in Bangladesh. The Programme Assistant will work under the supervision of the Chief of Education and the Programme Officer for Education, ensuring that all activities align with UNESCO’s strategic objectives and priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the planning, coordination, and implementation of Health Promoting Schools (HPS) initiatives, including the development and monitoring of action plans.
• Facilitating data collection, documentation, and analysis to identify best practices and lessons learned from HPS implementation.
• Coordinating with various ministries and educational institutions to ensure coherence between HPS interventions and curriculum priorities.
• Assisting in the preparation of progress updates, monitoring reports, and policy briefs for stakeholders.
• Supporting the development of the GPE System Transformation Grant (STG) proposal and organizing relevant meetings and workshops.
• Providing strategic support for the integration of Social and Emotional Well-being (SEW) within education initiatives.
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of Building Strong Foundations (BSF) initiatives, focusing on health education and gender equality.
• Drafting project concept notes for resource mobilization and supporting research and evidence-generation activities.
• Drafting programme-related documents and communication materials in both English and Bangla. 1
• Ensuring gender equality and inclusion are integrated across all activities and maintaining organized programme records.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, or related disciplines. Additionally, a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible work experience in technical, logistical, administrative, and management support for programme implementation is required. Experience with UN agencies, INGOs, or government agencies is preferred. Candidates should also have experience in developing communication materials, including social media content.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the field of Education or Social Sciences or other related disciplines is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Programme Assistant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively support UNESCO’s educational initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience. This experience should encompass technical, logistical, administrative, and management support for programme implementation, ideally within the context of UN agencies, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), or government agencies. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of educational programming and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in both written and spoken English and Bangla is essential for this position. This bilingual capability is crucial for drafting documents, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring effective collaboration within the educational context in Bangladesh. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a national position based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and females are encouraged to apply. The contract duration is set for 10 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The position is full-time, and the salary will be graded at SC2-1 per month, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Programme Assistant may be required to undertake field missions, with related expenses covered by UNESCO according to relevant regulations. The recruitment process will involve an online application, and candidates will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined in the vacancy notice, which may include tests and assessments.