Project Officer (Education for Health and Well-being)

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 and operates numerous programs and initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and cultural diversity.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer (Education for Health and Well-being) will play a crucial role in supporting the Senior Project Officer in managing various educational programs across the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region. This position is particularly focused on the 'Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future' (O3) Programme, which is supported by Sweden and other donors. The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical expertise and contributing to effective program management, planning, implementation, and monitoring of UNESCO’s Education for Health and Well-being portfolio. The role emphasizes the importance of cross-sector collaboration, particularly between the education and health sectors, to ensure that children and adolescents receive the necessary support to thrive in their educational environments. The Project Officer will engage in initiatives that address sexual and reproductive health and rights, school-related gender-based violence, and comprehensive sexuality education, thereby directly impacting the health and well-being of young people in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will undertake a variety of tasks and responsibilities, including but not limited to: contributing to the implementation of regional Education for Health and Well-being programs, focusing on curriculum development and teacher training; providing technical support and capacity building to partners in areas such as school health and prevention of school-related gender-based violence; supporting strategic planning and budgeting for UNESCO’s EHW programming; ensuring timely preparation of narrative and financial reports; building capacity among curriculum developers and teachers to deliver gender- and social norms-transformative comprehensive sexuality education; overseeing in-country teacher training initiatives; leading the development and dissemination of teaching resources; advocating for the integration of digital tools into national teacher Continuous Professional Development systems; overseeing the conceptualization of digital innovations to empower adolescents and young people; managing existing digital tools and resources; leading outreach initiatives targeting community leaders; and strengthening partnerships with Civil Society Organizations to enhance community engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in a relevant field such as education, health, social sciences, or public health. Additionally, a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience is required, with at least two years acquired at the international level. Experience in curriculum development, teacher training, monitoring and evaluation, and joint programming is preferred. Familiarity with the design and development of user-centric applications and online learning in a health education context is also essential. Prior experience working with the UN or other international organizations will be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's level or equivalent) in fields related to education, health, social sciences, public health, or other relevant areas. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of health and education integration and for effectively contributing to the development and implementation of programs aimed at improving health outcomes through education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on international experience. Candidates should have a proven track record in areas such as education, health, social sciences, or public health. Experience in curriculum development, teacher training, and monitoring and evaluation within an international or regional context is particularly valuable. Additionally, candidates should have experience in joint programming and the design and development of user-centric applications, as well as administration of online learning in a health education environment.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in French is considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration in multilingual environments and with diverse stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, and it is essential for applicants to complete an online application by the specified deadline. The selection process may include various assessment methods, such as video interviews and written assessments, and candidates will be informed of the outcome of their applications in due course. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals belonging to under-represented groups, including those from minority and indigenous communities, as well as persons with disabilities. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.