Associate Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Kabul Office serves as the National Office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Afghanistan. Established in 2002, the office has been pivotal in strengthening technical cooperation and capacity across key areas such as education, culture, communication and information, and the natural and social sciences. It leads coordination efforts in the education sector, advocates for press freedom and the safety of journalists, and collaborates closely with government counterparts and partners to safeguard Afghanistan’s cultural heritage, promote inclusive learning, and foster peace through international collaboration. The office aims to advance UNESCO’s mission in the country and is committed to enhancing educational opportunities and cultural preservation.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer will work within the Education team of the UNESCO Kabul Office, focusing on the implementation of educational mandates. This role involves supporting the Project Officer in preparing and executing detailed work plans to ensure timely delivery of project activities, adhering to the approved project document and budget. The officer will contribute to day-to-day project coordination, ensuring compliance with EU guidelines and UNESCO regulations. The position also entails liaising with local implementing partners to facilitate the quality and timely delivery of project activities at the community level, as well as supporting communication and outreach efforts to inform local communities about project objectives and achievements. The role requires a strong commitment to monitoring and evaluation, contributing to the development and regular updating of project M&E tools, and assisting in the preparation of periodic reports in line with EU requirements. Additionally, the officer will provide technical assistance and policy advice, ensuring that educational materials are culturally appropriate and relevant to the local context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Project Officer will be responsible for several key duties:

• Project Implementation: Support the Project Officer in preparing and implementing detailed work plans, ensuring timely delivery of project activities.
• Day-to-Day Coordination: Assist in coordinating project activities, ensuring compliance with EU guidelines and UNESCO regulations.
• Procurement Support: Help prepare project procurement plans and coordinate with the procurement unit for contracting processes.
• Community Liaison: Engage with local implementing partners to ensure quality project delivery at the community level.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Contribute to the development and regular updating of M&E tools, and assist in monitoring financial utilization and preparing reports.
• Technical Assistance: Provide analytical inputs and technical contributions to support skills development and literacy programs.
• Partner Management: Support the development and implementation of training plans for implementing partners, maintaining communication for effective project implementation.
• Knowledge Management: Organize consultations and knowledge-sharing events, and contribute to project visibility and communication activities.
• Reporting: Prepare timely donor progress reports and analytical outputs to support project objectives.

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 progressively responsible professional experience in education or related development fields, with demonstrated experience in non-formal education, TVET, literacy programs, and/or parenting education. Strong project management skills, including results-based management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate sensitivity and adaptability in fragile or post-conflict contexts, along with strong coordination, organizational, and analytical skills. Excellent drafting, interpersonal, and communication skills are required, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment and manage competing priorities under pressure.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational systems and development processes, particularly in a context like Afghanistan, where educational challenges are significant and multifaceted.

Experience:
Candidates should have progressively responsible professional experience in education or related development fields. This includes demonstrated experience in non-formal education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), literacy programs, and/or parenting education. The role requires familiarity with project management and the ability to analyze project data to identify issues and contribute to practical solutions. Experience working in fragile or post-conflict contexts is highly valued, as is prior experience with UN or EU-funded projects.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English (both written and spoken) is mandatory. Additionally, candidates must have excellent knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto, as these languages are essential for effective communication within the local context and with community stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on resource availability and satisfactory performance. The role is open to Afghan nationals only. The position offers a competitive salary, with an approximate annual starting salary of 37,838 USD, along with benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates must complete an online application by the specified deadline, and the selection process may include video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, to apply.