Programme Specialist and Team Lead for Gender Equality in 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 workforce of over 2,000 employees, UNESCO operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization is dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable quality education for all, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and advancing gender equality in and through education.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist and Team Lead for Gender Equality in Education will play a pivotal role within the UNESCO Education Sector, specifically in the Division for Education 203

• This position is crucial for supporting Member States and partners in implementing activities aimed at achieving gender equality and inclusion in education, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and
• The incumbent will provide senior technical leadership and coordination, reinforcing UNESCO's role as a global reference in gender-transformative education. The role requires strategic guidance to mainstream gender equality in educational programming, managing a diverse portfolio of initiatives, and contributing to the development of knowledge products and normative guidance. The position also involves monitoring and reporting on gender-related indicators, enhancing visibility of UNESCO's work, and supporting resource mobilization efforts through project proposals and partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic guidance to mainstream gender equality in education, managing the design and implementation of programs aimed at advancing gender equality, and ensuring quality and results-based delivery. They will contribute to the development of knowledge products and normative guidance, lead monitoring and reporting on gender-related indicators, and prepare consolidated reports for governing bodies and partners. The role includes providing specialized technical expertise, supporting resource mobilization efforts, maintaining strategic partnerships, and guiding colleagues on thematic areas while evaluating progress and performance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Education, Social or Human Sciences, History, Political Science, or related fields. They should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience related to gender equality in education, with at least three years at the international level. Demonstrated experience in project design, management, monitoring, evaluation, fundraising, and communication is essential. Candidates should also have a very good understanding of gender equality issues in education and the ability to provide policy advice and develop international policy documents.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Education, Social or Human Sciences, History, Political Science, or related areas is required. Additional training or specialization in gender equality is desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant professional experience, with a focus on gender equality in education. This experience should include project management, monitoring, evaluation, and resource mobilization, ideally with three years at the international level. Familiarity with the workings of international organizations or the United Nations System is also beneficial.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English or French (written and spoken) is mandatory, along with a good working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, renewable. The approximate annual starting salary is 136,696 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, and geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving workforce diversity, encouraging applications from under-represented Member States and individuals from minority and indigenous groups.