Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Office in Abuja is dedicated to implementing a multi-sectoral programme portfolio aimed at enhancing societal stability through education and environmental conservation. Established to address critical educational needs and promote sustainable development, UNESCO operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on fostering peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization is committed to ensuring quality education for all, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and supporting the development of inclusive and equitable education systems. The office in Abuja plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts across various sectors to achieve these goals, ensuring that programs are effectively managed and aligned with UNESCO's global priorities.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordinator will play a pivotal role in managing extrabudgetary programmes within the Education Sector at UNESCO. This position is essential for strengthening collaboration across different sectors of UNESCO, ensuring that the quality and consistency of programme deliverables are maintained. The coordinator will focus on the Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria project, particularly on expanding teacher education programmes that emphasize resilience in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. This includes overseeing curriculum reform, enhancing digital pedagogy, and providing strengthened support for special needs education. The role requires a proactive approach to project management, ensuring that all activities are aligned with UNESCO's mission and objectives, and that communication and visibility efforts are effectively coordinated across the portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordinator will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Intersectoral Coordination and Programme Coherence: Acting as a focal point for intersectoral programming, convening sector teams, and ensuring alignment of outputs.
• Project Coordination and Management: Overseeing the expansion of teacher education curricula, coordinating training for over 18,000 teachers, and leading capacity-building initiatives for teachers working with visually impaired learners.
• Quality Assurance: Reviewing technical documents and ensuring high-quality reporting.
• Communications and Visibility: Drafting communication materials and coordinating outreach efforts.
• Partnerships and Resource Mobilization: Contributing to partner mapping and funding proposals.
• Knowledge Management and Capacity Building: Documenting lessons learned and supporting capacity-building activities.
• Other Duties: Performing additional tasks as assigned by the Head of Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international development, project management, communications, social sciences, or a related field. They should have excellent drafting and editing skills in English, with knowledge of French considered an asset. Strong planning, organizational, and coordination abilities are essential, along with the capacity to synthesize complex technical material for diverse audiences. Familiarity with communication tools and basic multimedia production is also required, as well as strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in multicultural environments and under pressure.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as international development, project management, communications, social sciences, or a related area. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of project management and the educational landscape in Nigeria.

Experience:
The position requires relevant professional experience in programme or project coordination, preferably within international organizations or United Nations agencies. Candidates should have knowledge of extrabudgetary project management, donor reporting, and intersectoral coordination. Experience in communications, drafting documents, and enhancing programme visibility functions is desirable. Familiarity with UNESCO Global Priorities and Nigeria’s education sector will be advantageous, as will demonstrated ability to coordinate remote implementation through institutional focal point models.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while knowledge of French would be an advantage. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including international partners and local institutions.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This is a full-time position based in Abuja, Nigeria, with regular travel to project sites within the country and occasional travel within the Economic Community of West African States region. Flexibility may be required during field missions and major programme events. The position is open to external candidates, and interested applicants must submit a detailed CV, a cover letter outlining relevant experience, and contact details of two professional references by the application deadline of 20 March 2026.