Head of Education Unit

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. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication, and it is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

Job Overview:
The Head of Education Unit in the Iraq Office will be responsible for leading and managing the education program in Iraq, ensuring alignment with global educational frameworks and the specific needs of the Member State. This role involves overseeing the development and implementation of educational initiatives, managing a team of education personnel, and ensuring that all projects are executed in a coherent and integrated manner. The incumbent will also be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including national and international partners, to promote educational initiatives and mobilize resources. The position requires a strategic thinker who can translate educational strategies into actionable plans and effectively communicate findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the design and management of the education program for the Iraq Office, ensuring that all activities align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Iraq; managing project implementation, including technical, financial, and human resources aspects; monitoring the progress of regular and extra-budgetary funded projects; advocating for organizational involvement in educational activities; developing partnerships with national, regional, and international stakeholders; and producing knowledge management products related to education. The role also involves evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and making necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education policy, social sciences, engineering, economics, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of education, with at least 3 years of experience at the international level. Proven experience in providing policy advice in education, as well as in planning, implementing, managing, monitoring, and evaluating educational programs, is essential. Strong project and budget management skills, along with the ability to work in a multicultural environment, are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education policy, social sciences, engineering, economics, or a related field is required. A PhD or equivalent in the field of economics of education or related areas is desirable but not mandatory.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of education, with a preference for 3 years of experience acquired at the international level. Experience in the United Nations system or other multilateral organizations is considered an asset.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, which is renewable. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 109,856 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates are required to complete an online application by the specified deadline, and the selection process may include various assessments and interviews. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.