Associate National Project Officer

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 operates numerous programs and initiatives worldwide, focusing on sustainable development, education for all, and the preservation of cultural heritage. UNESCO employs thousands of professionals globally, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Associate National Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of the HP FUTURES project, which aims to enhance educational outcomes in Himachal Pradesh through a focus on Greening Education. This position requires the individual to lead the Greening Education pillar, which involves strengthening teacher capacity through workshops on climate education, integrating UNESCO's Greening Curriculum Guidance, and supporting schools in developing action plans to meet Green School Quality Standards. The officer will also liaise with various government departments and stakeholders, coordinate Eco-Club activities, and contribute to UNESCO’s broader greening education initiatives across South Asia. The role demands a proactive approach to project management, collaboration with educational institutions, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders to promote sustainability in education.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate National Project Officer include leading the implementation of the Greening Education pillar of the HP FUTURES project, organizing district-level workshops on climate education, and supporting schools in developing action plans to meet Green School Quality Standards. The officer will coordinate with government departments, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to facilitate project activities, oversee the integration of greening themes in schools, and manage Eco-Club activities. Additionally, the officer will contribute to the development of concept notes and project proposals, engage with national counterparts, draft technical documents, and maintain project documentation. The role also involves providing logistical and administrative support for various projects and events, monitoring project implementation, and contributing to office-wide activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Education, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Social Sciences, or a related field. A strong understanding of UNESCO’s Greening Education principles and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is essential. Candidates should have experience working with government education systems and national counterparts in India or South Asia, along with strong program coordination and stakeholder engagement skills. The ability to develop concept notes, technical documents, and advocacy materials is also required, along with strong analytical, reporting, and drafting skills.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Education, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, or Social Sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational programs and environmental initiatives, as well as for effectively contributing to the goals of the HP FUTURES project.

Experience:
Candidates should have less than two years of progressively responsible professional experience in education program implementation, project coordination, environmental education, or a related field. Relevant experience beyond the minimum requirement will be considered an asset, particularly knowledge of the Himachal Pradesh education context and experience in teacher capacity building and curriculum development.

Languages:
Excellent command of English (both written and spoken) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of Hindi is required, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of project implementation.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment for 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, but only nationals of India may apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is Indian Rupees 2,540,587, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates should be aware that the selection process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.