National Project Officer - Program Design and Policy

Job Posting Organization:
The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is a pioneering institute established by UNESCO, focusing on education as a means to foster peace and sustainable development. It is the first education-related category 1 institute in the Asia-Pacific region, dedicated to promoting innovative educational practices that contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable world. MGIEP engages in various projects that emphasize education policy, research, and program implementation, aiming to enhance human well-being through transformative education. The institute employs empirical evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of its programs, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with its mission.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer - design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Program Design and Policy will play a crucial role in advancing MGIEP's mission by leading the design and development of educational and policy research programs. This position involves collaborating with various teams within MGIEP to create program designs, Theories of Change, and policy uptake strategies. The officer will also draft essential documents and frameworks necessary for the successful development of programs. The role requires a proactive approach to program management, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and meet high-quality standards. The officer will be responsible for training educators and facilitators, supporting their professional development, and staying abreast of the latest trends in educational program development and peace education.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Officer will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Leading the design and development of MGIEP’s educational and policy research programs that align with the institute's mission.
• Supporting other teams in developing program designs and related activities.
• Drafting relevant documents, frameworks, and guidelines necessary for program development.
• Coordinating with project teams to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of outputs.
• Managing partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and stakeholders to support program design and implementation.
• Ensuring compliance with UNESCO’s Results-Based Management (RBM) framework in program monitoring and reporting.
• Providing training and capacity-building sessions for educators on curriculum delivery and instructional design practices.
• Supporting the professional development of junior colleagues by guiding them through program design and evaluation processes.
• Staying updated on developments in educational program development, policy analysis, and peace education.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in education, program management, program evaluation, or a related field. Additionally, they should have a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in program design, development, and evaluation, preferably within the education sector. Demonstrated experience in managing educational and/or research projects, as well as familiarity with Results-Based Management (RBM) and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks, is essential. Experience in content development for educational programs, particularly in areas related to peace, sustainability, or social-emotional learning (SEL), is also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in education, program management, program evaluation, or a related field. A Ph.D. in education, research methods, or a related field is highly desirable, as it would enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 4 years of relevant experience in program design, development, and evaluation, particularly in the education sector. Experience with international educational programs and research is considered an asset, as is experience in leading evaluation or program design projects in international settings.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English (both written and spoken) is mandatory, along with good knowledge of Hindi. Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or regional Indian languages is desirable and would be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for 1 year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. This position is open only to nationals of India. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is INR 4,926,329, subject to deductions for pension, insurance, etc. Benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates must complete an online application by the deadline, and the selection process may include video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities.