National Project Officer (Education)

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan is dedicated to advancing the quality, inclusiveness, and relevance of education in the country. Established to lead key initiatives, UNESCO aims to support the ongoing educational reforms in Uzbekistan, which are crucial for improving teaching and learning standards. The organization focuses on enhancing teacher capacity and professional development, addressing the challenges posed by outdated pedagogical methods. With a commitment to fostering modern teaching methodologies, digital competencies, and inclusive education approaches, UNESCO plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Uzbekistan. The organization operates with a mission to ensure that education is accessible and equitable for all, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and social progress.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer (Education) will be responsible for implementing and supporting UNESCO's Education Programme in Uzbekistan. This role involves providing technical expertise and coordinating with both national and international partners to ensure that the programme aligns with the government's educational reforms. The officer will contribute to the development of teacher training curricula, focusing on competency-based education (CBE) and enhancing the quality of pre-service and in-service teacher training. The position requires a proactive approach to address the gaps in teacher education and to facilitate the professional development of educators. The officer will also engage in monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the programme's impact and effectiveness, ensuring that the objectives are met and that quality outputs are delivered.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing technical inputs for the preparation and implementation of detailed work plans for the Education Programme, ensuring timely delivery of project activities.
• Supporting the Education Unit in coordinating day-to-day programme activities in accordance with agreed-upon work plans and timelines.
• Advising on the design and implementation of activities aimed at reforming teacher education and establishing systems for continuous professional development aligned with CBE principles.
• Building institutional capacity of teacher training centers and professional development centers to sustain quality learning for educators.
• Liaising with local partners to ensure the quality and timely delivery of project activities at the regional level.
• Developing training materials and guidelines related to teacher training in alignment with UNESCO priorities.
• Facilitating communication and collaboration between UNESCO and national stakeholders involved in the Education Programme.
• Contributing to the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess programme progress and impact.
• Participating in organizing workshops and training sessions for government counterparts and education stakeholders. 1
• Developing knowledge products and resources to help sustain and expand the impact of UNESCO’s education interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Additionally, they should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of general education. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, along with a good understanding of results-based and budget management tools. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work under pressure, manage heavy workloads, and meet tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and quality of work. Strong IT skills, including proficiency in standard office software, are required, as well as analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. The ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and engage with counterparts and colleagues is also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of education, social sciences, international relations, or other relevant fields is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the educational landscape, particularly in relation to teacher training and educational reforms.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of general education. This experience should ideally include work related to teacher training, educational programme implementation, and collaboration with educational stakeholders. Candidates with experience in pre-service and in-service teacher training will be given preference, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the National Project Officer role.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English and Uzbek languages, both written and oral. This proficiency is crucial for effective communication within the organization and with local stakeholders. Additionally, knowledge of the Russian language is considered desirable, as it may facilitate further engagement with a broader range of partners and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with a duration of 1 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 Uzbekistan may apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is USD 47,946, 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 involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities.