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. The organization focuses on various sectors, including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information. UNESCO employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards sustainable development and the promotion of cultural diversity.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer position is integral to the implementation of the Green and Digital TVET for Enhancing Employability in Iraq project, which is a collaborative initiative between UNESCO and the European Union. This project aims to enhance the employability of Iraqi youth, particularly focusing on young women, disadvantaged groups, and refugees, through targeted educational reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The Project Officer will be responsible for coordinating project activities, engaging with stakeholders, monitoring project progress, and ensuring that the project aligns with the overall objectives of enhancing employability through innovative educational practices. The role requires a proactive approach to project management, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to adapt to the dynamic educational landscape in Iraq.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Project Implementation and Coordination: Develop detailed work plans, budgets, and output indicators; implement project activities; and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with governmental and local authorities, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to facilitate project success.
• Project Monitoring and Reporting: Track project implementation, prepare reports, and document lessons learned and best practices.
• Budget Monitoring: Ensure proper use of budget codes, advise on fund transfers, and maintain orderly documentation for audits.
• Capacity Building: Organize workshops for TVET trainers and stakeholders, contributing to the development of training materials and guidelines.
• Documentation: Prepare project documentation and progress reports, ensuring compliance with UNESCO regulations.
• Field Missions: Conduct field missions to monitor project activities and engage with local stakeholders.
• Additional Duties: Support additional tasks as requested by the Director and Project team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, social sciences, engineering, or closely related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in education combined with two additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted. Candidates should demonstrate excellent organizational skills, a sound understanding of results-based management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure in a multicultural environment. Proficiency in basic office software tools is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, social sciences, engineering, or closely related fields is required. A first-level university degree in education, combined with two additional years of qualifying professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in education, particularly in the field of TVET, is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree must have at least 4 years of relevant experience. Experience within a UN entity and working with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is desirable.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of Arabic and English is mandatory. Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages such as French, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a project appointment with a duration of 1 year, subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 56,966 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. 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.