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 with a commitment to the core values of integrity, respect for diversity, professionalism, and a commitment to the organization. UNESCO's Education for Health and Well-being Strategy is a key initiative that emphasizes the importance of health in the educational context, recognizing that healthy children and adolescents are better equipped to learn and thrive. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide, working collaboratively with various partners to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer position is crucial for the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of UNESCO’s initiatives related to Education for Health and Well-being in South Africa. This role involves working closely with the Department of Basic Education to integrate health education into the national curriculum and ensure that educational programs address the health needs of learners. The incumbent will lead the implementation of the Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3) Programme and oversee the EU-funded project addressing school-related gender-based violence (GBV). The position requires a strategic approach to enhance educational outcomes while promoting health and well-being among students. The officer will engage with various stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and community leaders, to advocate for the importance of health education and to foster a collaborative environment for program success.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing program and technical support for the O3 Programme, identifying opportunities for UNESCO to assist in policy development and programming related to Education for Health and Well-being.
• Leading the implementation of the O3 program in South Africa, focusing on improving education, gender, and health outcomes for learners.
• Overseeing the EU-funded School-Related GBV project across four provinces, ensuring effective execution and monitoring.
• Conducting advocacy with policymakers and community leaders to strengthen the implementation of health education initiatives.
• Supporting the development and delivery of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and school violence prevention programs.
• Building capacity among educators and curriculum developers to effectively deliver CSE.
• Promoting the establishment of safer and healthier school environments through community engagement and policy development.
• Commissioning research to inform decision-making and strengthen program implementation.
• Supporting strategic planning and budgeting for UNESCO’s engagement in health education programming. 1
• Representing UNESCO in various coordination forums and maintaining partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social sciences, public health, or a relevant field. Additionally, they should have a strong understanding of the education sector and development work in South Africa, particularly in relation to health education and gender-based violence. The role requires excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of partners, including government officials, civil society organizations, and educational institutions. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills are also essential for this position.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social sciences, public health, or a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary theoretical framework and practical knowledge to address the complex interconnections between health and education, particularly in the context of South Africa's unique challenges.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four (4) years of relevant work experience in areas related to sexual and reproductive health and education. This experience should include involvement in curriculum development, learning assessment, and monitoring and evaluation of educational programs. A proven track record in resource mobilization and budget management is also highly desirable, as is experience in working with governmental and non-governmental organizations in the education sector.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in at least one of the local languages spoken in South Africa is considered an asset, as it enhances communication with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, but only nationals of South Africa may apply. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for geographical mobility as required by UNESCO. The compensation package includes a basic salary, annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan, with an approximate annual starting salary of 1,160,961 ZAR. The selection process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks.