Programme Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, established to enhance educational opportunities across Asia and the Pacific, operates in several countries including Afghanistan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand. The office plays a pivotal role in representing UNESCO within the United Nations regional framework, particularly focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The organization is dedicated to strengthening the capacities of member states in education policy and planning, and it supports various educational programs, including higher education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and digital transformation initiatives. The office also serves as the Secretariat for significant educational networks and conventions, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among member states and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Programme Coordinator will be responsible for designing, planning, coordinating, implementing, and monitoring educational programs aligned with UNESCO's objectives in the Asia-Pacific region. This role involves ensuring that program outputs meet quality standards and are delivered on time. The incumbent will regularly update project work plans, manage procurement processes, and assess the quality of services provided by partners. Additionally, the coordinator will contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of program activities, prepare reports for stakeholders, and ensure effective communication and visibility of the programs. The position requires collaboration with government entities, international organizations, and other stakeholders to align programs with national education reforms and mobilize resources for educational initiatives. The incumbent will also support the office's resource mobilization efforts in higher education, TVET, and digital transformation, ensuring that programs are sustainable and impactful.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of educational programs by ensuring compliance with specific objectives and expected outputs, including quality assurance and regular monitoring of project work plans.
• Plan and organize procurement of goods and services, monitor implementation, and assess the quality of services provided.
• Identify and liaise with program implementation partners and manage contracts, ensuring timely disbursement of funds.
• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of program activities, prepare reports on progress, and suggest updates to program timelines.
• Conduct meetings for program coordination, prepare minutes, and develop action plans with clear responsibilities.
• Present strategic analyses on program performance and ensure effective communication of program achievements.
• Maintain relationships with government counterparts and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with national education reforms.
• Mobilize UNESCO's resources in support of government initiatives and facilitate access to international knowledge and best practices.
• Support UN engagement through the development and monitoring of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework at the country level. 1
• Engage in resource mobilization efforts for educational programs, including TVET and digital transformation initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, social sciences, international development, or a related field. They should have at least four years of relevant work experience in education, with a minimum of two years at the international level, particularly in technical assistance and project management. Experience in education-related programs, including TVET, skills development, higher education, or digital transformation, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate excellent project management skills, including financial management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. The ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and manage heavy workloads under pressure is essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, social sciences, international development, or a related area is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational systems and policies, as well as for effectively managing programs that aim to improve educational outcomes in diverse contexts.

Experience:
The position requires at least four years of relevant work experience in the field of education, with a strong preference for candidates who have acquired at least two years of this experience at the international level. This experience should include technical assistance and project management in education, particularly in areas such as TVET, skills development, higher education, or digital transformation. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully implementing educational programs and managing partnerships with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another UN language would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is a temporary appointment with a contract duration of 11 months, starting from July 1, 2026, and ending on May 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates, and the application process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and panel interviews. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary for this post being 96,159 USD, along with benefits such as annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates are encouraged to apply by the specified deadline, ensuring that all information provided is complete and accurate.