Education Planning Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) is a specialized organization established in 1963 as part of UNESCO. It focuses on supporting educational policy, planning, and management globally. IIEP operates in multiple countries, with offices in Paris, Dakar, and Buenos Aires. The organization aims to enhance the capacity of ministries of education and their partners through training, technical assistance, research, and knowledge sharing. IIEP's mission is to improve education systems worldwide, and it recently launched its Medium-Term Strategy for 2026-2029 to further its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Education Planning Specialist will work under the overall authority of the Director of IIEP and the direct supervision of a Senior Education Specialist. The role involves supporting the implementation of various technical cooperation projects related to educational planning and management. The incumbent will contribute to analytical work, training programs, and knowledge-sharing activities. Candidates should possess expertise in two of the following areas: supporting education sector planning, developing complex capacity development programs for ministries of education, and planning for Early Childhood Education. The position requires a proactive approach to engage with member states in developing and monitoring education sector analyses, plans, and policies, ensuring alignment with IIEP's Medium-Term Strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a range of duties, including: supporting member states in developing and implementing education sector analyses and plans; assisting in the creation of operational plans and monitoring and evaluation frameworks; facilitating discussions with Ministries of Education on policy trade-offs; developing management tools and preparing joint sector reviews; implementing training initiatives for education stakeholders; contributing to the design of training courses and capacity development programs; producing knowledge on education sector planning and management; and managing IIEP's technical cooperation portfolio, including project development and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, social sciences, international development, or related fields. They should have less than 2 years of relevant professional experience in educational planning, including experience in developing education sector analyses and plans, particularly for Early Childhood Education. Additionally, candidates should have experience in creating and implementing training programs for education professionals and conducting evidence-based educational research or policy reviews.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, social sciences, international development, or related areas is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to educational planning and management.

Experience:
Candidates should have less than 2 years of relevant professional experience in educational planning. This includes experience in developing education sector analyses, creating education sector plans, and expertise in educational planning for the early childhood education sub-sector. Experience in developing and implementing training programs for education professionals is also essential, along with a background in evidence-based educational research and policy analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of French is considered an asset, as it will facilitate communication within the multicultural environment of UNESCO and enhance collaboration with French-speaking member states.

Additional Notes:
The position is a project appointment with a duration of 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 67,723 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. 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 under-represented groups.