Associate Project Officer - Education Finance

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1963 and is dedicated to promoting peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of thousands of employees. The organization focuses on fostering educational policies and practices that support sustainable development and social inclusion, and it plays a crucial role in shaping educational systems worldwide through its International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP).

Job Overview:
The Associate Education Programme Specialist will work under the overall authority of the IIEP Director and will be directly supervised by the Head of the Cost, Finance and Budget Unit. This position is pivotal in implementing various funded projects aimed at enhancing the capacity of Ministries of Education and other partners in planning and managing education sectors. The role requires a strong foundation in education finance, including expertise in budget analysis, costing models, and public expenditure reviews. The incumbent will also engage in research and analytical work, training programs, and knowledge-sharing activities, contributing to the overall effectiveness of IIEP's initiatives. Candidates should possess experience in managing complex programs that strengthen educational planning and management capacities, particularly in the areas of cost, finance, and public financial management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the implementation of a portfolio of technical cooperation, research, and training activities related to education financing, costing, and budgeting. Key responsibilities include coordinating technical assistance to Ministries of Education, conducting public expenditure reviews, and developing costed sector plans. The role also involves analyzing financing sources and public financial management challenges, integrating gender and climate change considerations into education programming, and collaborating with IIEP's training team to design training materials. Additionally, the incumbent will contribute to public debates on education financing and work with various stakeholders to promote coherent research and knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, statistics, public policy, public finance, or related fields. A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience is required, with at least one year at the international level in technical cooperation related to education financing and public financial management. Experience in budget planning, financial modeling, and providing technical assistance to national entities is essential. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of gender-responsive budgeting principles and the ability to analyze sex-disaggregated data to inform budget decisions.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as economics, statistics, public policy, or public finance is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education financing and public financial management, which are central to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience, with a preference for at least one year acquired at the international level. Candidates should have experience in technical cooperation, particularly within or with Ministries of Education or Finance, focusing on education financing diagnostics, budget planning, and reporting. Experience in analyzing education costs and public financial management in developing countries is highly desirable.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of French (written and spoken) is desirable, as it will facilitate communication within the organization and with French-speaking partners.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with a duration of one year. The role is open to both internal and external candidates, and the application deadline is set for midnight Paris time on December 8, 202

• UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary for this post being 85,974 EUR. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The organization emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities. Candidates should be prepared for a selection process that may include video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks.