National Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNESCO, which is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO's work is guided by its core values of commitment, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of the project 'Building peace through religious education in Somalia.' This initiative is supported by the Federal Government of Somalia, UNESCO, and UNICEF, with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. The primary objective of the project is to enhance social cohesion and resilience among Somalis by integrating peace-centered pedagogy and inclusive teaching practices into early childhood Quranic education. The officer will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the project, ensuring that it aligns with UNESCO's objectives and the specific goals set forth in the project document. This includes facilitating government leadership in improving early childhood Islamic education, integrating peacebuilding pedagogy into religious instruction, and engaging community members in supporting peacebuilding efforts. The position requires a strong commitment to fostering safe and inclusive learning environments for children in Quranic schools, ultimately contributing to their social and economic empowerment.

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

• Managing and ensuring the quality of the project in accordance with UNESCO's objectives and expected outputs, in collaboration with the Project Manager.
• Supporting the Project Manager in overall project management, including monitoring and updating the project workplan.
• Planning and organizing the procurement of goods and services, and monitoring their implementation.
• Identifying suitable project implementation partners and monitoring the quality of services provided.
• Liaising with development partners, donors, and stakeholders to ensure project alignment with other initiatives in Somalia.
• Monitoring and evaluating project implementation, including financial oversight and budget revisions.
• Preparing reports on project activities for UNESCO, donors, and partners, and conducting meetings with stakeholders to discuss progress and action plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social sciences, peace studies, or a closely related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in technical assistance and project management in education, teacher training, or skills development is required. Experience in supporting educational reform and development agendas of governments is also essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent project management skills, the ability to work in multicultural environments, and a commitment to gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory practices.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in fields such as education, social sciences, or peace studies. Specialization in education and/or peacebuilding is desirable, as is experience in policy support and capacity development in education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in technical assistance and project management within the education sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting educational reforms and development initiatives, particularly in contexts similar to Somalia or the Horn of Africa.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Somali is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is initially set for 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and the availability of project funding. The position is classified at the SC9 level, and candidates are expected to apply online by the specified deadline. The recruitment process may involve various assessment methods, including interviews and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and ensures confidentiality in the hiring process.