Associate Programme Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Institute for Educational Planning (IIPE) of UNESCO is a specialized institute of the United Nations, established to enhance the capacity of UNESCO member states to plan and manage their educational systems. IIPE-UNESCO in Africa, located in Dakar, is renowned for its educational sector analyses and assists African countries in developing robust educational system development plans within the framework of the 2030 education agenda. Through a capacity-building approach, IIPE-UNESCO in Africa contributes to the production of diagnostic analyses, sector plans, and methodological tools that lead to more relevant and sustainable educational policies. It also plays a significant role in knowledge production for the education sector in Africa. More information about its activities can be found on the IIPE-UNESCO Africa link.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Officer will support the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of the regional programme 'Planning for Inclusive Education' funded by Italian cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). This programme aims to ensure that educational systems in West Africa are inclusive, providing equal access and learning opportunities for girls, boys, young women, and young men with disabilities. The position involves working closely with IIPE-UNESCO staff and consultants to ensure the effective execution of the programme's components, particularly focusing on Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. The role requires a proactive approach to managing tasks related to programme coordination, data collection, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the programme's objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the overall coordination, management, implementation, and monitoring of the regional programme 'Planning for Inclusive Education'. This includes: 1.1 Assisting in the coordination, organization, and monitoring of programme activities, such as preparing technical documentation for workshops, meetings, and events, both in-person and online. 1.2 Contributing to the implementation of the monitoring and evaluation approach of the programme, including updating annual operational plans and monitoring plans. 1.3 Supporting data collection and information verification for programme indicators, ensuring data quality and validation. 1.4 Assisting in the production of monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports as needed.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of the programme's components, particularly in training and community of practice management.
• Facilitate communication and coordination among stakeholders to ensure harmonized activity implementation.
• Participate in the preparation of technical reports and documentation of best practices and lessons learned from programme implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (minimum bachelor's, ideally master's) in education planning, statistics, economics, social sciences, public policy, or a related field. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong analytical abilities, and the capacity to work in a diverse and multicultural environment. Candidates must demonstrate rigor and organizational skills, the ability to work under pressure, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to tasks. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a bachelor's degree in education planning, statistics, economics, social sciences, public policy, or a related field is required. A master's degree is preferred and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
A minimum of three years of experience in implementing or monitoring programmes in the education sector, ideally related to inclusion or disability, is required. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the education sector, is highly desirable. Familiarity with regional or multi-country projects, monitoring and evaluation, and community of practice management is also beneficial.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills in French or English, with a good knowledge of the other language. Proficiency in Portuguese is desirable, both spoken and written, as it may enhance communication with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is a service contract at level SC8, with a duration of 12 months. The role is open to external candidates, and non-Senegalese candidates must have the legal authorization to work in Senegal at the time of application. The application process includes an online application, and candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing high standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in personnel appointments and applies a zero-tolerance policy against harassment. Individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.