Coordinador/a Fortalecimiento Académico de la Gerencia Externa Especializada

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. Its headquarters is located in Paris, France, and it has regional offices around the world, including in Central America, Mexico, and Colombia, which is relevant to this position.

Job Overview:
The position of Coordinador/a Fortalecimiento Académico de la Gerencia Externa Especializada is a consultancy role within UNESCO's Education Sector. The primary function of this position is to support the Instituto Técnico Superior Especializado (ITSE) in Panama in enhancing its academic management and governance. The consultant will work closely with the ITSE and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to develop and implement educational programs that align with the needs of the productive sector in Panama. This role involves planning, technical preparation, and administrative support for the execution of educational projects, ensuring that the ITSE can effectively respond to the demands for highly qualified human resources in the Panamanian labor market. The consultant will also be responsible for updating curricula, developing dual training programs, and implementing a Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation across various schools within the ITSE.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Coordinador/a include:

• Leading the planning and conceptualization of academic strengthening activities.
• Developing terms of reference (TDR) and technical specifications for educational projects.
• Providing expert support to the ITSE's Executive Unit (UEP) and the UNDP-ITSE Coordinating Unit during the bidding and evaluation processes.
• Overseeing the administration, technical supervision, and monitoring of contracts related to academic strengthening.
• Designing and implementing training plans for ITSE staff based on identified professional development priorities.
• Maintaining ongoing communication with UEP members, the UNDP-ITSE Coordinating Unit, and other key stakeholders.
• Participating in meetings and preparing reports, presentations, and documentation as required.
• Performing additional functions as necessary for the efficient operation of the project.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• A university degree at the bachelor's level in fields related to the service required, such as education sciences, economics, or social sciences.
• Specialization or diplomas in at least two of the following areas: curriculum design, educational innovation, assessment of learning, quality management in education, teacher training, competency-based education, inclusive education, educational technologies, and monitoring and evaluation of educational programs.
• Proven experience of at least 5 years in higher education institutions, focusing on coordination, supervision, design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational projects.
• Experience in teacher development programs and curriculum design and updating.
• Strong skills in planning, decision-making, and teamwork, along with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to draft and analyze various types of documents.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree at the bachelor's level in relevant fields such as education, economics, or social sciences. A master's or doctoral degree with specialization in technical higher education, curriculum development, or university teacher training is desirable. Additionally, certifications in project management or related areas are beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of proven experience in higher education institutions, particularly in roles involving the design, coordination, supervision, planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational projects. Experience in multilateral funded projects and quality management systems is highly valued, with a preference for candidates who have at least 10 years of experience in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, with a native or advanced level required. Proficiency in English at an intermediate level is also necessary, with advanced oral and written skills being desirable.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance. The position is full-time and requires on-site presence at the ITSE offices in Panama City. The working hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Candidates are expected to submit an online application, including an updated CV, a motivation letter, and a technical and financial proposal for the consultancy. The selection process may involve video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and encourages applications from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities.