TVET and Skills Development Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote 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 been actively involved in Afghanistan as a long-term strategic partner, focusing on education support aligned with the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (2023-2027). The organization operates in multiple countries, working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing educational needs while laying the groundwork for the reconstruction and improvement of the education sector in Afghanistan. UNESCO's mission emphasizes commitment, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, with a workforce that spans various countries and cultures, contributing to its global initiatives.

Job Overview:
The TVET and Skills Development Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of skills interventions under the World Bank-funded Education Emergency Response in Afghanistan (EERA) project and the upcoming Human Capital and Jobs (HCJ) project. This position involves overseeing a range of educational programs aimed at enhancing skills development and literacy among Afghan youth, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations such as women and returnees. The officer will be responsible for executing key activities outlined in the project workplan, ensuring compliance with UNESCO's administrative and financial regulations, and liaising with various stakeholders including implementing partners and service providers. The role requires a proactive approach to monitoring and evaluating project progress, contributing to technical assistance and policy support, and facilitating knowledge management and communication efforts to enhance the visibility and impact of UNESCO's educational initiatives in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The TVET and Skills Development Officer will undertake a variety of duties including:

• Project Implementation: Assist in executing key activities under the project workplan, ensuring compliance with UNESCO’s administrative, financial, and procurement rules. Liaise with implementing partners and technical consultants to support the implementation of skills for work programs and engage with industry chambers and employers.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Track project activity progress according to the M&E plan, identify and address any delays or bottlenecks, coordinate field visits, and manage follow-up on the Complaint and Feedback Mechanism. Contribute to narrative and financial reporting, documenting lessons learned to improve future programming.
• Technical Assistance and Policy Support: Contribute to the conceptualization of key project activities, particularly the Skills Certification framework and the administration of the Skills Fund.
• Knowledge Management, Communication, and Visibility: Organize consultations, learning events, and technical meetings, support communication activities, and draft technical briefs and progress updates.
• Coordination and Partnership: Coordinate with internal teams, UN agencies, NGOs, and community representatives to ensure alignment with global standards and share project tools and findings through sector coordination mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, development studies, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in education, literacy, skills development, or similar fields is required. Essential experience includes proven expertise in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) within the Afghan context, competency standards, and curriculum development methodologies. Desirable experience includes operationalizing TVET funding mechanisms, community-based literacy, and livelihood development, as well as training TVET trainers and establishing quality assurance mechanisms.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as education, social sciences, or development studies. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of skills development and literacy initiatives in Afghanistan.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in education, literacy, skills development, or similar fields. This experience should encompass both practical and theoretical knowledge of the TVET context in Afghanistan, including competency standards and curriculum development methodologies, as well as experience in managing and evaluating educational programs.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both verbal and written) is mandatory. Proficiency in Dari/Farsi and/or Pashto (verbal and written) is also required, as these languages are essential for effective communication within the local context and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract is for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position is open to external candidates and is based on-site in Kabul. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process. The organization applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment and encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, to apply. All applications will be treated with confidentiality, and UNESCO does not charge any fees during the hiring process.