National Project Officer - Education

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 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 through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of more than 2,000 employees. The UNESCO Phnom Penh Office focuses on enhancing educational opportunities and quality in Cambodia, aligning with the country's development goals and international standards.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer for Education will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Strengthening Teacher Education Programmes in Cambodia (STEPCam). This position requires a proactive individual who can provide technical and operational support to the STEPCam programme, which aims to improve student learning outcomes by enhancing the quality of education through effective teacher training and mentoring. The officer will work closely with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and various stakeholders to ensure that the programme's objectives are met. The role involves coordinating activities, monitoring progress, and facilitating communication among partners. The officer will also contribute to the development of educational materials and reports, ensuring that the programme's visibility and impact are effectively communicated to all stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to the STEPCam Programme Manager, coordinating with component leads for the implementation and monitoring of the programme. This includes liaising with MoEYS technical departments and other partners, preparing workplans and budgets, and contributing to progress reporting.
• Assist in the planning, budgeting, and monitoring of activities under Components 1 and 2 of STEPCam, ensuring alignment with programme objectives. This involves on-site oversight of activity delivery, monitoring and evaluation, and quality assurance of deliverables.
• Support the implementation of research initiatives, including policy studies on teacher and student outcomes, and assist in the dissemination of findings.
• Participate in programme-related meetings and activities, providing necessary support for effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Carry out additional tasks as assigned by the Chief of Education and STEPCam Programme Manager to facilitate programme implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, research, social sciences, or a related field. They should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in education, particularly in teacher education or policy research. Strong coordination and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a solid understanding of the Cambodian education context and the ability to engage with government counterparts effectively. Candidates should demonstrate initiative, prioritize tasks, and work efficiently under pressure, as well as collaborate effectively in a multicultural team.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, research, social sciences, or other relevant fields is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to contribute effectively to the STEPCam programme and its objectives.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of education, specifically focusing on teacher education or relevant policy research. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in planning, managing, implementing, and monitoring educational programmes, particularly in the Cambodian context. This experience is crucial for understanding the challenges and opportunities within the education sector and for effectively contributing to the programme's success.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in both written and spoken English and Khmer is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders, government counterparts, and international partners involved in the STEPCam programme. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Service Contract at Grade Level SC-9, with a duration of 1 year and the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and funding availability. This role is open exclusively to Cambodian nationals. The application deadline is set for 15 September 2026, at midnight Paris time. Candidates are required to complete an online application and provide accurate information, as modifications to submitted applications are not permitted. The selection process may include tests, assessments, and competency-based interviews, with communication technologies utilized for evaluations.