UNESCO Project Officer - Education

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women by fostering education, science, culture, and communication.

Job Overview:
The UNESCO Project Officer for Education will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the Skills Development and Literacy (SDL) programme, specifically focusing on the project 'Improving Livelihoods of Women and Youth through Literacy and Skill Acquisition'. This project targets semi-literate adolescents, youth, and adults aged 12 to 45 across four provinces in Afghanistan, providing them with essential livelihood skills integrated with literacy training. The Project Officer will be responsible for leading a team of 5-6 national staff members, ensuring effective project management, and maintaining communication with stakeholders to achieve the project's goals. The role requires adherence to UNESCO's administrative and financial guidelines, ensuring efficient operations and risk mitigation throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of the education project, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in planning, monitoring, and reporting. This includes managing the project team, coordinating technical and operational elements, and facilitating activities in consultation with stakeholders.
• Maintain an integrated work plan and results framework, identifying bottlenecks and documenting lessons learned for adaptive management.
• Identify local partners for project activities and oversee procurement processes for learning materials and equipment.
• Monitor project implementation, financial status, and prepare progress reports for donors.
• Ensure effective technical coordination with external stakeholders and lead relevant coordination meetings.
• Manage staff recruitment and provide guidance to enhance team performance.
• Organize knowledge sharing and visibility events, and prepare project success stories and reports.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to maximize project impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, development studies, or a related field. They should have at least 4 years of relevant work experience in education and related fields, with a preference for 2 years at the international level. Experience in developing countries and managing multicultural teams is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent project management skills, financial management, and a strong understanding of the education sector.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, development studies, or a related area is required. A PhD in a relevant field is desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in education and related fields, with at least 2 years of experience at the international level. Previous work experience in developing countries and in leading teams in a multicultural environment is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English (spoken and written) is mandatory. Knowledge of Japanese is desirable to facilitate communication with donors, and proficiency in another UN language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a project appointment for a duration of 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is USD 98,014, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates must complete an online application by the deadline, and the selection process may include interviews and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.