Associate Project Officer - Education

Associate Project Officer - Education

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

November 5, 2026December 7, 2026Ethiopia
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA), which is a Category I Institute of UNESCO. Established to support the educational needs of African countries, IICBA is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The organization is dedicated to achieving the goals and targets of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by assisting Member States in developing their education policies, enhancing teacher professional development, and strengthening the capacity of educational institutions across Africa. IICBA has been actively involved in various capacity-building initiatives, focusing on research, policy advocacy, and enhancing educational capacities. The institute has significantly expanded its programs in recent years, particularly with new grants aimed at improving learning outcomes, including initiatives for children who are out of school. The organization operates with a commitment to empowering teachers and ensuring that all learners can thrive, even in emergency settings, and collaborates with various stakeholders to achieve these objectives.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer will play a crucial role in the planning and implementation of Japan-funded projects, particularly those aimed at accelerating learning programs. This position requires a strong focus on information and knowledge management, coordination, monitoring, reporting, and communication. The incumbent will work under the overall authority of the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Education and the direct supervision of the IICBA Senior Project Coordinator. The role involves close collaboration with UNESCO country and regional offices, as well as external stakeholders such as government counterparts, national stakeholders, and global partners including UNICEF and the African Union. The position is integral to ensuring that the projects are effectively managed and that the goals of the organization are met, particularly in terms of enhancing educational capacities and outcomes in Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Project Officer include supporting the implementation of Japan-funded projects through effective planning and coordination. The incumbent will be responsible for generating evidence and lessons learned from the projects to inform decision-making processes. Key tasks include assisting in the development and dissemination of communication materials, writing and editing various publications, and collecting and analyzing data to identify trends. The role also involves networking and partnership building, acting as the focal point for communication with project donors, and establishing effective working relationships with government counterparts and national stakeholders. Additionally, the Associate Project Officer will be involved in resource mobilization efforts by identifying opportunities for extra-budgetary resources and developing project proposals. The position requires a high degree of independence and the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. The position requires at least two years of experience in project coordination, knowledge and information management, and communications within the education sector or related areas. Strong skills in communication, accountability, innovation, and teamwork are essential, along with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Familiarity with the African Union Agenda 2030 and related international frameworks is also important.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, such as a master's degree or equivalent, in relevant fields such as Education, Social Sciences, or Development Studies. Additional qualifications or training in areas related to project management, communication, and education will be considered advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in project coordination, knowledge management, and communications, particularly in the education sector. Candidates should demonstrate a high degree of independence in executing programmatic activities and responsibilities, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian is desirable. Additionally, proficiency in Japanese will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for this role.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, and the application deadline is set for midnight Paris time on June 11, 202
  • The role is full-time and requires geographical mobility for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including annual leave, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is USD 80,36
  • Candidates are encouraged to apply online and must provide complete and accurate information by the application deadline.
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