Research Project Manager

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Position Title: Research Project Manager
Location: Kabul
Country: Afghanistan
Deadline Date: 20-Dec-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which was established in 194

• UNESCO's mission is 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 is dedicated to fostering sustainable development through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information.

Job Overview:
The position of Research Project Manager at UNESCO Kabul involves managing research projects aimed at enhancing the quality of education in Afghanistan. The incumbent will support the Inclusion, Quality, and Research (IQR) team in implementing the student learning assessment for Grade 3 students, which is part of the Education Sector Programme Implementation Grant (ESPIG) funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The role requires a strong background in research management, as the individual will be responsible for coordinating research initiatives, ensuring the quality of research proposals and data collection tools, and facilitating communication with implementation partners. The position also entails preparing project reports and contributing to project proposals and donor reports, leveraging insights gained from research activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will report to the Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Kabul and will work closely with the IQR team and external consultants. Key responsibilities include: assisting in the implementation of IQR projects, focusing on research initiatives; supporting the review of research proposals and data collection tools; coordinating with implementation partners and facilitating regular meetings; participating in consultative meetings with technical partners; developing presentations and knowledge products; preparing timely project reports; and providing inputs for project proposals and donor reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, statistics, education, or a related field. A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in research, learning assessment, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in education sector programs is required. Proven experience in designing quantitative and qualitative methodologies, preparing data collection tools, and managing and analyzing data is essential. Strong analytical skills and a good understanding of the education sector in Afghanistan are also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, statistics, education, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational research and assessment.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in research, learning assessment, and M&E, particularly within education sector programs. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing and implementing research projects, as well as experience in data management and analysis.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written) is mandatory, along with proficiency in Dari and/or Pashto. Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary appointment with a contract duration of 7 to 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, but only nationals of Afghanistan are eligible to apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 45,101 USD, and benefits may include annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.