Project Officer for STEM Education

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Project Officer for STEM Education
Location: Windhoek
Country: Namibia
Deadline Date: 11-DEC-2024

Job Details

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. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. The organization focuses on building peace in the minds of men and women, fostering sustainable development, and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. UNESCO is committed to achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls through education, science, culture, and communication.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer for STEM Education will play a crucial role in implementing UNESCO's project aimed at increasing girls' participation in STEM education in Namibia. This position is integral to achieving the objectives outlined in UNESCO's Strategy for Gender Equality in and through Education (2019-2025) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The incumbent will be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on project activities, ensuring that the project aligns with the goals of promoting gender equality and enhancing educational opportunities for girls in STEM fields. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and civil society organizations, to dismantle barriers to girls' education in STEM and foster an inclusive educational environment. The Project Officer will also be involved in capacity building, knowledge sharing, and policy dialogue to create an enabling environment for girls' learning and retention in STEM education.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting on project activities to ensure timely implementation and adherence to UNESCO guidelines.
• Collaborating with the Administrative Unit to monitor and track project budget implementation.
• Preparing narrative and financial reports on project activities as per agreed timelines.
• Conducting monitoring and evaluation activities, including the development and distribution of evaluation materials and the analysis of outcomes.
• Providing technical support for project activities related to curriculum analysis and teacher capacity development.
• Supporting the national contextualization of project activities in collaboration with national partners.
• Coordinating with various stakeholders, including ministries and educational institutions, to facilitate project implementation.
• Organizing field missions, meetings, and conferences as required.
• Representing UNESCO in relevant meetings and drafting communication products for public visibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, STEM, social sciences, economics/statistics, or a relevant field. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of relevant work experience in education project management, particularly focusing on gender equality and STEM education. Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder projects and conducting field studies is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, science/STEM, social sciences, economics/statistics, or a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education systems and the specific challenges related to gender equality and STEM education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in education project management, with a specific focus on gender equality and STEM education. Candidates should have experience in coordinating projects involving multiple stakeholders, including government agencies and educational institutions. Experience in conducting field studies and organizing workshops is also necessary, along with a proven track record in reporting and monitoring project activities.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, but only nationals of Namibia are eligible to apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 754,763 Namibian dollars, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates must complete an online application and provide accurate information, as the evaluation process may include tests and competency-based interviews.