Programme Specialist for Education

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Programme Specialist for Education
Location: Apia
Country: Samoa
Deadline Date: 30-NOV-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 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. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO works to foster collaboration among nations and to promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices. The organization is committed to achieving gender equality and diversity within its workforce, and it emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist for Education will operate under the overall authority of the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Education and the functional authority of the Director/Head of Office. This role involves close collaboration with the Programme Specialist for Education in the Pacific Regional Office. The incumbent will be responsible for a range of programmatic and project work, including technical assistance, research, knowledge management, communication, advocacy, partnerships, and resource mobilization. The focus will be on aligning educational initiatives with national priorities and the broader objectives of UNESCO's Medium Term Strategy and approved Programme and Budget. The specialist will develop, manage, monitor, and report on educational programs that are aligned with national development plans and priorities, contributing to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Programme Design and Management: The incumbent will identify, develop, implement, monitor, and report on the Office’s Education Programme/projects, focusing on areas such as Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Global Citizenship Education (GCED), and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). They will ensure that these initiatives align with national priorities and UNESCO’s strategic goals.
• Policy Advice and Technical Assistance: The role includes monitoring educational trends and statistics to provide evidence-based policy support. The incumbent will develop policy advice and technical assistance for Ministries of Education and other institutions to enhance access, quality, and equity in education.
• Knowledge Management, Partnerships, and Resources Mobilization: The specialist will identify research opportunities, develop knowledge bases, and implement outreach strategies to communicate UNESCO’s expertise. They will also mobilize partnerships and resources to support educational initiatives in Samoa and the Pacific region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, social or natural sciences, public policy and administration, economics, statistics, international development, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in education development or a closely related field, with experience in education policy formulation, planning, and program management. Experience in advocacy and resource mobilization is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in relevant fields such as education, social sciences, public policy, or international development. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of educational systems and policies, particularly in the context of sustainable development and international cooperation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in education development or a closely related field. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in education policy formulation, planning, and program management, as well as experience in advocacy and mobilizing resources for educational initiatives. This level of experience is crucial for effectively contributing to the development and implementation of educational programs that align with national and regional priorities.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English and Samoan, both written and spoken. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders in the education sector. Additionally, knowledge of French and another UN language (such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in international dialogue and cooperation.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, but only nationals of Samoa are eligible to apply. The position is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a selection process that may include tests and competency-based interviews. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary for this post being 86,092 Samoan Tala, along with benefits such as annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates are encouraged to apply through the UNESCO careers website, ensuring that all information provided is complete and accurate.