Associate Programme Specialist (Education Finance)

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Position Title: Associate Programme Specialist (Education Finance)
Location: Paris, Dakar
Country: France, Senegal
Deadline Date: 26-FEB-2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO's International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP), which was established in 1963 as part of UNESCO. IIEP plays a crucial role in supporting educational policy, planning, and management globally. The organization focuses on capacity development through training, technical assistance, research, and knowledge sharing. IIEP operates in multiple countries, with offices in Paris, Dakar, and Buenos Aires, and relies on voluntary contributions and project funding to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Specialist (Education Finance) position is integral to the implementation of various funded projects aimed at enhancing the capacity of Ministries of Education and other partners in planning and managing education sectors. The role involves providing technical support to governments, contributing to research and analytical work, and engaging in training programs. Candidates are expected to have a solid foundation in education finance, including expertise in budget analysis, costing models, and public expenditure reviews. Additionally, knowledge of public financial management systems and gender-responsive budgeting principles is essential. The position requires collaboration with various teams within IIEP to ensure effective program implementation and alignment with institutional goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbents will be responsible for supporting the implementation of a portfolio of technical cooperation, research, and training activities related to education financing, costing, and budgeting. Specific duties include:

• Supporting the implementation of projects focused on education financing, costing, and budgeting.
• Integrating gender, equity, and climate change considerations into education sector programming.
• Collaborating with IIEP's Education Finance team to align research and training activities with program effectiveness and resource mobilization.
• Engaging in direct training as part of IIEP's training programs.
• Contributing to public debates and networking with relevant actors in education financing.
• Working with the Research and Knowledge Mobilization team to identify research priorities and promote knowledge sharing.
• Facilitating consultations across IIEP’s offices and with partners regarding research and technical cooperation activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in economics, statistics, public policy, public finance, or related fields. A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience is required, preferably with at least one year at the international level. Experience in education financing, public financial management, budget planning, and reporting is essential. Candidates should also have experience in analyzing education costs and finances, providing technical assistance to national entities, and understanding public administration functions, particularly in developing countries. Familiarity with gender-responsive financial diagnostic tools is a significant advantage.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as economics, statistics, public policy, or public finance is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education financing and public financial management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience, with a preference for candidates who have at least one year of experience at the international level. Experience should include work in education financing, public financial management, and budget planning, particularly in the context of developing countries. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the functioning of public administration and institutions, as well as experience with PFM reforms.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English (both written and spoken) is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of French (written and spoken) is considered desirable, as it would enhance communication and collaboration within the organization and with partners in Francophone countries.

Additional Notes:
The position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. There is a six-month probationary period. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 77,283 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities.