National Education Project Officer

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Position Title: National Education Project Officer
Location: Islamabad
Country: Pakistan
Deadline Date: 17.02.2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 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. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its operations and interactions with member states and partners.

Job Overview:
The National Education Project Officer plays a pivotal role in the implementation of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) initiatives, specifically focusing on the Balochistan Partnership Compact (2024-2028). This position is crucial for ensuring that educational policies are effectively executed, investments are increased, and gender-responsive actions are prioritized to provide equitable and quality learning opportunities for all children in Balochistan. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including UNICEF and the World Bank, to manage grants and ensure that educational policies are strengthened. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the education sector, particularly in early childhood education and primary education, and involves strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation of educational programs. The officer will be responsible for aligning program activities with the overarching goals of the Balochistan Education Sector Plan (BESP) and addressing key capacity gaps in the education system, ultimately aiming for sustainable development and improved learning outcomes by 2028.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Education Project Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and updating detailed work plans and timelines for the SCG Programme activities at the provincial level, ensuring they align with the Partnership Compact and Education Sector Plan.
• Collaborating with the UNESCO Education team, National Education Coordination Officer (Balochistan), Admin/Finance team, and MEAL team to ensure timely planning and execution of activities.
• Facilitating resource allocation and addressing logistical needs for the program team.
• Preparing procurement-related documents and maintaining a tracking system for contractual agreements.
• Drafting and finalizing contracts and partnership agreements in compliance with GPE and UNESCO procedures.
• Monitoring contract execution and managing budgets to ensure financial resources are allocated appropriately.
• Collecting and analyzing data to assess program effectiveness and preparing reports for stakeholders.
• Supporting the design and revision of project documents, work plans, and budgets.
• Identifying implementation partners and developing terms of references for external vendors. 1
• Undertaking additional tasks as assigned by the Officer-in-Charge/Head of Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Project Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field from a recognized institution. A combination of an advanced degree and practical experience in international development work on education may be accepted. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in project planning, implementation, management, and coordination, preferably within the education sector. Proven experience collaborating with government agencies, international organizations, and UN agencies is essential, along with comprehensive expertise across the project lifecycle, including planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Familiarity with donor-funded program requirements is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as Project Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related area. Candidates with a combination of advanced degrees and relevant practical experience in international development work on education may also be considered. A desirable educational background includes a Master's degree in Education, ICT in Education, Science (STEM), or a related field from a recognized institution.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in project planning, implementation, management, and coordination within the education sector. Candidates should have experience working with UN agencies or knowledge of GPE contract management procedures and standards. Experience in coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including government counterparts and implementing partners, is also essential. Familiarity with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks is highly desirable.

Languages:
Candidates must have a good command of English, and knowledge of local languages spoken in Balochistan is considered an asset. Proficiency in additional languages may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role, particularly in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is a service contract with a standard duration of one year, renewable subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates. The role is full-time and based in Islamabad, Pakistan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including individuals from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity among its staff.