Individual Specialist in Education Policy, Planning and Management

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Position Title: Individual Specialist in Education Policy, Planning and Management
Location: Bangkok
Country: Thailand
Deadline Date: 24-FEB-2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok is a key entity within the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that focuses on education in the Asia-Pacific region. Established to promote education as a fundamental human right, the office covers several countries including Afghanistan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand. The office is dedicated to coordinating efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals and operates in multiple countries, working collaboratively with member states to enhance educational policies and practices.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Specialist in Education Policy, Planning and Management at UNESCO Bangkok is designed to support the organization's mission of enhancing educational systems in the Asia-Pacific region. The specialist will contribute to the development of the 10th Education, Science, and Sports Sector Development Plan (ESSSDP) for Lao PDR, assist in Cambodia's national teacher reform program, and contribute to the ASEAN Education Work Plan (2026-2030). The role requires a strong focus on policy analysis, education finance, data management, and monitoring frameworks. The specialist will also coordinate capacity-building activities such as webinars and workshops, ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all activities. This position is crucial for strengthening national and regional education planning and supporting evidence-based decision-making to improve educational outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Individual Specialist will work under the supervision of the Programme Specialist managing the education policy portfolio. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing technical advice and support to the Lao government in developing the ESSSDP, focusing on education sector analysis and capacity building.
• Assisting in Cambodia's national teacher reform program by analyzing teacher policies and resource projections.
• Conducting comparative policy analyses of national education plans across ASEAN member states to support the ASEAN Education Work Plan.
• Coordinating and facilitating capacity development activities, including webinars and workshops.
• Integrating gender perspectives into all activities and applying gender analysis where feasible.
• Traveling to Cambodia for missions related to project implementation and providing technical support as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, development studies, social sciences, or related fields. A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible work experience in education at the regional or international level is required. Proven technical experience in education sector planning and financing, as well as experience in implementing multi-country projects, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of Asia-Pacific education systems, strong analytical skills, effective planning and organizing abilities, and the capacity to work independently in a multicultural team environment. Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills are also necessary, along with the ability to build effective partnerships.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of education, development studies, social sciences, or related areas is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development and implementation of educational policies and programs in the Asia-Pacific region.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the field of education at the regional or international level. Candidates with a minimum of 4 years of experience in education policy and planning will be preferred. Experience working with United Nations, international organizations, or government agencies is considered an advantage. Proven experience in education sector planning and financing, as well as in coordinating multi-country projects, is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is between 1 to 6 months, with the assignment expected to start on March 1, 2025, and conclude by August 31, 202

• The position is open to external candidates, and travel to Cambodia is required as part of the duties. The specialist will be compensated according to UNESCO's rules and regulations, with travel-related expenses covered. The role emphasizes the importance of gender parity and diversity, encouraging candidates from under-represented groups to apply.