International Consultant for Education Sector Coordination

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 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 approximately 2,000 employees. The organization focuses on fostering educational opportunities, promoting cultural diversity, and advancing scientific research to improve the quality of life for people around the world. UNESCO is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Education Sector Coordination at UNESCO's Antenna Office in Yangon is designed to provide essential program support in the education sector and facilitate UN coordination efforts. The consultant will play a pivotal role in coordinating various development partners to enhance educational development for children and youth in Myanmar, aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal

• The consultant will be responsible for communicating with partners, designing terms of reference for research and assessments, facilitating meetings, and reporting to donors. This role requires a strong technical contribution to the design and implementation of education coordination projects and other initiatives within the education unit of UNESCO's Yangon Antenna. The consultant will also provide advisory support to ensure effective coordination and management of education sector activities, thereby contributing to the overall mission of UNESCO in promoting quality education.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Individual Specialist will be responsible for a range of duties under the supervision of the Head of the UNESCO Antenna Office in Yangon. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing coordination and facilitation support for managing sector groups such as the Education Sector Group (ESG) and the Education Development Partner Group (EDPG).
• Acting as the Coordinating Agency for Global Partnership for Education (GPE) initiatives in Myanmar, including communication with Grant Agents and organizing technical sessions.
• Leading the implementation of the GPE System Capacity Grant (SCG) in Myanmar, ensuring alignment with approved plans and budgets.
• Developing and implementing the Joint Response Framework (JRF) for Myanmar, including result-based management frameworks and technical guidance notes.
• Supporting interagency work on SDG monitoring and liaising with partners to build new educational partnerships.
• Providing logistical and administrative support for joint projects, consultations, and events.
• Coordinating partnerships with consultants and contractors as directed by the Head of the Office.
• Traveling for project-related missions and ensuring compliance with travel regulations and security protocols.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in fields such as education, economics, management studies, international development, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least eight years of experience in education development, particularly in education planning and management, monitoring, and evaluation. Previous experience in teacher education or higher education reforms in developing countries is desirable. Strong project management, coordination, and organizational skills are essential, along with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in facilitating workshops and dialogues focused on education and SDG 4, as well as possess strong technical skills in education sector coordination. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills are also required, along with the ability to work efficiently under pressure in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or higher, in relevant fields such as education, economics, management studies, international development, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of education systems and the challenges faced in developing educational programs and policies.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of relevant work experience in the field of education development. This experience should ideally include roles related to education planning, management, and evaluation. Familiarity with teacher education or higher education reforms, particularly in developing country contexts, is highly desirable. Experience working with UN or inter-governmental organizations in relevant fields will be considered an asset, as will prior experience in regional coordination and technical assistance.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Candidates with knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) will be considered favorably, as this could enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of UNESCO's work.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is non-staff and will last between 7 to 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and funding availability. The position is open to external candidates, and the application deadline is set for midnight on June 15, 202

• The consultant will be expected to travel for project-related missions, and travel expenses will be covered according to UNESCO's rules and regulations. The organization 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. Compensation details and benefits will be discussed during the recruitment process.