Programme Specialist for Skills Development and Literacy

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 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. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards sustainable development and the eradication of poverty through education and knowledge sharing.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist for Skills Development and Literacy will play a crucial role in addressing the pressing educational needs in Afghanistan, particularly in the context of low literacy levels among girls and young women. This position involves coordinating and implementing projects aimed at enhancing skills development and literacy training for adolescents, youth, and adults. The incumbent will be responsible for planning, executing, monitoring, and evaluating project activities, ensuring that they align with UNESCO's broader goals of promoting education and empowerment. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying local partners and stakeholders, managing project resources, and fostering collaboration among various educational initiatives within the UNESCO Kabul Office. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to knowledge management and reporting, ensuring that project outcomes are effectively communicated to stakeholders and that lessons learned are documented for future reference.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Planning and Implementation: Identify and engage potential local partners, including NGOs and civil society organizations, to facilitate project activities. Establish and maintain a project work plan and results framework, ensuring timely procurement of goods and services. Oversee contract implementation, assess service quality, and manage project team dynamics. Foster synergies with other UNESCO projects and development partners in Afghanistan.
• Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Monitor and evaluate project activities, providing regular updates on progress and financial status. Prepare comprehensive reports for UNESCO, donors, and partners, ensuring adherence to communication and visibility plans. Facilitate knowledge sharing and identify strategies for improving service delivery.
• Technical Coordination and Knowledge Management: Maintain regular communication with stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation. Collaborate with other education teams within UNESCO to ensure complementary interventions. Participate in external meetings to advocate for skills development and literacy, contributing to resource mobilization efforts. Document project-related knowledge products and support office-wide knowledge management initiatives. Perform additional tasks as assigned by supervisors, particularly in relation to other education projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social sciences, development studies, or a related field. A minimum of four years of relevant work experience in education is required, including at least two years at the international level, preferably in community-based literacy and non-formal education. Previous experience in developing countries is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate excellent project management skills, including financial management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Strong sensitivity to cultural diversity and adaptability in post-conflict environments are essential, along with integrity, reliability, and a commitment to the execution of duties. Candidates should also possess excellent coordination and organizational skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work effectively in a multicultural team under pressure.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social sciences, development studies, or a related area is required. A PhD in a relevant field is considered a desirable qualification, as it may enhance the candidate's expertise and understanding of complex educational issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least four years of relevant work experience in education, with a preference for two years acquired at the international level. Experience in managing projects related to literacy and non-formal education, as well as previous work in crisis-affected contexts, is highly valued. Familiarity with UNESCO's mission and actions in the field of education is also beneficial.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's competitiveness in the selection process.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary appointment with a contract duration of 11 months, subject to extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with an approximate annual starting salary of $95,909, along with benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The recruitment process will involve an online application, and selected candidates will undergo reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds, as well as persons with disabilities.