National Project Officer

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 work in various sectors, including education, science, culture, and communication.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of UNESCO's Education Programme in Uzbekistan, which focuses on enhancing the quality, inclusiveness, and relevance of education in the country. The position involves providing technical expertise and support to the Senior Project Officer, coordinating with national and international partners, and ensuring that the programme's objectives align with the broader education reform initiatives of the government. The officer will be responsible for addressing key challenges in the education sector, particularly in teacher capacity and professional development, by promoting modern teaching methodologies and competency-based education (CBE). The role requires a proactive approach to strengthen pre-service and in-service teacher training, develop training materials, and support the establishment of mentorship systems for continuous professional learning. The officer will also engage in monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the programme's impact and contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity building among education stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing technical support to the Senior Project Officer in implementing UNESCO's Education Programme and ensuring alignment with work plans and timelines.
• Advising on the design and implementation of activities aimed at reforming teacher education and establishing continuous professional development systems.
• Building the institutional capacity of teacher training centers and education faculties to deliver quality learning.
• Facilitating communication and collaboration between UNESCO, government ministries, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
• Representing UNESCO at technical meetings and working groups related to education.
• Supporting the development of recruitment needs and job profiles for teacher education reform.
• Contributing to the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess programme progress.
• Participating in capacity-building activities for faculty members and institutional leaders.
• Developing funding proposals and concept notes for additional programme activities. 1
• Engaging with partners to enhance the impact of UNESCO's education interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, International Development, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in the education sector, with demonstrated experience working with government counterparts, international organizations, and development partners. Strong organizational and project management skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to build partnerships are essential. Candidates should also have in-depth knowledge of the education sector in Uzbekistan and the ability to develop innovative approaches to strategic planning.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as Education, Social Sciences, International Development, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or related disciplines. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of the education sector and effectively contributing to the reform initiatives led by UNESCO.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in the field of education. Candidates should have experience in education project management and a proven track record of working with government counterparts, international organizations, and development partners. Familiarity with the work of teacher training institutions in Uzbekistan and experience within the UN system or multilateral agencies will be considered advantageous.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written, as it is essential for communication and documentation purposes. Additionally, good knowledge of Uzbek is required to engage effectively with local stakeholders. Knowledge of Russian is considered desirable and would enhance the candidate's ability to communicate in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is a project appointment with a duration of 1 year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, but only nationals of Uzbekistan may apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is USD 57,615, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates are required to complete an online application and provide accurate information, as the evaluation process may include tests, assessments, and competency-based interviews. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented groups.