Associate Project Officer (Education)

Post Number : ED PA/209

Grade : P-2

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 07-MAR-2023

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The international community has set an ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It calls for an integrated approach to development. Education and training are central to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. The vision of the Incheon Declaration about Education 2030 is fully captured by Sustainable Development Goal 4 “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Education 2030 devotes considerable attention to technical and vocational skills development, specifically regarding access to affordable quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); acquisition of technical and vocational skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship; elimination of gender disparity and ensuring access for the vulnerable – see also SDG 8 “Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all”.

As part of its programmes for TVET, UNESCO is advocating for increased support for TVET in Member States, particularly those in Africa. Since 2011, UNESCO, with the support of the Republic of Korea, has been implementing the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) project. The BEAR project has helped five SADC  and five Eastern African countries to improve their TVET systems during its two first phases (BEAR I and II).

Joint efforts between UNESCO and the Government of the Republic of Korea will now be expanded through the implementation of BEAR III to support four new beneficiary countries in western Africa: Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.. The project will support these countries in their efforts to reform and develop their TVET systems, while benefitting from the knowledge and experience gained from BEAR I and II.

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education, the overall guidance of the Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems (ED/PLS), and the immediate supervision of the Chief of Section for Youth, Literacy and Skills Development (ED/PLS/YLS), the incumbent will act as the focal point for the overall coordination and technical backstopping of BEAR III project. Specifically, s/he will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

Coordination and monitoring of BEAR III

• Support the Section in coordinating the implementation of the BEAR III  project in cooperation with Regional and country Offices.
• Contribute to the setting up of a collaborative framework between the Regional Office, HQ, country offices, the four member states and implementing partners.
• Based on the programme framework, collaborate closely with project-coordinators in beneficiary countries in preparing and updating country programme documents and work plans for all  participating countries.
• Ensure that Field Offices revise/update their respective work plans on a regular basis, in line with the overall programme results framework, priorities and strategic approaches.
• Provide necessary technical backstopping support to BEAR III-related activities and programmes in close collaboration with concerned UNESCO Field Offices.
• Participate in monitoring BEAR III project implementation and contribute to reporting activities.
• Conduct reviews and analysis of lessons learned and achievements of BEAR III project activities implementation.
• Support where appropriate the implementation and monitoring of any follow-up activities in the BEAR II beneficiary countries in Eastern Africa.
• Conduct missions to BEAR III beneficiary countries and participate in international conferences and workshops as required.

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Documents, communications, analysis and reporting

• Prepare or contribute to briefings, reports, articles and presentations on BEAR III.
• Support communication and outreach for BEAR III and prepare a wide variety of communication materials (memos, letters, speeches, website texts, leaflets, etc.).
• Draft documents related to BEAR III implementation progress.
• Prepare consolidated reports on BEAR III for UNESCO’s management and the donor.
• Provide technical support to the organization of national, sub-regional and regional events (seminars and workshops) as necessary.

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COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)

Accountability (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Professionalism (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, social sciences, development studies or related area.

Work Experience

•  Minimum 2  years’ relevant professional experience in the field of education and/or training, preferably in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), of which preferably one year acquired at international level.
•  Experience in at least one of the following areas: curriculum design and implementation, teacher training, and/or development of public-private partnerships in education or TVET.
•  Experience in coordinating TVET programme cycle, including planning, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work effectively under pressure, to manage heavy workload and to meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong organisation and coordination skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with proven ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment.
• Good IT skills.

Languages

•  Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

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DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Experience working in Africa.
• Experience and understanding of capacity development in education and training.
• Previous experience with UN agencies and understanding of the UN system.

Skills/Competencies

• Good knowledge of the changing labour market and the world of work in particular in Africa.

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BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 64,968 USD.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

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SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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