Project Assistant-SC5/1-BAG-23-ED-0002-Erbil

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Erbil

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 21.06.2023

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

1. Overview of the functions of the post:

In July 2022, UNESCO and KOICA signed the project “Enhancing Employability for Vulnerable Youth in Ninawa, Iraq”, The aim of this project will be to enhance the employability of graduates in relevant economic sectors meeting the needs of the labour market in Ninawa through employment-oriented training programmes based on updated curricula and rehabilitate facilities of Mosul Vocational Training Centre and two Vocational schools.

In the framework of this project, and under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Office for Iraq and the Chief of Education, and direct supervision of the Associate Project Officer (Project Manager), the incumbent will be responsible to assist in the implementation of the projects “Enhancing Employability for Vulnerable Youth in Ninawa, Iraq”

2. Main duties and responsibilities:

• Support in the work of the “Enhancing Employability for Vulnerable Youth in Ninawa, Iraq” project implementation as directed by the Project Manager in addition to the below duties.
• Act as the main assistant for all project activities such as communications with the Ministries of Education and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Directorate of Education and the Directorate of Labour and Social Affairs KOICA, UNESCO Head Office and other relevant bodies engaged in implementing the project.
• Provide feedback to the Project Team on the project implementation; assess the quality of deliverables within the projects’ scope and up to the required UNESCO standards.
• Provide the logistical support in organizing and coordinating meetings, trainings, events, steering committees etc., activities and any other logistical arrangements across the territory of Iraq.
• Provide the logical support for the Project Team’s missions, and conduct the monitoring missions when required
• Coordinate the provision of all administrative and financial support required to the projects, ensuring that appropriate control reporting structure are maintained in accordance with UNESCO Rules and Regulations. Use the UNESCO finance and procurement systems to support project activities.
• Coordinate and act as focal point for issues related to admin, finance and procurement (including collecting offers, preparing purchase orders, contracts for services and IPAs, process of invoices and receipt of funds).
• Assist UNESCO’s external evaluation expert in meetings and focus group discussions with the MOEs/DOEs, MoLSAs, DoLSAs, UN Agencies, I/NGOs, teachers, trainers, students and trainees and facilitate visiting the target schools and the vocational center.

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‍3.  Expected results and duration of the assignment:

The incumbent should ensure maintaining up to date data and project files and reports.  Collect the narrative and financial reports with verification of supporting documents from the UNESCO’s implementing partners to close the IPAs.  Maintain projects payments to contractors, consultants, service providers and keep updated inventory list in close coordination with the Finance, Operations and Procurement units in UNESCO office for Iraq.

The duration of assignment will be one year with 3 months initial contract (as a probationary period), extendable subject to satisfactory performance, project validity, and fund availability.

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4. COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Professionalism (C)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

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5. Required Qualifications:

Academic qualifications:

•    Completed secondary, technical and/or vocational education.

Years of relevant work experience:

•   Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience and progressively responsible work experience in program management and/or assistant function in a UN agency or I/NGO.

•   Experience in education, TVET and livelihood sector.

•   Experience in monitoring financial and activity reporting of implementing partner.

•   Experience in monitoring the key performance indicators of partners and preparing the acceptance notes with the supporting documents to release payments.

Language requirements:

•    Excellent/very good knowledge and drafting skills in English and Arabic;
•    Knowledge of another UN official language (French, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish) may be an asset

Competencies:

•    Integrity, reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties.
•    Excellent coordination skills.
•    Good knowledge of results-based and budget management tools.
•    Ability to build and maintain partnerships.
•    Ability to work under pressure, manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
•    Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software.
•    Strong analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbally and in writing), and sensitivity to the local context.
•    Excellent project implementation skills.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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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