Associate National Project Officer (Education)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 5IQED 0030PA

Grade : NO-B

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Baghdad

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) : 15-01-2025

 

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

 

1 year contract with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Only nationals of Iraq can apply for this position.

Overview of the functions of the post

 

The incumbent will work in the Education Unit of UNESCO Office for Iraq under the overall authority of Director of the UNESCO Office for Iraq and direct supervision of the Chief of Education of the UNESCO Office for Iraq and day to day guidance from the Project Officer. 

The incumbent will be responsible for assisting the Project Officer in providing management support in the implementation of “Improving Access to Inclusive Quality Education in Southern Iraq” project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation / Government of Italy, the main objective of this project is to ensure all learners in Iraq, especially vulnerable OOSC ( Out-of-School Children) in southern governorates, are able to access and complete quality, inclusive and gender responsive primary and secondary education. This will be ensured an institutionalized support is in place to ensure access to primary and secondary education for 40,000 OOSC in Basrah, Dhi Qar and Maysan governorates. 
This objective will be achieved through a set of the following interrelated outputs: 

  • Schools improved and expanded for a safer child- friendly learning environment. 
  • Increased enrolments of OOSC through Community engagement in awareness raising campaigns. 
  • Capacities of education providers/education officials (teachers/officials and PTAs) for enhanced education outcomes. 

Main duties and responsibilities

 

Under the overall supervision of the Director of UNESCO Iraq Office and the direct supervision of the project Officer and Chief of Education, the selected candidate shall carry out the following, but not limited to, functions: 

 

1. Build and maintain strong relationships with relevant governmental directorates and local authorities in the targeted areas, other UN agencies, non-government organizations and other stakeholders;  
2. Representing UNESCO in relevant meetings and coordination groups and facilitating communication by taking minutes, providing interpretation and translating relevant documents.
3. Assist in the implementation of project outputs and activities, ensuring alignment with the overall project objectives.
4. Contributing to development and effective execution of the Project’s work plan and log frame; 
5. Oversee the organization of program events, such as workshops, training, missions, etc. including preparing agendas, documents and reach-out material, identifying venues and services, organizing travels of participants, ensuring interpretation and translation; 
6. Providing support in drafting the terms of reference, ensuring follow-up of the contracting and payments for implementing partners, vendors, consultants and institutions;
7. Contributing to prepare budgets for activities and assisting in the monitoring of expenditures and in the preparation of budget revisions; 
8. Drafting internal memos, official correspondence, press notes, web site, and other outreach activities;
9. Monitoring closely the activities implemented by the Implementing Partners and vendors to check quality and actual delivery of the tasks and products with verification and official documentation; 
10. Providing technical support on monitoring project activities, as well as the development, implementation and progress tracking of the project action work plan; 
11. Contributing to the periodic narrative and financial progress reports to donors on project implementation, including the development of monthly internal projects updates and reports, as well as periodic or ad-hoc analytical narrative reports;
12. Contributing to the design, development, and maintenance of databases and other information systems.
13. Performing any other duties as required by the office.

 

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

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, social sciences, engineering or closely related field(s). A first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

 

Work Experience

Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in education, or closely related fields (4 years with first-level university degree). 
 

Skills and Competencies

  • Excellent organizational and prioritization skills: the ability to manage sub-contracted implementing partners, organize multiple and simultaneous tasks, and deliver results within a specified timetable.
  • Sound understanding of results-based management and monitoring and evaluation principles.
  • Proven interpersonal, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work efficiently under pressure within a multicultural environment and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in basic office software tools (MS Office suite) and use of relevant IT solutions.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

 

Languages

  • Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of Arabic and English. 

Desirable qualifications

Work Experience

  • Experience within the UN entity. 
  • Experience in education, particularly in OOSC enrollment and school rehabilitations. 


Languages

  • Knowledge of the other UNESCO official languages (French, Chinese, Russian and Spanish).

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 51, 693 USD.

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

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.

Footer

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.