Programme Specialist (TVET Education)
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 5IQED 0001TA
Grade : P-3
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Baghdad
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Temporary Appointment
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 14-Aug-2025
Duration of contract: 11 months with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The incumbent will work in the Education Unit of the UNESCO Office in Iraq under the overall authority of Head of Office and the direct supervision and guidance of the Chief of Education. The incumbent will be responsible for providing management support in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) portfolio of the UNESCO Office in Iraq, with a particular focus on the implementation of two projects, the European Union-funded “Green and Digital TVET for Enhancing Employability in Iraq” project and the KOICA-funded “Enhancing Employability for Vulnerable Youth in Ninawa, Iraq” project.
The main objective of the first project is to strengthen the TVET sector, advocating for the TVET policy framework and law, integrating greening and digitalization into TVET programmes to address Iraq’s geographical and economic potential, particularly in agriculture, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability. Deliverables include modernizing curricula, enhancing teacher training, developing new programmes in line with the greening and digitalization concepts, upgrading infrastructure, strengthening industry linkages, and ensuring alignment with labour market demands. By mobilizing Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and focusing on disadvantaged youth, the project seeks to improve access to quality TVET opportunities.
The main objective of the second project is to enhance the employability for TVET graduates in relevant economic sectors, meeting the needs of the labour market in Ninewa, Iraq. The project aims to improve the quality of provision of training within three centres of vocational excellence, improve vocational training infrastructure and curricula, and improve labour market linkages for each of the three centres of vocational excellence.
In particular, the incumbent shall perform the following functions:
- Develop, implement and regularly review an overall strategy of the UNESCO Office in Iraq to support the improvement of TVET in Iraq, in close coordination with other education team members and stakeholders;
- Contribute to the visibility efforts in showcasing UNESCO’s work on improving TVET through internal and external communication and reporting, and the resource mobilization efforts in developing concept notes and proposals and identifying potential donors and partners to support education initiatives;
- Represent UNESCO in coordination and technical forums relating to education and maintain good relationships with relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to donors, Government counterparts, partners, and beneficiaries, to demonstrate effective partnerships;
- Perform good management of the two education projects for the whole project cycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and control;
- Supervise and coach international and national personnel and consultants to ensure the timely and quality achievements of results;
- Ensure UNESCO administrative, financial, procurement and contracting rules are strictly adhered to, with proper financial and contractual management; and
- Support additional tasks as requested by the Head of Office and Chief of Education in line with the mandate and priorities of the office.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Education, Social and Human Sciences, Business Administration, Project Management, or closely related field(s).
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in education, particularly Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) or closely related fields, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at the international level.
- Experience in increasing the visibility of education projects and mobilizing resources with donors and partners.
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge of English Language (written and spoken).
COMPETENCIES/ SKILLS
- Experience in designing and implementing educational projects;
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills verbally and in writing in English;
- Demonstrated ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with donors, Government counterparts, partners, and beneficiaries;
- Supervisory and managerial skills, capable of leading a team of professionals;
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization; and
- Excellent knowledge of office productivity and collaboration tools.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE
- A good understanding of UNESCO, including its administrative procedures and financial processes; and
- Experience in working in post-crisis and post-disaster contexts.
LANGUAGES
- Good knowledge of another UNESCO official language especially Arabic will be an advantage.
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 annual starting salary for this post is USD 89,028.
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.
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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.