Individual Consultant - Education Sector Coordination
JOB DETAILS
Type of contract : Consultant Contract
Level : Level 2 - Middle
Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station : Bangkok
Work location : On site
Duration of contract : 11 months
Hiring open to : External candidates
Application deadline (Midnight UTC+7 Time) : 01/06/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW
BACKGROUND:
Under the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), System Capacity Grant (SCG), UNESCO plays a leading role in coordinating various international and local development partners in the education sector as a means of strengthening the sector’s resilience and capacity. UNESCO also serves as an effective convener of development partners in the education sector to support progress toward SDG 4.
In this regard, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Antenna Project Office in Yangon (UNESCO) is seeking to recruit an international consultant to provide programme support on education sectoral and UN coordination. The objective of this consultancy is to support the Office in coordinating development partners to advance education outcomes for children and youth across Myanmar in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.
The consultant will assist UNESCO in engaging with a wide range of partners, developing terms of reference (TORs) for research and assessments, facilitating coordination meetings, and engaging with donors. The consultant will also provide technical inputs to the design of the next phase of the SCG, as well as contribute to the development of other projects within the Education Unit of the UNESCO Antenna Project Office in Yangon.
Long Description
PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The Individual Specialist is sought to provide technical support on education sector coordination, including research, the development of key documents, and the planning and implementation of related activities and events.
ASSIGNMENTS
Under the overall authority of the Regional Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office in Bangkok and the Office for UN Coordination in Asia and the Pacific, the direct supervision of the Head of the UNESCO Antenna Project Office in Yangon, and in close collaboration with the Education team, the Individual Specialist will undertake the following tasks:
• Provide coordination and facilitation support for the Office in Yangon to manage sector groups, such as the Education Sector Group (ESG), the Education Sector Representative Group (ESRG), regular Co-Chair meetings of ESRG, and thematic working groups as requested.
• Provide support given UNESCO’s role as Coordinating Agency (CA) of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) initiatives in Myanmar, including, coordination with Grant Agents (GA) of GPE programmes and organizing technical sessions with GPE and development partners, if required.
• Perform project management oversight of the GPE System Capacity Grant (SCG) in Myanmar, ensuring that all activities align with approved plans, timelines, and budgets. This involves overseeing the project’s progress, coordinating reporting, including budget management to ensure the smooth execution of the SCG.
• Lead the development and implementation of the Joint Response Framework (JRF) for Myanmar, including the JRF result based management framework, and the development of technical guidance notes, including but not limited to glossary, methods, and related tools.
• Support reporting to UN thematic working groups when expected by the Supervisor. Liaise with UNESCO's partners and support the office in building new partnerships to expand and deliver on the office’s education programming.
• Provide substantive, logistical and administrative support to joint projects, consultations, meetings and events.
• Oversee the strategic reconfiguration of the Local Education Group (LEG) for Myanmar, driving critical initiatives such as the development of briefing documents, facilitating consultations with key stakeholders, and conducting detailed desk analysis.
• Spearhead the situational analysis of Myanmar’s education landscape for 2026, leading the scoping study, designing the methodology, and overseeing the collection, analysis, and presentation of critical evidence.
In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the individual specialist is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.
Long Description
TRAVEL:
The Individual Specialist will be required to travel on missions directly related to projects and implementation during the assignment. The Individual Specialist should travel economy class and receive Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) at the standard rate (and which should be reduced, as necessary, when the number of days of DSA exceeds the limits stipulated in the table of rates published by International Civil Service Commission (ICSC). DSA is only payable to individuals carrying out assignments away from their usual place of residence or work. The Individual Specialist is expected to make her/his own travel arrangements and should be provided with a lump sum to cover travel-related expenses in accordance with UNESCO rules and regulations. Travel-related expenses (e.g. the cost of tickets, terminal fares and DSA) must be fixed and agreed between the parties. The Individual Specialist is responsible for obtaining United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) security clearance prior to each approved mission.
Long Description
CONTRACT DURATION
The contract duration is eleven months, from August 2026 to June 2027.
DELIVERABLES
The individual specialist will submit the following deliverables within the designated timeline. All deliverables must be submitted with original, editable files, as well as high-resolution versions of final products (if applicable) to UNESCO. The assigned tasks must be submitted by the following deadlines.
1. Finalized JRF II MEAL Framework (including indicators and methodology); Inception Report – Situational Analysis by 31/08/2026
2. Preparation, synthesis, and quality assurance of ESRG coordination outputs, including agendas, briefing notes, and meeting summaries to support coherent sector dialogue and alignment with JRF II priorities by 30/09/2026
3. JRF II Monitoring Report; Final Report – Monastic Education Landscape Review by 31/10/2026
4. Progress Update on the System Capacity Grant for dissemination to the ESRG (Round 1) by 30/10/2026
5. Synthesis report of annual ESRG retreat outcomes by 31/12/2026
6. Final Report – Situational Analysis Interim synthesis report outlining emerging implementation challenges and corresponding response strategies, based on structured engagement with frontline actors by 31/01/2027
7. Preparation, synthesis, and quality assurance of ESRG coordination outputs, including agendas, briefing notes, and meeting summaries to support coherent sector dialogue and alignment with JRF II priorities by 28/02/2027
8. Progress Update on the System Capacity Grant for dissemination to the ESRG (Round 1); Terms of Reference – Midterm Review of SCG by 31/03/2027
9. Annual Report Inputs for SCG by 30/04/2027
10. Preparation, synthesis, and quality assurance of ESRG coordination outputs, including agendas, briefing notes, and meeting summaries to support coherent sector dialogue and alignment with JRF II priorities by 31/05/2027
11. Progress update on annual resource mobilization initiatives; Inception Report for Mid-term Review; Consolidated technical review notes on key sector assessments 2026-2027 by 30/06/2027
COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)
- Communication (C)
- Accountability (C)
- Innovation (C)
- Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
- Planning and organizing (C)
- Results focus (C)
- Teamwork (C)
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
An advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in fields such as: education, economics, management studies, international development or a related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
At least eight years of experience in the field of education development, preferably relating to education planning and management, as well as monitoring and evaluation. Previous experience in teacher education or higher education reforms, preferably in the developing country contexts, would be desirable.
Long Description
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
• Excellent project management, coordination and organizational skills;
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to facilitate workshops, dialogues and seminars focused on education, SDG 4, gender, and inclusive education;
• Strong technical skills related to education sector coordination;
• Strong expertise and demonstrated experience in developing action plans and advocacy strategies aimed at mobilizing donor support for education development under emergency context;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills;
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills; and
• Proven ability to work efficiently, under pressure, and in a multi-cultural environment
LANGUAGES
Excellent knowledge of English (both written and spoken).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
• Work experience with the UN or other inter-governmental organizations in relevant fields;
• Strong ability and prior experience working in education development in the Asia-Pacific Region;
• Familiar with Myanmar’s education landscape and context, including knowledge on the existing education programmes and projects in the country;
• Proven experience in regional coordination and technical assistance;
• Proven experience in donor and stakeholder relationship management;
• Experience in preparing publications and reports;
• Experience in leading, guiding and supervising international teams;
• Relevant experience in the Asia-Pacific at both regional and national levels; and
• Good knowledge of the Myanmar country context would be desirable.
Skills/Competencies
Good leadership and teamwork with excellent managerial skills.
Languages
Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in ‘Employment History Form / My Documents’. Before uploading the document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information one combined file:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages) stating details of educational qualifications, work experience including prior experience of similar
- a statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment;
- Technical proposal: Short Approach and Methodology to the consultancy (maximum 3 pages) identifying the specific components of the TOR and how the intended objectives and/or deliverables shall be addressed, detailing progress, and timeline.
- Financial proposal in US dollars with a budget breakdown.
UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organization the best value for money.
Application should be done through careers.unesco.org only. In case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system, please inform us at hr.bgk@unesco.org
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Assessment
• Only applications providing the information requested in the application procedure will be considered.
• Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
Long Description
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.
To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.
The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.
Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.
Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel 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.
- lndividuals 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.
- The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
- UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.