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Programme Officer (Education)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 4THED 0005TA

Grade: P-3

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Bangkok

Job Family: Education

Contract Type: Temporary Appointment

Duration of contract: From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 11/06/2026

 

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

Duration of contract: 11 months with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok) covers Afghanistan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand. The office represents UNESCO in the United Nations regional architecture, namely the Regional Collaborative Platform for Asia-Pacific, and leads the regional coordination of Sustainable Development Goal 4.


The Education Section at UNESCO Bangkok is dedicated to strengthening the capacities of the Member States to provide equitable, inclusive, and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. Through targeted support, UNESCO Bangkok assists Member States in designing, reviewing, financing, and systematically monitoring their education sector policies and plans to develop transformative education systems aligned with SDG4.


In this context, UNESCO supports programmes in higher education, TVET, skills development and digital transformation, including emerging areas such as AI in education, to help countries develop relevant skills for the future of work and improve education systems. Furthermore, the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok is the Secretariat of the Tokyo Convention on Recognition of Qualifications, and of the Entrepreneurship Education Network for Asia-Pacific.

 

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and the direct supervision of the Chief of Education section, the incumbent will design, plan, coordinate, implement, and monitor the above-mentioned programmes:
(1)    Support the implementation of the programmes in compliance with the programmes specific objectives, activities and expected outputs by:
•    Ensuring quality achievement of the programme outputs;
•    Regularly monitoring and updating, as relevant, of the project work plan;
•    Planning and organizing procurement of goods and services and regularly monitoring its implementation;
•    Identifying programme implementation partners and providers of goods and services.
•    Following up on the implementation of the contracts, assessing the quality of services provided, and requesting disbursement of funds; 
•    Building synergies with other programmes and activities of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and relevant programmes of other development partners in our region.
(2)    Ensure the monitoring and evaluation of programmes implementation and the reporting on activities by:
•    Contributing to monitoring and evaluation of programme activities, reporting on progress, and suggesting updates to the programme timeframe;
•    Regularly monitoring the financial status of the programmes and promptly developing budget revision if needed;
•    Regularly preparing, conducting, and following up meetings   of   the   programme coordination and technical mechanisms, preparing their minutes and action plans with the clear division of responsibility and timeframe;
•    Presenting aggregate strategic analysis on programme performance based on commitment of indicators and implementation of activities as well as output delivery;
•    Preparing reports on programme activities for UNESCO, the donor and partners;
•    Ensuring the implementation of the communication and visibility plan of the programmes, in close coordination with the Communication Team; 
•    Fostering exchanges of information, experience, identifying new strategies of action to improve delivery of services and to achieve the programmes requirements and objectives; and,
•    Supervising and providing guidance, and direction to the colleagues supporting these programmes.
(3)    Liaise with the Government, international and national stakeholders by:
•    Ensuring programmes alignment with Government reforms in education sector;
•    Maintaining   regular   relations   with   national   counterparts   and   key   stakeholders (Ministries, providers, regional and local authorities, etc.), including private sector stakeholders, UNESCO Chairs and UNEVOC Centres;
•    Mobilizing UNESCO’s entities in support of the Government reforms, including UNESCO HQs, and UNESCO Institutes, and liaising with other UNESCO Regional Offices and Field Offices as needed;
•    Sharing international experiences and facilitating access to information, knowledge and good practices; and,
•    Setting-up mechanisms and actions to ensure sustainability of programmes’ outputs.
•    Supporting UN engagement of the Office through UN planning exercises such as the development, implementation and monitoring of UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) at country level.
•    Support the Office resource mobilization efforts in higher education, TVET and digital transformation, including through intersectoral programmes.

ORGANIZATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Education Section and the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Bangkok. Within this framework, the incumbent will operate with a moderate level of independence in implementing programme activities, guided by established workplans, UNESCO rules, and operational procedures.

The incumbent will be responsible for the day to day coordination and implementation of programme activities, including overseeing partnerships, managing procurement and contracts, and ensuring the timely delivery of outputs. While strategic direction and quality assurance will be provided by the supervisor, the role requires sound judgment in managing implementation processes, resources and associated risks. The incumbent may also provide guidance and supervision to consultants and support staff involved in programme delivery.

In carrying out these functions, the incumbent will maintain regular working relationships with internal colleagues across UNESCO Bangkok, as well as with UNESCO Field Offices, Regional Offices, Headquarters, and Institutes. Externally, the incumbent will liaise with government counterparts, development partners, donors, and UN agencies, as well as academic institutions, UNESCO Chairs, UNEVOC Centres, private sector actors, civil society organizations, consultants, and service providers to support effective programme implementation and partnership development.

The incumbent will also support UNESCO Bangkok role as Secretariat of the Tokyo Convention on Recognitions of Qualifications and the Asia-Pacific Network of National Information Centres (APNNIC) and liaise closely with Bureau members, and the Secretariat of the Entrepreneurship Education Network for Asia and the Pacific with coordination with its national chapters.

Furthermore, the incumbent will support the office mobilization efforts, identify and engage with potential donors and partners.

Long Description

EXPECTED RESULTS AND DURATION OF THE ASSIGMENT

The incumbent is expected to perform the duties and responsibilities mentioned above to achieve the following expected results:
•    Effective and timely implementation of programme activities in line with approved workplans, ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs.
•    Strengthened coordination and partnerships with government counterparts, UN agencies, development partners, and key stakeholders to support programme objectives, as well as with potential new donors and partners.
•    High-quality technical, analytical, and financial reporting produced for UNESCO, donors, and partners, ensuring accountability and transparency.
•    Improved monitoring and evaluation of programme activities, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and enhanced programme performance.
•    Effective implementation of communication and visibility activities to promote programme achievements and knowledge sharing.
•    Strengthened sustainability and impact of programme results through strategic engagement and continuous improvement of programme delivery
The duration of the assignment is 11 months, renewable subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The assignment is expected to start on 1 July 2026 and end on 31 May 2027.

Long Description

Long Description

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

  • Communication (C)
  • Accountability (C)
  • Innovation (C)
  • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
  • Planning and organizing (C)
  • Results focus (C)
  • Teamwork (C)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

•    Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in the field of education, social sciences, international development, or related area.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•   At least four (4) years of relevant work experience in Education, including two (2) years acquired preferably at the international level, in technical assistance and project management in the field of education;
•    Work experience in education-related programmes, including TVET, skills development, higher education, or digital transformation and AI in education.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Excellent project management skills, including results-based management, financial management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting;
•    Integrity, reliability, and sense of commitment in the execution of duties;
•    Excellent coordination and organizational skills;
•    Good analytical and problem-solving skills;
•    Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment;
•    Ability to work under pressure, to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work; and
•    Strong IT skills, including good knowledge of standard office software and online collaboration tools.

LANGUAGES

•    Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

•    Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset.

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 96 159 USD.

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

SELECTION AND HIRING 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 staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
  • UNESCO applies to 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.
  • 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.
  • Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
  • In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
  • The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
  • UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
  • UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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