Policy Planning Specialist for Education
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Beirut
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 10-APR-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Lebanon education system is challenged with multi-faceted crises that have interrupted the development of the education sector. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) initiated programs to respond to the existing challenges and maintain the resilience of the sector under the strategic objectives of the 5-year plan.
UNESCO Beirut office is dedicated to support MEHE in capacity building efforts to improve the quality of education for all students, to guarantee the resilience of the education system and to implement the strategic objectives of sector plans.
This is reflected in the national development goal for Lebanon’s future: Lebanon’s high-quality human capital strengthens socio-economic development, innovation and resilience.
Long Description
SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The scope of the assignment focuses on supporting UNESCO and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education on sector wide planning and policy development and implementation. The position is critical to ensure policy recommendations and plans target quality education and ensure a coordinated and efficient implementation of relevant programs in general education, technical and vocational education, higher education, the Center for Educational Research and Development, and the Lebanese University.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide expert advice on education sector policies, reforms and best practices related to education governance, financing, curriculum development, and quality assurance.
• Contribute to the development, review and implementation of education sector strategies, regulations and frameworks.
• Lead the preparation of reform recommendations to support the provision of quality education and good governance ensuring close coordination with UNESCO and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the different directorates and entities within the sector (General Ed, TVET, Higher Education, CERD and the Lebanese University).
• Support the research and analysis of trends to identify challenges across the education sector at both the institutional level and the MEHE management level.
• Facilitate the use of evidence to inform sector plans and policy development through the analysis of relevant reports, assessments, studies, annual work plans (AWP), and other documentation.
• Assist the Ministry in preparing and reviewing education sector project-related documents, conducting regular project reviews and overseeing ongoing monitoring of the projects.
• Engaging with key stakeholders, including educational institutions, development partners, and policymakers.
• Coordinate with the DGs and the president of the Lebanese University key policy interventions.
• Undertake other tasks as requested by the Minister.
Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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QUALIFICATIONS
• Doctorate or Master’s degree in education policy, educational management, development, business administration, or any related field of education.
• 10 years’ experience working in public/private education sector at senior managerial levels related to project management, partnership management, and planning with key actors particularly with international organizations, government agencies and ministries.
• Demonstrated ability in supporting the development of policies and strategies, coordinating and managing projects, proposal development, strategic planning and partners relationships.
• Very good knowledge of compliance and governance aspects related to institutional management (public sector level).
• Proven ability to work both independently and within a team of senior experts.
• Strong tactful/soft diplomacy and communication skills with proficiency in developing high-level compelling technical written and oral presentations.
• Fluency in Arabic and English, French is desired.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines with minimum level of supervision.
Long Description
DELIVERABLES
The Consultant shall submit monthly activity reports in the specific responsibilities defined in this Terms of Reference that include the following:
a. Executive summary of the overall performance (tasks assigned vs actual accomplishments)
b. Key monthly objectives and activities
c. Milestones and future steps (ongoing tasks and/or new activities)
* The Consultant will provide documentation of the specific responsibilities reflected in the progress report.
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 an 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.
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