National Consultant-Education
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Dhaka
Classification of duty station: Field Office
Standard Duration of Assignment: From 1 to 6 months
Job Family: Education
Type of contract: Non Staff
Duration of contract : 5 months
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Dhaka Time): 15 Jun 2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
UNESCO Dhaka Office is supporting the Government of Bangladesh in advancing the Education for Health and Well-being agenda, with a particular focus on the implementation of the Health Promoting School (HPS) programme and Social Emotional Well-being (SEW) project. In this context, the Education Unit seeks to engage a National Consultant to provide technical, programmatic, and operational support to ensure timely and quality implementation of planned initiatives. The individual consultant will work under the overall authority of the Head of Office, direct supervision of the Chief of Education and day-to-day guidance of the Programme Officer for Education, in coordination with the Education Unit at UNESCO Dhaka, and will perform the following activities.
Long Description
Programme Management:
- Assist in the coordination and implementation of Health Promoting School (HPS) programme and Social Emotional Wellbeing (SEW) Project activities planned under the programme.
- Facilitate processing of contracts, payments, and documentation for implementing partners.
- Coordinate with implementing partners to ensure research/analysis/assessment quality, timely submission of deliverables, and regular progress updates to UNESCO, highlighting challenges and risks.
- Assist in preparing financial reports for UNESCO Dhaka, UNESCO Regional Offices and UNESCO HQ.
- Conduct field missions including monitoring, mentoring and supportive supervision with implementing partners to ensure smooth coordination of all project activities and timelines.
- Support the preparation of relevant coordination documentation.
Research and Knowledge Management:
- Provide support to specific situation analysis, training needs assessment, rapid needs assessment, design blended training programs, action research, and assessment to produce well-articulated reports, including publications, curated resource packs, and blueprints.
- Assist in the preparation of knowledge and communication products, materials for advocacy and outreach related to the area of work.
- Participate in meetings, seminars, and workshops with internal and external stakeholders.
Long Description
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Support engagement of stakeholders, including government officials, university faculty, education-based workers, counselors, public health experts, teachers, head teachers, trainers, students, parents, education administrators, and partners through the HPS/SEW program’s workplan implementation.
- Assist in strengthening cooperation with partners, including the UN, development partners, the private sector, NGOs, and assist with resource mobilization including the development of project proposals.
Operations Support:
- Provide administrative and logistical support in the planning and organization of events, meetings, workshops, orientations, and disseminations in coordination with other implementing partners.
- Assist in the preparation of specific budgets, financial and accounting documents, and project record management.
- Support to process travel arrangements, transitions and travel claims for UNESCO staff and international experts, including transportation and accommodation.
Long Description
Communications and Visibility Support:
- Assist in the drafting of letter, documents, producing reports and contextualizing program documents in both English and Bangla.
- Prepare social media content and ensure social media workflow for more engagement and visibility.
- Ensure all activities and materials align with UNESCO’s communication strategy and visibility and communication guidelines.
- Assist with IT support and in preparing speeches/PPTs/briefs/highlights in relation to the HPS programme for the Chief of Education and the Head of Office.
Resource Mobilization:
- In collaboration with Education unit, identify opportunities to mobilize resource for HPS programme and SEW project and prepare concept note, proposal, workplan and budget
Other tasks:
- Ensure gender equality and intersectionality are considered and integrated into all activities and aspects in alignment with UNESCO’s priorities
- Carry out additional programmatic, operational, and administrative responsibilities as delegated by both the Supervisor and the Head of Office.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of Public Health, Education and Social Sciences or another related discipline.
Work Experience
- Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in technical, logistical and administrative management support for program implementation with government entities, preferably in an international environment like UNESCO.
- Experience supporting a team and working in a digital work environment using multiple software packages. Previous experience working on Social Emotional Learning, Health and Well-being is an asset.
- Experience coordinating with ministries or UN joint programmes is preferred.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Skills and competencies
- Good interpersonal and communication skills in a multicultural environment, including good drafting skills in English and/or Bangla.
- Good organizational, facilitation and coordination skills to contextualize, develop, and deliver face-to-face, online, and/or orientation and training on Education for Health and Well-being and Social Emotional Learning at the local to national levels.
- Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively with people of different cultural backgrounds.
- Flexibility to adjust work schedules, priorities, and capacity to work effectively under pressure.
- Experience in utilizing digital tools and platforms to enhance educational practices.
- Good computer skills, proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Canva/photoshop etc.)
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English and Bangla
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
Performance Evaluation
Consultant performance will be assessed periodically by the supervising officer against agreed work plans and deliverables.
Benefits
Salary is negotiable between BDT 50,000 – 70,000 based on qualifications and expertise. Individual Consultancy Contract (full-time), renewable based on performance and availability of funds. Payment will be made monthly upon submission of approved deliverables.
Job Hours
Full Time
THIS IS A NATIONAL POSITION AND FEMALES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
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.