Project Officer
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 4AFED 0023PA
Grade : P-3
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Kabul
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 05-FEB-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) system capacity grant (SCG) is one of the GPE’s country-level grants designed to help strengthen countries’ capacity to transform their education systems, designed as part of the GPE’s 2021–25 strategic plan. Following the political shift in Afghanistan in August 2021, the Afghanistan Education Development Partners Group (Ed-DPG) and the Education Cluster facilitated the development of the Afghanistan Education Sector Transitional Framework (AESTF) to foster a clear operational framework to guide education programming and funding decisions for a transitional period of two years until December 2023. In February 2022, Global Partnership for Education acknowledged that the fragile and conflict-affected states principles were invoked. Taking cognizance of the ever-evolving context in Afghanistan and the absence of a recognized government, the SCG specifically supports capacity strengthening to the sector situation analysis with gender and equity lenses, educational planning review, sector coordination, data and evidence, development, monitoring and evaluation of the Afghanistan Education Sector Support Plan (AESSP)and capacity building of NGOs. UNESCO is seeking to hire a Project Officer to oversee the implementation of the GPE SCG project in collaboration with implementing partners and the donor.
Long Description
Main duties and responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Officer in Charge and the direct supervision of the Head of Education at the UNESCO Office in Kabul, the SCG project officer will be responsible for overall management of the project (Planning, implementation, Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation):
- Ensuring the management of the System Capacity Grant funds per GPE guidelines and in compliance with UNESCO's financial and administrative regulations and procedures.
- Undertaking the overall budget holder responsibility for the project, ensuring consistent burn-rate, regular budget variance analysis and review and taking relevant action to ensure project burn rate and project time lapse align.
- Leading in the preparation and supporting execution of the project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan including the log frame, Indicator Progress Tracking Table (IPTT), and Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP).
Long Description
- Monitoring and reporting on periodic financial utilization of the project through coordination with finance and administration team.
- Highlighting and preparing documentation for any programme modifications, including budget revisions, amendments or extensions which require Education Strategic Thematic Working Group (Ed-STWG), UNESCO and GPE approval.
- Developing periodic narrative and financial reports as per GPE requirements.
- Leading the development of the AESSP data dashboard.
- Working closely with the Education Cluster to strengthen the Humanitarian and Basic Human Needs nexus and collaborate on capacity building of NGOs in education.
- Representing UNESCO in the Ed-STWG M&E Working Group.
- Leading in project reviews and development of joint monitoring framework.
- Prepare briefings, presentations, speeches, and talking points for the project and UNESCO senior officials whenever necessary.
Long Description
- Leading in the project planning meetings, missions, and in-country events as required and provide timely reporting on the project's progress to the donor, UNESCO GPE secretariat, other UN and Basic Human Needs platform (UN Info Reporting etc.).
- Signing off the final information to be shared on the AESSP dashboard for partners and donor’s use.
- Recruiting and managing staff and consultants recruited under the GPE SCG project.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
-
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social sciences and related fields.
Work experience
- At least 4 years of relevant work experience in education and other related fields, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level.
- A deep understanding of education development work, particularly of capacity development in education.
Skills
- Excellent skills in education planning, monitoring and evaluation.
- Excellent research and data analysis skills.
- Excellent strategic, analytical and communications skills.
- Proven expertise in communication, public awareness, advocacy, reporting, and donor communication.
- Ability to interact with partners at various professional levels and diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent coordination and networking skills.
- Excellent experience in using multimedia and creativity software such as Adobe Suite or other applications.
- Excellent computer skills.
Languages
Excellent command in English (both written and spoken).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in education is a great advantage.
- Previous experience in an educational organization is an added value.
- Work experience with the UN is an added advantage.
- Good knowledge of French or another UN language is an added value.
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 95,909 USD.
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.
Footer
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.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.