Programme Specialist ( Education)
OVERVIEW
Post Number : ED 002
Grade : P-4
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Fixed Term
Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 06/03/2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General, Education (ADG//ED), guidance from the Director, Division of Peace and Sustainable Development and direct supervision from the Chief of Section for Education for Sustainable Developemnt (ESD), the incumbent is responsible for implementing, monitoring and reporting on sectional and cross -sectoral , regular and extra budgetary, projects and programmes and providing recommendations on project feasibility as well as identifying potential collaborations and ensuring regular communication and exchange amongst teams, colleagues, peers and stakeholders. The incumbent will coordinate with other parts of the Education Sector as well as other programme Sectors in implementing the Sections programmes. The incumbent will be expected to perform the following essential duties:
- Coordinate the global, regional, and national implementation of the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for 2030 framework and roadmap, in collaboration with partners, including UNESCO Chairs, Member States, UNESCO Field Offices, and Institutes.
- Provide policy advice, technical support, and capacity-building activities to promote effective and relevant ESD policies and practices in Member States.
- Plan, develop, and organize research, consultations, and partnerships aimed at operationalizing education transformation and scaling up innovative approaches to improve education and learning outcomes.
Long Description
- Initiate and conceptualize strategic frameworks and systems approaches to leverage ESD in supporting the transformation of education.
- Provide conceptual support for organizing large-scale ESD events, such as the upcoming ESD World Conference.
- Oversee the implementation of the UNESCO Japan ESD Prize, including managing the call for proposals, organizing award ceremonies, conducting outreach, and monitoring progress.
- Develop and produce knowledge products, guidance tools, and guidelines related to ESD.
- Lead and manage the staff within the ESD for 2030 team ensuring effective formulation, planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of programs. Provide support to Member States and development partners.
- Explore and develop resource mobilization opportunities, including project proposal submissions, partnership building, and networking.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, science or related social science fields.
Work experience
- A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in education systems analysis, development and/or reforms, of which preferably 3 years acquired at international level.
- Proven experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.
- Experience in outreach and partnerships/network building.
Skills and competencies
- Good understanding of global trends and developments related to education for sustainable development.
- Proven conceptual, analytical and technical skills including the ability to provide advice on educational policy, strategic planning and management.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to provide intellectual leadership and motivate multidisciplinary teams in a multicultural environment, as well as ensure coaching and development of staff.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare, present and discuss findings and recommendations on education issues clearly and concisely.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and working knowledge of the other.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
- Strong global professional network.
- Experience in providing support to countries in implementation of education projects and programmes at a national or regional scale.
Skills and Competencies
- Understanding of UNESCO's strategic direction and familiarity of UNESCO's operations
- Knowledge of agile working methodology.
Languages
- Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).
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 118,625 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.
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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.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.