National Project Officer (Education)
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 4UZED 0008PA
Grade : NO-C
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Tashkent
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) : 24-OCT-2024
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.
Only nationals of Uzbekistan may apply to this position.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Education Unit of UNESCO Tashkent is leading several key initiatives aimed at advancing the quality, inclusiveness, and relevance of education in Uzbekistan. These projects focus on addressing crucial gaps in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), strengthening the Educational Management Information System (EMIS), and leveraging ICT and digital learning to uplift educational outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations such as girls and children with disabilities.
Among these initiatives is the "Empowering Education in Uzbekistan: Leveraging ICT and Digital Learning for High-Quality and Inclusive Education Results" project, which aims to reduce the digital divide by expanding access to technology, enhancing teachers' digital skills, and fostering inclusive learning environments. Simultaneously, UNESCO is collaborating with national stakeholders to promote TVET reforms, , in alignment with UNESCO Strategy for TVET 2022-2029, and bolster EMIS to support more effective, data-driven decision-making to support the successful implementation of these projects, UNESCO seeks a National Project Officer who will contribute with technical expertise, coordinate with national and international partners, and assist in ensuring that the project objectives align with the government’s broader education reform.
Long Description
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education (ADG/ED) and direct supervision of the Senior Project Officer, the incumbent shall perform the functions indicated in the Terms of References below:
Project Implementation and Technical Support:
- Provide technical support to the Senior Project Officer in the implementation of UNESCO’s extra-budgetary education projects
- Assist in coordinating and overseeing day-to-day project activities to ensure they are carried out in line with agreed-upon work plans and timelines.
- Provide technical backstopping, by actively contributing to the development of frameworks for improving digital learning environments and support national counterparts in advancing TVET and EMIS reforms.
- Ensure the delivery of quality outputs, including the development of training materials, guidelines, and capacity-building initiatives related to TVET and ICT for education, in alignment with UNESCO priorities, including the focus on gender equality and equity
Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Facilitate strong communication and collaboration between UNESCO, the line ministries, the private sector, and other national stakeholders involved in the projects.
- Support the Senior Project Officer in liaising with international and national development partners, to ensure synergies between UNESCO’s interventions and broader development efforts in Uzbekistan.
- Represent UNESCO at relevant technical meetings and working groups related to UNESCO’s areas of interest in the field of education.
- Promote coordination with UNESCO HQ, specifically the sections working on Youth, Literacy and Skills Development (YLS), as well as with UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, to ensure coherence of the activities launched, develop synergies with existing UNESCO initiatives and to share best practices/lessons learnt.
Short Description
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):
- Assist in the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the progress and impact of the projects.
- Contribute to the analysis of project performance data, identifying key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned to inform future interventions.
- Support the preparation of regular progress reports and donor briefs in collaboration with the project team.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:
- Contribute to capacity-building initiatives, particularly in enhancing digital competencies for teachers, quality assurance in TVET, and the use of EMIS for data-driven education reform.
- Participate in organizing workshops, training sessions, and other capacity-building activities for government counterparts and education stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development of knowledge products and resources that will help national stakeholders sustain and expand the impact of UNESCO’s education interventions.
Resource Mobilization and Reporting:
- Assist the Senior Project Officer in developing funding proposals and concept notes for additional project activities, in line with the identified needs and priorities of the education sector.
- Identify and engage with additional partners willing to participate in current and/or future initiatives
- Ensure that project implementation is in compliance with UNESCO’s financial, administrative, and reporting requirements.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, International Development, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or a related field.
Work Experience
- A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in the field of education.
- Demonstrated experience working with government counterparts, international organizations, and development partners.
Skills and competencies
- In-depth knowledge of the education sector in Uzbekistan
- Ability to develop innovative approaches in terms of strategic planning.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities efficiently. Proficiency in coordinating multi-stakeholder projects and partnerships.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to work in a collegial manner and build partnerships both within and externally to UNESCO
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively deal with colleagues, partners and networks in private and public sectors in education and teacher development
Languages
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Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
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Good knowledge (spoken and written) of Uzbek.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
- Work experience in education project management
- Experience within the UN system, multilateral agencies or international corporations.
- Experience with the work of teacher training institutions in Uzbekistan
- Knowledge of teacher policy, or skills trainings, especially those related to digital solutions and/or those aimed at teachers would be an advantage.
Languages
- Good knowledge of Russian.
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 USD 57, 615.
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.
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