Senior Project Officer ( Education)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4MMED0008PA

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Yangon

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 23-May-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 FUNCTION OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General, Education (ADG/ED), the functional authority of the Regional Director of UNESCO Bangkok, and direct supervision from Head ai of Antenna , UNESCO Yangon Antenna, the incumbent is responsible for providing programme management support to the project office work on the education sectoral coordination. The incumbent will work within the framework of UNESCO's global development agenda such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The work requires the regular provision of project management support to the Head of the Antenna Office and other education team members in the design, planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities and priorities, which includes coordination, research and knowledge management, and exploring new activities and partnerships as guided by the Head ai of Antenna and in coordination with education sector colleagues in Yangon and Bangkok. The work requires an awareness of donor and partner dynamics, while providing coordination support towards the Global Partnership for Education, other donors and in alignment with the local education group.  
 

Main duties and responsibilities

1.    Sector Coordination: provide coordination support for UNESCO Yangon Antenna work in the education coordination structures, working groups, donor relations, and expected work as the Secretariat function for the education sector, and coordination on Joint Response Framework efforts. This includes coordinating with the Local Education Group and global funds, namely as the Coordinating Agency for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), to provide coordination support with other funds and programming. Provide coordinated support to Myanmar interagency work on SDG monitoring, and other UN thematic working groups when expected by the Supervisor. 
2.    Partnerships and Resource Mobilization: Liaise with UNESCO's partners and support the antenna office in building new partnerships to expand and deliver on UNESCO education programming, Identify and communicate with the potential donors and partners in and out of Myanmar, develop the concept notes and project documents with/for the potential donors and partners with other staff members in the programme section. 
3.    Research and Knowledge Management: provide research and knowledge management support for the work in education sector coordination, including donor engagement and in accordance with the Joint Response Framework and managing relevant reviews and thematic research projects. This includes integration of SDG 4 commitments into sector coordination, providing research initiatives, designing methodologies and compiling data for publications and documents. Develop Terms of Reference for experts and contractors, and contribute inputs and feedback to their work, to ensure quality delivery of outputs. Expand knowledge and awareness of local needs, and acquire notions of other UNESCO specialities represented in the Yangon Project Antenna Office. Invest in professional learning in respect of new trends, and strengthening of knowledge and expertise.

Long Description

4.    Project operational support: manage UNESCO Yangon Project Antenna 's project work on the sectoral coordination, namely System Capacity Grant (SCG). Carry out project implementation, monitoring (including of budget), reporting and evaluation on sectoral coordination and analytical work. Utilize UNESCO's relevant tools such as CORE Manager to provide data inputs on project progress and completion while identifying new programme work and providing project design support. Develop briefing and communication materials as required and in consultation with UNESCO Bangkok Communication Team. Carry out close coordination with the ESPIG and STG Project Teams to ensure Teacher Education and other relevant thematic areas are promoted in the education sector work. Provide support to the ESPIG and STG Project Team on coordination and partnership building when necessary. Provide substantive, logistical and administrative support to joint projects, consultations, meetings and events, and  monitor contractors deliverables in a timely manner in line with UNESCO rules and procedures and in close consultation with UNESCO Bangkok. 
5.    Team Member Coordination: accordingly under the guidance of Head ai of Yangon Antenna, supervise the national project officer and project assistant under SCG project. Monitor their performance regularly and support them to improve their professional performance, provide clear guidance and objectives, and provide constructive feedbacks. Support the Head ai of the Antenna to advertise and recruit the national SC staff members as well as technical experts/consultants for the projects. Create a dynamic and resilient team to handle the projects and activities under the current emergency situations

Excepted Results

1. Improved quality and equity in Myanmar’s education through the effective use of an evidence-based framework that addresses key challenges, promotes gender and inclusivity, and adapts to emerging needs arising from ongoing socio-political instability.

1.1. An inclusive, gender, and disability-sensitive Joint Response Framework (JRF) effectively developed and implemented to address key educational challenges and enhances strategics responses to emerging needs in the education sector
1.2. Evidence driven strategic learning framework aligned with JRF, addressing data gaps, defining programmable questions that guiding actionable recommendations with a focus on equitable access and gender developed and implemented
1.3. A JRF M&E system to track the progress and effectiveness of aid investments established and implemented with specific attention to gender equality and the inclusion of children with disabilities
1.4. M&E professionals to effectively use the JRF MEL framework, promoted for knowledge-sharing, and provided ongoing support.
1.5 JRF midterm and endline evaluation conducted to promote learning and enhance accountability

2. Enhanced sector coordination and improved resource allocation efficiency, leading to increased financial support for Myanmar’s education.

2.1. Strengthen sector coordination framework and enhanced stakeholder engagement through reforming ESG and establishing TWGs
2.2. Increased awareness and mobilized support for Myanmar’s education sector through donor mapping, financial analysis, and the development of advocacy materials and knowledge products

3.  Evidence-based decision-making in strategic policy and program development through the generation of data and evidence on educational outcomes and progress.

3.1. Comprehensive annual situational analyses conducted and provided an in-depth overview of the state of education in Myanmar with broader participation of education sector groups and members

3.2. Various educational thematic analyses conducted to fill evidence gaps, including disabilities inclusion and gender disparity.

As the work is geared toward programme management and coordination, the results have an impact on the overall relevance of UNESCO as an educational stakeholder which is able to provide coordination support to local education group, donors and development partners. The post holder serves as a substantive contributor, offering programme management support and analysis to the Head ai of the Antenna and other senior staff, on activities such as project and programme design opportunities and resource mobilization. The work of incumbent will also have an impact on programme coordination and delivery.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education
•    Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, public policy, monitoring & evaluation, international development, economics and/or related fields.

 Work Experience
•    Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in coordination and management of a portfolio of projects in the field of education, of which preferably minimum of 3 years acquired at the international level.
•    Experience in design, management and coordination of international education programmes. 
•    Experience in working with education systems in conflict, post-conflict and post-disaster countries. 
•    Proven experience in donor and stakeholder relationship management.

Skills and Competencies
•    Knowledge of UNESCO's education conventions and global priorities, particularly the Sustainable Development Goal 4-Education 2030 Agenda and global education trends
•    Working knowledge of results-based and budget management tools;
•    Integrity, reliability, and strong sense of commitment and responsibility.
•    Excellent project management skills, coordination and organizational skills.
•    Demonstrated capacity in strategic planning and problem-solving skills.
•    Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
•    Excellent analytical, reporting, writing, editing and verbal communications skills.
•    Ability to work effectively both independently and in international multicultural environment.
•    Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of office tools (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.). 
•    Flexibility and ability to work under tight deadlines.

Languages
•    Excellent knowledge of English (both written and spoken).
 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education
•    PhD with specialization in education, public policy, monitoring & evaluation, international development, economics and/or related fields.

Work Experience
•     Experience of working in the education sector in Southeast Asia and/or Myanmar.
•    Technical knowledge of sector-wide education policy, planning, management and coordination, including development partner and donor coordination.
•    Experience in coordinating with UN partners or other inter-governmental organizations, the Local Education Group, including with donors, UN AFPs, development banks, civil society and global education funds in relevant fields.
 
Skills and Competencies
•    Knowledge of UNESCO's mandate policies and procedures.
•    Familiarity with UN programming policies and procedures under emergency 

Languages
•    Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and/or Spanish). 
 

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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