Project Officer
JOB DETAIL
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 4AFED0023PA
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) : 30-JUN-2023
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Initial duration of contract: 1 year with the 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, GPE 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, and monitoring and evaluation of the AESTF. UNESCO is seeking to hire a SCG Project Manager to oversee the implementation of the project in collaboration with the implementing partners and donors.
Long Description
Under the overall supervision of the Director of UNESCO Office in Kabul and the direct supervision of the Head of Education UNESCO Office in Kabul, SCG project manager will be responsible for overall oversight of the project (Planning, Implementation, Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation). Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:
- Ensuring the management of the System Capacity Grant funds as 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) Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP)
- 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 Ed-DPG M&E Working Group, UNESCO and GPE approval
- Developing periodic narrative and financial reports as per GPE requirements
- Managing and overseeing the development of the AESTF database, data management, visualization, data analysis, assessment analysis and where needed GIS and mapping
Short Description
- Representing UNESCO in the Ed-DPG M&E Working Group
- Leading in project reviews and development of joint monitoring framework, development of monitoring and organizational capacity assessment tools
- Preparing briefings, presentations, speeches, and talking points for the project and UNESCO senior officials whenever necessary
- Leading in the project planning meetings, missions, and in-country events as required and providing timely reporting on the project’s progress to the UNESCO GPE secretariat and other UN and Basic Human Needs platform (UN Info Reporting etc.)
- Being responsible for the coordination with relevant education stakeholders where applicable and reporting back to the Ed-DPG M&E working group and UNESCO
- Preparing the final information of the implementation of the SCG programme interventions to be shared on the dashboard for partners and donor’s consumption
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’ or equivalent) in development studies, education, development economics or closely related fields.
Work Experience
- Atleast 4 years of relevant professional work experience in programme management, information management, coordination, and education programming.
- Experience in communication, public awareness, advocacy, reporting, and donor communication.
- Experience within the United Nations is an added advantage.
Skills and Competencies
- A deep understanding of humanitarian-development-peacebuilding nexus approach work, particularly of capacity development in education.
- Ability to interact with partners at various professional levels and diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent skills in the development of operation plan, setting up indicators for monitoring implementation, and provision of up-to-date project report.
- Excellent strategic, analytical, and communications skills.
- Excellent coordination and networking skills.
- Excellent English drafting and presentation skills.
- Knowledge of computer productivity tools and multimedia and creativity software.
- Very good understanding of working in diverse and multi-cultural environments.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
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 120,484.
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.
