PROGRAMME SPECIALIST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education (ADG/ED), the  general guidance of the Director of the UNESCO Office in Santiago de Chile and Regional Bureau for Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the direct supervision of the Head of Section (Education 2030), the incumbent will be responsible for the management, implementation, monitoring and reporting  of the regional programmes on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Citizenship Education (GCEd). S/he will support the efforts of the Regional Office to refocus its programmes and strategies to respond to emerging education needs and trends in the region, in light of UNESCO’s mandate to lead and coordinate the Education 2030 Agenda, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), in particular SDG-4 (Education). In particular, s/he will carry out the following duties\:

• Manage, supervise, implement and monitor regional programme activities in TVET, ESD (including climate change and disaster risk reduction) and GCEd, in line with the Education Sector’s global strategies and priorities, in response to requirements of multiple governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, within the framework of Education 2030 and in liaison with the other thematic teams in UNESCO Santiago Office as well as with the education officers of UNESCO Field Offices and Institutes in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region;
• Conduct regional monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance in relation to the UNESCO-led ESD Global Action Programme in LAC, TVET initiatives and Global Citizenship Education, in collaboration with the relevant divisions at Headquarters (HQs), Field Offices and Institutes;
• Provide technical support and assistance to UNESCO’s Programme Specialists in the Field Offices in the LAC Region and Institutes for the formulation and implementation of education activities in the relevant fields;
• Contribute to the design, management and implementation of the Regional Education Programme, E2030, working in collaboration with other sections in the Regional Office and ensuring alignment with UNESCO’s strategic planning documents and compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Education 2030 Agenda.
• Contribute to the design, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the European Union and extra budgetary projects; ensure preparation and timely submission of progress and financial reports to donors;
• Participate in and/or lead whenever necessary regional thematic teams on TVET, ESD, and GCEd; and assist with regional coordination tasks in all field of responsibility.

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (equivalent to Masters) in education, social sciences or in a related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in the field of education and training, of which at least 2 years at the international level.
• Proven experience in formulating education related policies and in implementing and monitoring education programmes/projects.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge and understanding of education and socio-economic systems in a development and Middle Income Countries context, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Good knowledge in TVET and possibly in one of the other areas (ESD, GCEd).
• Demonstrated fund raising and resource mobilisation skills.
• Excellent coordination, interpersonal and negotiation skills, as well as an ability to network with a range of partners, donors and other stakeholders.
• Proven ability to draft high quality, clear, concise documents and reports.
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in a multicultural environment.
• Good IT skills.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and Spanish.

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (Ph.D or equivalent) in education, social science or related areas.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in building partnerships with intergovernmental organizations, experts’ groups, the private sector, civil society and NGOs.
• Proven experience in providing expert advice in educational policy, reform and strategic planning.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with the work and functioning of the UN System, including key mechanisms such as the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), UN Country Team (UNCT) mechanisms, Delivering as One (DAO) and UN Joint Programming and UN inter-agency initiatives.
• Knowledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

LANGUAGES

• Good knowledge of French.