PROGRAMME SPECIALIST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education (ADG/ED), guidance from the Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems (DIR/ED/PLS) and direct supervision from the Chief of Section of Higher Education (ED/PLS/HED), the incumbent is responsible for the management and implementation of UNESCO’s Regular Programme activities as well as extra-budgetary projects in the field of higher education. S/he will carry out global research and analysis in the broad area of higher education policy and planning, as well as lead country level policy reviews and strategies with an emphasis on systemic and institutional reforms in higher education. In particular, the incumbent will be expected to perform the following essential duties\:

Programme Design and Management

• Coordinate programme and project activities in the field of higher education policy, at global and regional levels;
• Develop, coordinate and monitor extra-budgetary projects and ensure periodic reviews, reporting and dissemination of information.

Policy Advice

• Initiate policy development and advice in Member States from a comparative perspective using empirical sources;
• Provide technical/specialized expertise and advice to Member States, partners and colleagues on higher education policies;
• Review research, draft reports and develop policy recommendations;
• Provide guidance and monitor the work of regional and field offices in the domain of higher education and offer technical support, including capacity development resources, to field staff;
• Advocate UNESCO’s role/position in higher education and represent the Organization at policy-making levels and in conferences and meetings.

Networking, Communication and Knowledge Management

• Develop and maintain professional collaboration and partnerships at global level on higher education policy issues;
• Plan, develop and implement outreach strategies with stakeholders;
• Strengthen cooperation with other Sectors, Field Offices, Institutes to address regional priorities in higher education.

Resources Mobilization

• Explore and develop alternative funding mechanisms and resource mobilization opportunities, including project proposal submissions.

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, public policies, international development, or in a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the area of higher education policies and planning, of which at least 3 years acquired at international level.
• Working experience in higher education institutions.
• Experience in policy analysis, formulation, implementation and evaluation in the higher education sector.
• Experience in coordinating education policy dialogues with national stakeholders and development partners.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Proven capacity to produce high-quality and policy-oriented analytical reports.
• Recognised ability to link higher educational policies and planning to wider societal and economic needs.
• 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.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
• Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Solid IT skills including knowledge of office software.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and  good knowledge of French.

EDUCATION

• PhD (or equivalent) in a subject of direct relevance to higher education policies and reforms.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience in institutional and system level higher education evaluations and providing strategic policy advice.
• Demonstrated professional experience in management, design and coordination of education plans and strategies at international level.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with the work and functioning of the UN System, and key mechanisms such as the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), and UN Joint Programming and UN inter-agency initiatives.
• Knowledge of the 2030 Global Agenda for Sustainable Development, its related goals (SDGs) and, in particular, SDG 4.

LANGUAGES

• Good knowledge of other official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish).