Program Manager / Research & Development Officer
Dakar
- Organization: UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
- Location: Dakar
- Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
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Occupational Groups:
- Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
- Humanitarian Aid and Coordination
- Scientist and Researcher
- Project and Programme Management
- Managerial positions
- Closing Date: Closed
Post Number : 6SNIEP0058PA
Grade : P-4
Parent Sector : Education
Duty Station: Dakar, Senegal
Job Family: UNESCO- International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-Pôle de Dakar)
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : One year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Dakar time) : 29 February 2020
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL SETTINGS
Pôle de Dakar is the International Institute for Educational Planning’s (IIEP) Africa-based office located in Dakar, Senegal. IIEP is a UNESCO specialized institute with a mandate to strengthen Member States’ capacity to plan and manage their education systems. The Pôle de Dakar, is renowned for its cutting edge educational sector analyses and supports African countries in developing realistic and credible education system development plans in support of the Education 2030 agenda, an essential part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Through a well-crafted and targeted capacity development approach, Pôle de Dakar contributes to the creation of diagnostic analyses, sector plans and pedagogical tools. In concert, these contribute to more relevant and sustainable educational policies across Africa. Pole de Dakar is also actively involved in knowledge creation for the education sector in Africa. For more information about its activities, please follow this link Pôle de Dakar.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSTUnder the overall authority of the Director of IIEP and the direct supervision of the Head and Deputy Head of the Pôle de Dakar, and within the framework of IIEP's Medium-Term Strategy, the incumbent will be responsible for designing and managing Pôle de Dakar’s research and development (R&D) projects, to provide knowledge, tools, policy papers, etc. for the education and training sector in Africa.
More particularly, the incumbent will:
1. Lead the development of Pôle de Dakar’s R&D agenda in accordance with IIEP’s Medium-Term Strategy and thematic priorities:
- Conduct a desk-based analysis to identify the priority needs, challenges and opportunities for R&D in educational planning and management in Africa.
- Design R&D proposals that respond to the needs, challenges and the priorities so identified.
- Propose R&D priorities and work plan to Pôle de Dakar leadership and support validation in wider Institute.
2. Lead the implementation of Pole de Dakar’s R&D agenda:
- Define methodological approaches and prepare research instruments.
- Develop implementation and funding partnerships with national and international organizations and research bodies to support of R&D activities.
- Lead the research, including the preparation of syntheses, research briefs, articles, policy papers, tools and guidelines based on the research findings.
- Ensure quality control of R&D activities and deliverables.
- Support IIEP Pôle de Dakar, Paris and Buenos Aires collaboration and reporting on R&D work.
3. Support access and use of research findings and tools in education policy-making, planning and management:
- Provide assistance for the integration of R&D findings into technical cooperation support and training materials.
- Support the planning and organization of activities to disseminate R&D research findings and tools, such as expert meetings, policy forums, workshops, blogs, etc.
- Support policy dialogue with decision makers and advise on strategic policy choices with respect to R&D findings.
4. Manage and supervise the R&D team:
- Recruit new staff.
- Monitor and report on programme implementation.
- Provide relevant guidance to achieve expected results.
5. Contribute to Technical Cooperation and Training activities of IIEP-Pôle de Dakar:
- Support the design and the implementation of other IIEP Pole de Dakar’s activities requiring R&D aspects (such as quality management programs).
- Integrate R&D research findings and tools into Technical Cooperation and Training activities.
Education
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Statistics, Social sciences or related fields.
Work experience
• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant work experience in the fields of applied research in the education sector and data related disciplines, of which preferably four (4) years acquired at international level.
Skills and competencies
• Demonstrable knowledge of research methods.
• Demonstrable knowledge of statistical and econometric techniques.
• Excellent knowledge and use of statistical software such SPSS, SAS, STATA and spreadsheets.
• Demonstrable knowledge of African education systems.
• Good knowledge of the problems of education in the context of developing countries particularly in Africa.
• Ability to conduct literature reviews, research analysis and synthesis and produce high quality reports, training materials and policy briefs.
• Ability to undertake regular missions, especially in diverse and challenging contexts.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proven organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrable team leadership and management skills.
• Excellent information management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written), including effective networking skills.
• Demonstrable ability collaborate with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
Languages
• Excellent knowledge of French or English and good knowledge of the other language.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
• PhD in Economics, Statistics, Social sciences or related fields.
Work experience
• Experience working with Universities, Research Institution, Think Tanks or equivalent on education issues.
• Experience working on issues related to education analysis, planning and management.
Languages
• Knowledge of Portuguese.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTSUNESCO’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.
For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website and UNESCO's career website.
ASSESSMENTEvaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
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