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Program Manager / Research & Development Officer

Dakar

  • Organization: IIEP-UNESCO - UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning
  • Location: Dakar
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Education, Learning and Training
  • Closing Date: Closed

Organizational Setting 

 

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. IIEP Pôle de Dakar, is renowned for its cutting edge educational sector analyses and supports African countries in developing realistic and credible education sector analyses and plans in support of the Education 2030 agenda, an essential part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  

 

Through a capacity development approach, IIEP 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. IIEP Pole de Dakar is also actively involved in applied research and tool development in educational policy, planning and management in Africa.        

In addition to an attractive salary and benefits package, IIEP continuously seeks creative ways to motivate, energize and grow its people by providing meaningful work and learning opportunities.

 

Overview of the functions of the post

 

Under 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:

 

a. Conduct a desk-based analysis to identify the priority needs, challenges and opportunities for R&D in educational planning and management in Africa.

b. Design R&D proposals that respond to the needs, challenges and the priorities so identified.

c. 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:

 

a. Define methodological approaches and prepare research instruments. 

b. Develop implementation and funding partnerships with national and international organizations and research bodies to support of R&D activities.

c. Lead the research, including the preparation of syntheses, research briefs, articles, policy papers, tools and guidelines based on the research findings.

d. Ensure quality control of R&D activities and deliverables.

e. 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:

 

a. Provide assistance for the integration of R&D findings into technical cooperation support and training materials.

b. Support the planning and organization of activities to disseminate R&D research findings and tools, such as expert meetings, policy forums, workshops, blogs, etc.

c. 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:

 

a. Recruit new staff.

b. Monitor and report on programme implementation.

c. Provide relevant guidance to achieve expected results. 

 

5. Contribute to Technical Cooperation and Training activities of IIEP-Pôle de Dakar:

 

a. Support the design and the implementation of other IIEP Pole de Dakar’s activities requiring R&D aspects (such as quality management programs).

b. Integrate R&D research findings and tools into Technical Cooperation and Training activities.

 

6. Perform other tasks as may be directed by the Head and Deputy Head of Pôle de Dakar.

 

 

Competencies 

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the following competencies:

 

Managerial Competencies

• Driving and managing change

• Strategic thinking

• Making quality decisions

• Building partnerships

• Leading and empowering others

• Managing performance

 

Core competencies

• Accountability 

• Communication 

• Teamwork

• Innovation

• Results focus

• Planning and organizing

• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement 

 

For detailed information about UNESCO’s core competencies please follow this this link UNESCO Competency Framework

 

 

Required Qualifications

 

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) year 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

 

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. 

 

 

Assessment 

 

A written assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview may be used to evaluate qualified candidates.

 

Benefits and entitlements 

 

UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, as well as exchange rates. Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.  More details can be found on the ICSC Website

 

                                        Please note that UNESCO is a no-smoking Organization.

 

 

UNESCO is committed to promoting geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as are nationals from non- and under-represented Member States. Persons with disabilities equally are encouraged to apply.

UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.

 

                         UNESCO DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCES

 

This vacancy is now closed.
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