Programme Specialist

Organizational Setting 

As the only specialized organization with the mandate to support educational policy, planning and management, the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) plays a unique role within the United Nations system.  IIEP was established in 1963 as an integral part of UNESCO. It supports ministries of education around the world and other key actors to plan and manage education systems through its programmes of training, technical assistance, policy research and knowledge sharing. IIEP also includes the IIEP Pole de Dakar and Buenos Aires Offices.

The Technical Cooperation Team designs and implements programs and projects in response to requests by Member States for support and advice in educational planning and management. These programs and projects focus on strengthening capacities of educational administrations through collaboration, technical workshops, and formal training programs. The team also undertakes research and participates in IIEP’s regular training programs. Many of the team’s activities take place in contexts affected by crises.

 

Overview of the functions of the post

Under the overall authority of the Director of IIEP and the direct supervision of the Head of the Technical Cooperation Team, and within the framework of the Institute’s Medium-Term Strategy, the incumbent will:

 

1. Design technical cooperation projects and programmes:

• Prepare detailed project or programme proposals.

• Ensure the linkage of these projects or programmes with IIEP’s MTS and with other ongoing or planned activities. 

• Participate in discussions and negotiations with national and international partners.

 

2. Manage and implement technical cooperation projects, in particular in the area of crisis-sensitive planning, in collaboration with colleagues, in particular the programme specialist in charge of the coordination of this cluster of projects:

• Plan the implementation of projects,

• Prepare and carry out technical cooperation missions.

• Prepare and facilitate specific training workshops.

• Provide advice and guidance to technical staff in Member States.

• Provide technical guidance and support to members of the project/programme team, including consultants. 

• Liaise and coordinate with national and international partners.

 

3. Participate in monitoring and reporting of IIEP’s work in crisis-sensitive planning, in collaboration with the programme specialist in charge of the coordination of this cluster of projects:

• Monitor the implementation of crisis-sensitive projects, including tracking results, updating relevant databases and preparing reports.

• Develop monitoring and evaluation reports for crisis-sensitive planning projects

 

4. Participate in the analysis and research in IIEP’s crisis-sensitive planning work:

• Support the drafting of research products in the area of crisis-sensitive planning and planning for refugees

• Undertake field missions to conduct research activities

• Reflect on lessons learnt and future perspectives, particularly in the area of crisis-sensitive planning, and draft documents in this regard

 

5. Undertake training activities, particularly in the area of crisis-sensitive planning:

• Design new training courses and participate in the revision of existing courses, particularly IIEP’s distance course on planning for resilience, safety and social cohesion.

• Develop the course materials, detailed programmes and activities, and evaluation methods and tools. 

• Participate in the implementation of these courses, through residential as well as distance mode.

• Take part in the regular residential and distance training programmes at IIEP, including the Advanced Training Programme. 

 

6. Represent IIEP at meetings and conferences to which the Institute is invited.

 

7.Undertake additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the team and of the Institute.

 

Competencies 

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

 

Core competencies

• Accountability 

• Communication 

• Teamwork

• Innovation

• Results focus

• Planning and organizing

• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement 

 

Required Qualifications

 

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of educational planning and management, international development, social sciences or economics.

 

Work experience

• Minimum four (4) years of experience in the field of education technical cooperation projects, in particular in the area of crisis-sensitive planning, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international level.

 

Skills and competencies

• Strong knowledge of the issues surrounding education in the context of developing and/or emerging countries, in particular of those related to educational planning and management.

• Strong understanding of contemporary developments in the global education arena and of effective strategies for improving educational planning and management, in particular in crisis-affected contexts.

• Ability to design, manage and implement development programmes/projects.

• Proven competencies to advise Member States on questions related to the role of education in preventing crisis and mitigating its effects.

• Ability to design and implement training programmes and workshops. 

• Ability to work with and in multicultural teams.

• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

• Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships inside and outside of the Organization. 

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).

• Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of MS software (Word, Excel etc.).

 

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

 

Desirable Qualifications

 

Work experience 

• Experience in developing training materials.

 

Languages 

• Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Russian).

 

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 PROCESS