National Project Officer (Education)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 6ETED0013PA

Grade : NO-C

Parent Sector : Field Office

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 18-JUN-2021

 

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

 

Only nationals of Ethiopia may apply for this position. 
Duration of contract: initially 1 year, with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance
 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

With the support of the People’s Republic of China, UNESCO initiated the China Funds-in-Trust Project Phase III: Higher Technical Education in Africa for a Technical and Innovative Workforce. The objective of the project is to enhance the capacity of higher education institutions to respond to the skill needs for national development in African countries by facilitating collaboration between higher education institutions and industry, enhancing labour market-oriented teaching, and strengthening competence-based learning. The project will ultimately contribute to tackling youth unemployment, addressing skills mismatch, and promoting socioeconomic development in Africa including Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda.

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education (ADG/ED), with guidance of the Director of UNESCO Addis Ababa Liaison Office, the overall supervision of the Senior Education Programme Specialist at the UNESCO Regional Office, Nairobi and the direct supervision of the Addis LO Education Programme Specialist, the incumbent will support the implementation of the China Funds-in-Trust Project Phase III on higher technical education in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, and particularly perform the following functions:

1. Project Management

Provide technical backstopping and coordinate project implementation in participating countries in collaboration with UNESCO Headquarters and country focal points; Prepare various written outputs, i.e. background papers, briefings, and reports; Support planning and monitoring in the implementation of the country work plan and budget; Provision of logistics and administrative support to the organization of conferences and events, etc.

2. Monitoring and Evaluation of the Project

Monitor project progress in participating countries; draft and submit annual and biannual project narrative reports; signal issues of implementation in case of delay and challenges and adopt corrective measures when needed in coordination with the programme specialists and the HQs.

3. Liaison and partnership building

Maintain and foster positive working relationship with partners and liaise with relevant stakeholders for project implementation, including policy makers, universities, and private enterprises.

 

4. Communication and Visibility

Facilitate information sharing among colleagues, stakeholders, implementation partners and the donor; raise visibility of the project through constant inputs to the official webpage and the Nairobi Office Newsletter, preparation of advocacy materials including news releases, impact stories, etc.; liaise with HEIs and local media to raise visibility of the project through newspapers, radio and TV, as appropriate.

 

5. Budget management

Ensures the timely submission of partners’ payment requests along with required deliverables; monitor financial expenditure of in-country activities and flag to the programme specialists and HQs for corrective measures when necessary; support budget revision, in case needed.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international development, public policy, education, or related areas.

 

Work Experience

• Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in education project implementation, management, monitoring, and reporting.

• Experience working in the field of education, preferably in higher education.

 

Skills/Competencies

• Proven project management skills and competences in project coordination, monitoring, and reporting;

• Proven ability to draft clearly and concisely;

• Strong problem-solving skills, as well as ability to ensure compliance to rules and administrative guidelines;

• Demonstrated skills in budgeting and finance management;

• Ability to establish good working relationships with internal and external colleagues and partners;

• Excellent IT skills, including advanced knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

 

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

• Relevant trainings in project management, monitoring, and evaluation.

 

Work Experience

• Previous experience with development agencies.

 

Skills/Competencies

• Knowledge of UNESCO’s policy and practices.

• Knowledge of higher education.

• Knowledge of African higher education systems.

• Knowledge of the results-based management framework and gender mainstreaming in development initiatives.

- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’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.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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