National Project Officer (Education)

Post Number : 5IQED 0022PA

Grade : NO-C

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Baghdad

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) : 31-JUL-2024

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

1 year contract with a 6 months probationary period, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Only nationals o f Iraq can apply for this position

Overview of the functions of the post

With funding from the European Union, UNESCO is implementing the «Equitable Quality Education in Iraq: Improved Teaching and Learning and Enhanced Educational Management (ITALEEM) »  together with UNICEF.

Overall objective of ITALEEM is to support «all learners in Iraq, including the most disadvantaged ones, are able to access and complete high-quality, inclusive, and gender-responsive teaching and learning in General Education.
The programme aims at three specific objectives which, taken together, strengthen institutional capacity, school management and civil society engagement in the education sector, in pursuit of the overall objective:
 

•    To strengthen an evidenced-based, gender-responsive, policy, planning, and management environment with quality assurance mechanisms and institutional and professional capacities at national, governorate and school levels, that enables all children and adolescents – especially those from disadvantaged groups such as IDPs, returnees, refugees and children with disabilities – to access and complete quality basic education. 
•    To improve access to, and enhance the quality of, gender-responsive, inclusive, and climate-resilient education at school level for all children, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, raising achievement and completion.
•    To enhance the capacity of CSOs, parents, local communities, teacher organisations, and private sector organisations to actively engage in policy formulation and interventions in such a way that all children and adolescents – especially those from disadvantaged groups – access and complete quality education.
 

Expected outcomes of ITALEEM by 2028  are:

Long Description

1: Educational governance strengthened for clearer policies, effective management and more specific planning for inclusive and equitable access to quality learning opportunities for all learners, based on evidence and responsive to the gender dimension.
2: Schools empowered and strengthened to provide quality and inclusive education in a safe and enabling environment based on a human rights-centred approach
3: MoE has institutionalised the teacher professional development systems for quality teaching and learning in general education
4: Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are advocating for policies, interventions and implementation, monitoring of education accountability and support in ensuring all children and adolescents – especially those from disadvantaged groups – access and complete quality education.

Main duties and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Director of UNESCO Iraq Office and the Chief of Education and direct supervision of the ITALEEM Programme Manager, the National Project Offier (NPO) shall carry out the following functions:
 
1.    Support ITALEEM Programme Manager in the management of all the Project’s activities/components related to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of education sector, strengthen the capacity of MoE and DoEs and to enhance the quality of teaching and learning, in coordination with the UNESCO Office for Iraq in Baghdad and Erbil, and in liaison with relevant services and entities at UNESCO Headquarters;

2.    Support the Project Manager to plan and coordinate all ITALEEM activities relating to capacity development of education planner, statisticians and educators at the central and governorate level according to the established work plan;

3.    Support in planning and strategizing the implementation of the ITALEEM activities, with a view to optimizing a proper consideration and understanding of local contexts;

4.    Contribute to the establishment, management and monitoring of contracts and relationships with multiple implementing partners covering the range of expertise required to successfully implement the components of the project and in compliance with the rules and regulations of UNESCO;

5.    Liaise and facilitate consultation with the relevant government, local authorities in Iraq, and international organizations/donor as required and necessary to ensure proper engagement of the authorities and other international stakeholders in all the project’s components, as well communication of technical information to stakeholders in a open and transparent manner and ensuring positive reciprocal relationships.

Long Description

6.    Responsible for the organization of consultative meetings, workshops, events, and any other initiatives aimed at ensuring a full engagement and participation of the authorities in all project’s components;

7.    Responsible for the monitoring of the project’s performances vis-a-vis the local stakeholders for ensuring its effectiveness and response to authorities’ needs and expectations;

8.    Responsible for the development of close collaboration with major and local media groups in Iraq to facilitate and assist the project’s awareness raising activities, with a focus on the development activities and events in Iraq.

9.    Facilitate information sharing amongst stakeholders in the course of the project;

10.   Liaise with and facilitate the coordination, planning and contracting with respect to the process of developing the National Education Strategy 2020 – 2030.

11.   Undertake missions as necessary and requested for the Project’s implementation.

12.   Participate in the development and preparation of the sector work plan, and ensure compliance with specific assigned objectives;
13.   Contribute towards the formulation of projects by compiling data, analyzing and evaluating information, and drafting the documents;

14.   Coordinate with the Operations/Procurement staff on timely delivery of activities, as well as requesting disbursement of funds, and monitoring of programme financial status;

15.   Performing any other duties as required by the Management
 

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)
–
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
Required qualifications

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, sciences, engineering, or closely related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
 

Work Experience

Minimum 4 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in education, teacher education, educational management information systems, curriculum and/or teacher education and training (6 years with first-level university degree).
 
A strong network in the MoE (Ministry of Education) and MoHESR (Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research). 

Skills and Competencies

•    Proficiency in establishing and nurturing partnerships.‎
•    Capacity to operate effectively under stress, handle substantial workloads, and adhere ‎to strict deadlines, while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and work ‎quality.‎
•    Aptitude for thriving in a multicultural setting and fostering constructive and ‎harmonious working relationships, both internally and externally.‎
•    Demonstrated track record in executing projects.‎
•    Exceptional coordination abilities.‎
•    Superior interpersonal and communication proficiencies, with an acute awareness of ‎local dynamics.‎
•    Sound understanding of results-oriented approaches and budget management tools.‎
•    Proficient IT capabilities, encompassing familiarity with standard office software.‎
•    Robust analytical, problem-solving, and organisation‎al competencies
 

Languages

Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of Arabic and English. 

Desirable qualifications

Work Experience

•    Experience within the UN entity. 
•    Experience in Educational Planning, Education Management Information System, Teacher Training, coordination and mobilization of partnerships including CSOs Education Technical Vocational Education implementation (TVET) for education.
•    Experience working with relevant Iraqi governmental entities such as MOE, MOHESR  and their directorates. 

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.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 58, 413 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

Selection and Recruitement 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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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.