National Project Officer

UNESCO is committed to promoting education as a fundamental human right in Afghanistan, specifically focusing on literacy and non-formal education. As the leading UN agency in this sector, UNESCO Kabul has significantly advanced Youth and Adult Literacy and Basic Education (YALBE) by developing educational resources, coordinating the education sub-sector, and actively engaging with communities. In 2023 the programme has been implemented across 20 provinces, reaching over 25,000 individuals, with women and adolescent girls making up 68% of the participants. This initiative is part of UNESCO’s ongoing efforts to enhance access to quality education and to meet the diverse needs of adolescents, youth and adults in Afghanistan.

Moving forward, UNESCO plans to further enrich the YALBE programme by integrating more comprehensive livelihood and vocational skills development. This strategy aims to provide broader economic development opportunities, enhancing the sustainability and impact of the non-formal education provided. To support this expanded direction, UNESCO Kabul is seeking a Project Officer who will work closely with communities to ensure the quality and responsiveness of the programmes while promoting and creating community ownership. This role is critical in driving the future success of UNESCO’s nonformal educational initiatives that aims at economic prosperity of individuals and creating resilient communities across Afghanistan.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Under the overall authority of the Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Kabul, the overall supervision of the Head of Education Unit, and the immediate supervision of Non-formal Education (NFE) Project Officer/Team Lead, the incumbent will coordinate and support the acceleration of the implementation of YALBE programme directly overseeing the implementation of the project: Economic empowerment through community-based skills development and literacy training in Afghanistan.

Specifically, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

Programme management:

• Ensure the effective implementation of the Community-Based Literacy and Skills Development Programme, adhering to objectives, timelines, and budget. Coordinate all aspects of the programme’s activities, ensuring alignment with the YALBE programme’s strategic direction.
• Work closely with partners, including the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and local implementation partners, to ensure cohesive and integrated programme execution. Facilitate regular meetings and communications to maintain strong partnerships.
• Conduct needs assessments and identify target communities in collaboration with partners to tailor programme activities effectively. Utilize data and feedback from stakeholders to refine and improve the programme.

Community engagement:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with targeted communities to build trust, cooperation, and active participation. Ensure community voices are integrated into programme planning and implementation.
• Engage with community leaders, local authorities, and other stakeholders to secure their support and involvement in the programme. Organize and facilitate community meetings and workshops to ensure inclusive participation.
• Facilitate the identification and selection of programme participants based on their interests, needs, and motivations, ensuring inclusivity and equity. Work with local partners to ensure transparent and fair selection processes.

Capacity building:

• Provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to master trainers, provincial and district community mobilisers, and literacy facilitators to ensure they have the resources and knowledge necessary to effectively support programme participants.
• Implement continuous capacity building initiatives for all implementation stakeholders to enhance their skills and knowledge. Encourage feedback and adaptability to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

Monitoring and evaluation:

• Continuously refine and implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, measure outcomes, and identify areas for improvement. Use both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather relevant data.
• Collect and analyse data regularly to assess the effectiveness of the programme. Prepare detailed progress reports and share findings with stakeholders to ensure transparency and informed decision-making.
• Continuously refine and utilise effective feedback mechanisms to gather input from programme participants and stakeholders. Use this feedback to make necessary adjustments and improvements to the programme.

Resource management:

• Manage the programme’s financial resources, ensuring efficient and transparent use of funds. Oversee budgeting and financial reporting to maintain accountability.
• Oversee procurement processes and logistics for programme activities. Ensure that all resources and materials required for the programme are procured in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Ensure the provision of conducive and safe learning environments for all learners. Address any logistical or operational challenges that may arise.

Advocacy and communication:

• Advocate for the importance of literacy and skills development in improving the livelihoods of vulnerable youth. Highlight the programme’s successes and impact through various communication channels.
• Communicate the programme’s goals, progress, and successes to a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities and international partners. Prepare and deliver presentations as needed.
• Represent UNESCO at relevant meetings, forums, and conferences. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to further the programme’s objectives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in programme management, preferably in education or skills development.
• Experience working with community-based programmes in complex socio-political environments.

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to engage and coordinate with diverse stakeholders, including other UN organisations, National and International NGOs and local communities.
• Knowledge of livelihood skills development programmes is essential.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Languages

• Fluency in English and local languages (Dari and/or Pashto).

Source: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Kabul-National-Project-Officer-(Literacy-and-livelihood-skills-development)/796539202/