National Project Officer (Literacy and livelihood skills development) 1

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4AFED 0026TA

Grade : NO-C

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Kabul

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Temporary Appointment

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 23-JUL-2024 (re-advertisement)

 

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

 

Only nationals of Afghanistan can apply for this position.

Duration of contract is 9 months, renewable subject to availability of fund and satisfactory performance.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

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.

Long Description

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.

Long Description

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.

Long Description

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.

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• • Experience in literacy and vocational training programmes.
  • Knowledge of UNESCO’s work and mandate in education and skills development.

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 53, 759 US $.

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

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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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.