Programme Specialist

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 5LBED 0019RP

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Beirut

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 06-MAY-2024

 

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

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education (ADG/ED), the functional authority of the Director of the UNESCO Multi-sectoral Regional Office in Beirut, and the direct supervision of the Chief of Education Section, the incumbent will support the planning, coordination and implementation of regional programmes in support of Sustainable Development Goal 4, with a focus on Education Policies and Systems. In particular, the incumbent will: 

 

Programme Design and Management:

• Coordinate, plan, monitor and implement the Office’s Programme on Education Policies, planning, and System Strengthening and contribute to the creation of diagnostic analyses, sector plans and pedagogical tools.
• Identify focus areas and national priorities within the Member States of the sub-region in alignment with the UNESCO Strategy. Recommend programmes and approaches to respond to multi-sectoral development challenges, in particular in aspects related to institutional and organizational analysis.
• Develop, support, and monitor programmes and strategies with regard to the Sustainable Development Goals 4 (SDG4-Education 2030), including in areas of education policy in particular in the education planning and management of the education systems, as well as in the initiation, design and implementation of capacity development activities.
• Support the development of management and Monitoring and Evaluation tools, and the preparation of sector reviews. Lead and manage a portfolio of the countries under the Office.

Long Description

Policy Advice and Technical Assistance:

• Initiate and develop policy advice, methodological tools and technical assistance to Ministries of Education and other key stakeholders to implement regional and country-level programme activities, in particular in areas of education planning, resource projections and information management systems.
• Develop, implement, and monitor research activities, technical assistance projects, capacity development Programmes and related funding proposals on policy and technical issues pertinent to skills development in the region.
• Contribute to the professional development of officials in charge of education planning, management, and training.

 

Knowledge Management, Partnerships and Resources Mobilization:

• Assist in developing and sustaining political and education policy management and planning dialogue with decision makers of assigned countries.
• Mobilize and network, in collaboration with UNESCO Specialized Institutes (especially IIEP, UIL, UIS) and with national, regional, and international partners, including in the context of the Regional Coordination Group on SDG4 – Education 2030.
• Mobilize resources to support policy analysis, planning and system development in the region, by preparing project proposals and cooperation frameworks with Member States and donor agencies and by engaging in fundraising activities.
  

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)
Building partnerships (M)
Driving and managing change (M)
Strategic thinking (M)
Managing performance (M)
Making quality decisions (M)
Leading and empowering others (M)
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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, sciences or related social sciences fields.

 

Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of education policy development, of which preferably 3 years acquired at the national and international level.
• Proven experience in formulating, implementing, and monitoring education-related policies, strategies, programmes/projects.
• Experience in reviewing and analysing national teacher education policies.
• Proven experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.

 

Skills and competencies 

• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills, and ability to manage staff and teams in a multicultural environment.
• Analytical skills and ability to collect, synthesize and analyze information from various sources.
• Proven ability to identify emerging development trends and educational needs.
• Ability to provide policy advice and assistance to policy and decision makers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare, present and discuss findings and recommendations clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to plan strategically, and to translate strategy into priorities and action.
• Ability to coordinate and negotiate with partners, network and different stakeholders.
• Very good IT skills, knowledge of Media and Information Literacy (MIL).

 

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in the field of education, public policies, international development or related field.

 

Work Experience

• Demonstrated professional experience within the context of education strategies.
• Practical experience in policy support and capacity development in education planning, resource projections and information management systems.
• Demonstrated experience in design, management and coordination of education plans and strategies at the international level.
• Experience in undertaking quantitative and qualitative analysis and surveys for data collection.

 

Skills and competencies 

• Familiarity with the work and functioning of the UN System including key mechanisms such as the UN Country Team (UNCT), Delivering as One (DaO) and other joint UN Programming and UN inter-agency initiatives.

 

Languages

• Advanced Working knowledge of French.
• Working knowledge of Arabic.

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 106, 787 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.