Programme Specialist Education

The Section of Education Policy (EDP) supports national education systems to better respond to the needs of evolving societies by fostering education transformation from rights-based, learner-centred, and sector-wide perspectives and by placing education within a lifelong learning perspective. This is done through data analysis, knowledge production, evidence generation, monitoring, guidance and support to national education systems.  EDP supports education transformation through four pillars: (a) legal and normative, (b) policy review and planning, (c) data and information management, and (d) assessment and alignment for learning. 

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education (ADG/ED), the guidance from the Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems and the direct supervision from the Chief of Section of Education Policy, the incumbent will serve as programme specialist for UNESCO’s activities on sector-wide education policies and strategies aiming to strengthen the relevance and coherence of education systems in the pursuit of SDG4 and the fulfilment of the right to education in Member States. The incumbent will carry out policy reviews and sector analyses on education systems, support the formulation of education policies and strategies in Member States, and develop research and partnership on education transformation and financing . In particular, the incumbent will be expected to perform the following activities:

Programme design and policy advice:

• Develop programmes, projects and activities that support the design and implementation of robust education sector policies, costing and financing strategies.
• Organize and provide policy advice, technical support and capacity development activities to promote relevant and effective policies and practices towards lifelong learning systems in Member States.
• Develop and implement action to address knowledge and evidence gaps in support of sector-wide education policies, planning and costing in Member States.
• Produce knowledge products, tools and guidelines related to national education policy review, sector planning, and monitoring, including from a lifelong learning perspective.

Research, partnership, networking and collaboration:

• Initiate and conceptualize strategic thinking and systems approach for the transformation of education and learning systems at global, regional and national levels.
• Plan, develop and organize research, consultations, and partnerships for operationalizing education transformation and scaling up innovative approaches and solutions to improve education and learning outcomes.
• Design and implement analytical work and guidance on sector-wide education policies and strategies, including emerging educational issues such as building learning pathways within a lifelong learning perspective, social and economic returns of education and learning, sustainable financing of digital transformation in education and learning, and innovative financing.

Resources mobilization: 

• Explore and develop resource mobilization opportunities, including project proposal submissions, building partnerships, monitoring and networking.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in public policies, economics of education, or related fields.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in education systems analysis, development and/or reforms, of which preferably 3 years acquired at international level.
• Solid experience the field of education policy analysis, governance and planning, including financial planning.
• Proven experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.
• Experience in outreach and partnerships/network building.

Skills and competencies: 

• Proven ability and expertise of conducting education policy review, sector analysis and planning.
• Proven ability in data analysis and interpretation and presentation for evidence-based policy making.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to synthesize data and evidence from various sources.
• Excellent drafting and presentation skills and proven track record of producing high quality technical and evidence-based reports.
• Excellent level of IT knowledge, skills and capabilities.
• Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to manage, supervise and motivate staff and teams.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge written and spoken of English or French and knowledge of the other.

Source: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Paris-Programme-Specialist-(Education)