Programme Specialist in Education

The Programme Specialist in Education, based in Vientiane, Lao PDR, is instrumental in advancing UNESCO’s education strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. The incumbent is responsible for the conceptualization, planning, development, coordination, and implementation of education programmes and projects, working independently with minimal supervision while maintaining close collaboration with Professional Education Specialists in the Regional Office. Key responsibilities include establishing positive collaborations and partnerships, providing technical support, and engaging with various stakeholders to promote UNESCO’s initiatives. The role also involves resource mobilization, policy development, and the management of projects, including supervising staff and ensuring alignment with UNESCO’s global and regional frameworks. Strong project management skills, the ability to work in a multicultural environment, and a commitment to UNESCO’s educational goals are essential for success in this position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Education Section, the incumbent will specifically undertake the following responsibilities:

• Contribute to the conceptualization, design, planning, development, coordination, monitoring, and implementation of programmes, projects, and activities related to the Education strategy in the Asia-Pacific region, in alignment with UNESCO’s 42/C4 and 42/C5 frameworks.
• Identify key focus areas within Member States’ national priorities. When requested by national authorities, propose alignment of these priorities with UN frameworks (e.g., Education for Sustainable Development 2015) and the approaches and strategies of development partners. Facilitate linkages between UNESCO’s education initiatives at national, regional, and global levels, and identify opportunities for inter-sectoral collaboration in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders.
• Support UNESCO’s active participation in UN project management systems. Identify opportunities or areas for improved alignment of projects and activities at country and regional levels, including the preparation of Common Country Assessments (CCAs), United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAFs), Country Programme Documents (CPDs), and Country Programme Action Plans (CPAPs), ensuring coherence with UNESCO’s regional goals and the objectives of national and UN agencies.
• Initiate and contribute to policy development and creation in the areas of ICT in education, research, and foresight. Advocate for and lead inter-sectoral collaboration and quality assurance exercises. Promote UNESCO’s position and involvement in these areas and establish relevant regional guidelines informed by comprehensive stocktaking exercises in the region.
• Organize consultations and events, ensuring regular contributions and updates to online knowledge management systems. Plan, develop, and implement outreach strategies for ICT in education, research, and foresight programmes to maintain and expand UNESCO’s technical support, visibility, partnerships, and resource mobilization efforts.
• In an increasingly competitive international and multilateral environment, lead resource mobilization efforts and develop alternative funding mechanisms for the region and individual countries. This includes developing concepts and project proposals aligned with the 42 C/4 and 42 C/5 frameworks, collaborating with UN agencies seeking or marketing joint programmes, bilateral and multilateral partners, continental development banks (e.g., ADB or others), and international institutions (e.g., WB, EU). Track submissions and coordinate donor meetings effectively.

• Carry out project management, including technical backstopping, financial oversight, and human resources management. Supervise project consultants, experts, and other service providers, ensuring the effective dissemination of results. Coordinate and supervise personnel (including temporary and local) of the ICT in education, research, and foresight team, identifying human and technical resource needs, managing recruitment and performance, ensuring coherent work processes and outputs. Lead cross group activities, maximize synergies in the work of the UNESCO Field Office, liaise with other teams to ensure coordination of work across all countries in the region. Manage regional strategies and their related work plans.
• Perform any additional activities required to ensure the success of the work team.

Expected results: 

• Successful implementation of the 42 C/5 workplan, with expected results and measurable impact on education strategy in Lao PDR and the Asia-Pacific region. This includes Regular Programme (RP) and Extrabudgetary (EXB) projects and activities.
• Effective collection of Member States’ needs and coordination of the development of new project proposals aimed at resource mobilization.
• Enhanced communication and collaboration between UNESCO regional offices and relevant teams in field offices and UNESCO Headquarters, contributing to the overall effectiveness of education programmes.
• Strengthened external partnerships and expanded donor relationships, resulting in increased resource mobilization for UNESCO’s education initiatives.
• Improved team cohesion and productivity within the Education Section, leading to high-quality outputs and successful Programme/Project outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, or a related field.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 4 years, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level, of progressively responsible relevant experience in the field of education, including experience in programme management, policy development, and capacity building.
• Experience in working with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs.
• Proven experience in resource mobilization and partnership development.
• Experience in the Asia-Pacific at both regional and national levels.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage budgets, timelines, and deliverables effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationship and partnerships.
• Integrity, reliability, and strong sense of commitment and responsibility.
• Proficiency in standard office software (e.g., MS Office).
• Knowledge of ICT in education and familiarity with UNESCO’s mandate in this area.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken). Knowledge of Lao is an asset

Source: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Lao-People's-Democratic-Republ-Programme-Specialist-in-Education/801627002/