Project Officer

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The incumbent will work in the Education Unit of UNESCO Office for Iraq under the overall authority of Director of the UNESCO Office for Iraq and direct supervision of the Chief of Education of the UNESCO Office for Iraq. The incumbent will be responsible for providing management support in the implementation of two projects, the first project is “Improving Access to Inclusive Quality Education in Southern Iraq” funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation / Government of Italy, the main objective of this project is to ensure all learners in Iraq, especially vulnerable OOSC in southern governorates, are able to access and complete quality, inclusive and gender responsive primary and secondary education. This will be ensured an institutionalized support is in place to ensure access to primary and secondary education for 40,000 OOSC in Basrah, Dhi Qar and Maysan governorates. 

This objective will be achieved through a set of following interrelated outputs: 

• Schools improved and expanded for a safer child- friendly learning environment.
• Increased enrolments of OOSC through Community engagement in awareness raising campaigns.
• Capacities of education providers/education officials (teachers/officials and PTAs) for enhanced education outcomes.

The second project is “Teach for Future: the future of Zubair is in my classroom today” funded by Eni Iraq BV, the project is to be implemented in the Al Zubair district of Basra Governorate that directly responds to the teaching and learning needs of the children, teachers, parents and school management community and district of 131 primary schools in the Al Zubair district. “Teach for Future” will be a tailored project that will focus on three interlinked components:

Improved learning environment: improvement of infrastructure (including new constructions) and basic services in Al Zubair.

Teaching and learning practices: 

• Teaching and learning tools developed and teachers’ capacities improved for the effective implementation of a child/learner centred approach to quality teaching and learning.
• Capacity enhancement for principals and DoE representatives to promote and implement innovative school management strategies and practices.
• Pro-active role of communities, families, and local authorities: empowerment of families and communities to practice child protection and play a proactive role in advancing quality education and learning for their children.

Under the overall supervision of the Director of UNESCO Iraq Office and the direct supervision of the Chief of Education, the selected candidate shall perform the following functions:

• Articulate a comprehensive and detailed workplan based on the original project documents, budget, and agreed deliverables.
• Support and manage day to day implementation of project activities including the supervision of Project Officers, national and internal consultants/experts and Project Assistant.
• Ensure UNESCO administrative, financial, procurement and contracting rules are strictly adhered to.
• Monitor and report on budgets, allocations and contract status.
• Be responsible to produce all major reports on project activities and ensure deadlines and quality standards are all met.
• Ensure effective communication with the AISC & ENI, the Government and the beneficiaries of the project.
• Represent UNESCO in Agency forums and working groups.
• Undertake mission travels to monitor project implementation, review progress and build relationships with beneficiaries.
• Ensure effective monitoring and supervision of Implementation Partners (IP).
• Ensure effective visibility of the project results and achievements.
• Coordinate between the different Implementing Partners and manage work of the Steering Committee.
• Provide support to the UNESCO Iraq Office in identifying and securing potential donors in the Education sector by actively participating in consultation meetings, conducting thorough research, and developing concept notes and proposals.
• Support additional tasks as requested by the Director and Chief of Education in line with the programme mandate.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, or closely related field(s).

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in education, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at the international level.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English Language (written and spoken).

Source: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Baghdad-Project-Officer-(Education)/809340702/