United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
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JOB DESCRIPTION
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 4KHED0004PA
Grade : P-3
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Phnom Penh
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 21-MAR-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
I. Background:
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and UNESCO Cambodia will be jointly implementing the Global Partnership for Education (GPE5) System Transformation Grant (STG), for which UNESCO has been selected as Grant Agent to manage $12.62 million under the new GPE 2025 Operating Model.
Under the leadership of the MoEYS and in consultation with development partners, UNESCO formulated the Strengthening Teacher Education Programmes in Cambodia (STEPCam) Phase II for the period 2024-2026 with four strategic components: 1) Teacher Education: supporting Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) to provide quality pre-service teacher education programmes and to serve as institutional leaders in the provision of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and teacher research; 2) Teacher Professional Development: expanding and strengthening the system of CPD to be able to match teacher development needs with quality professional learning opportunities; 3) Classroom Learning: building capacity for effective Early Grade Learning (EGL) so that teachers have the competencies – and support – needed to facilitate the development of strong foundational skills in their students; and 4) Digital Transformation in Education: preparing teachers and teacher educators with the strategies and competencies needed to facilitate learning that harnesses the effective and ethical use of digital technologies.
The incumbent will be responsible for the daily management of the STEPCam II programme. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist in Education, the STEPCam II Project Officer will provide the required technical support to the MoEYS, to implement all components of STEPCam II in an effective and accountable manner. The STEPCam II Project Officer will guide the implementation process and the preparation of relevant documentation and technical reports as stipulated in the programme documents and the Implementation Partnership Agreements (IPA) between the MoEYS and UNESCO, as well as with the GPE Secretariat. This includes the preparation of technical and financial reports, monitoring and supporting the STEPCam II implementation mechanisms at the MoEYS to ensure timely release of funding. Further, the STEPCam II Project Officer will support coordination with the Joint Technical Working Group on Education (JTWG-Education) and the GPE Coordinating Agency to ensure programme synergies and mobilize support for STEPCam II.
Long Description
II. Duties and requirements:
Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Representative in Cambodia and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist in Education, the Project Officer will be responsible for providing coordinated technical support to the MoEYS in the implementation of STEPCam II. In particular, the incumbent will:
1. Support the STEPCam II Project Leading Committee (PLC) and the Project Management Committee (PMC) to ensure management and coordination of all inputs to implement and deliver the desired STEPCam II outcomes.
2. Ensure the timely co-ordination of the preparation and submission of all reports specified by the IPAs and the operation manual: monthly, quarterly and annual, for timely processing the release of the programme grant.
3. Monitor the implementation of the annual operational plans and budgets, ensuring timely delivery, in line with approved workplans and budget components and that issues of imbalances, if any, are addressed. This includes regular monitoring and supervision missions to provinces, teachers training centres and schools.
4. Provide oversight of the Technical Assistant (TA) support to counterparts and work with the PLC and PMC to ensure that necessary measures are in place for effective work and co-operation.
5. Manage international and national staff working under the STEPCam II programme, ensuring effective performance management and delegation of tasks to achieve programme objectives. Develop Terms of References for experts and institutions, procure and manage international and national experts and service providers and ensure close supervision for the quality of deliverables, products and services to implement programme activities.
6. Ensure that all tasks and responsibilities are carried out on time, within budget, and in accordance with the basic principles of good governance and transparency.
7. Provide support to the Programme Specialist for Education in maintaining UNESCO’s role as strategic partner in Cambodia’s education sector, including engagement with education policy discussions and sector coordination mechanisms with government entities and development partners and other UN agencies in line with the UN Cooperation Framework.
8. Facilitate effective communication and co-ordination of STEPCam II within UNESCO and with the JTWG-Education, Education Sector Working Group (ESWG), GPE Secretariat, GPE Coordinating Agency, other GPE Grant Agents in accordance with established guidelines and procedures; as well as project-related negotiations, where required, ensuring visibility and support for programme initiatives and achievements.
9. Assist PLC and PMC Chairs in reception of delegations of various natures (GPE secretariat, UNESCO HQ or regional monitoring, overseas delegations (e.g. ASEAN), other DPs, and others as requested and appropriate).
10. Perform any other duties as assigned by the UNESCO Representative in Phnom Penh and the Programme Specialist for Education.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in education, public policy, economics, management, development, public administration or related social sciences field.
Work Experiences:
• A minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in managing education projects/programmes, of which preferably at least 2 years at the international level.
• Experience in designing and implementing education projects, working closely with senior government officials.
• Experience in project management, including procurement of services, hiring and management of technical assistance.
Competencies:
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and motivate staff and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent judgement and decision-making abilities including ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations with internal and external partners; strong sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
• Solid skills in consolidating and analysing various sources of information, synthesizing into effective information tools for appropriate target audience and strong drafting skills.
• Strong knowledge of education and global development issues and good understanding of teacher education issues.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management, in particular education projects and programmes.
• Knowledge of ICT systems commensurate with the requirements of reporting, communication and presentation relating to the project implementation.
• Proven capacity to build and maintain effective partnerships inside and outside the organisation.
Language:
• Excellent professional proficiency in both written and spoken English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
• PhD in education, or related social sciences field.
Work Experiences:
• Experience in teacher education/training and/or other large-scale education projects.
• Experience in Asia-Pacific Region.
• Experience working with the UN, and knowledge of UN regulations and guidelines.
• Good understanding of UNESCO’s mandate, procedures and policies.
Languages:
• Working knowledge of Khmer would be an asset.
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 81,449 US$ plus applicable post adjustment.
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.
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