Project Officer (EDUCATION)

Parent Sector : Field Office

Duty Station: Brasilia

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff  (Service Contract)

Level :  SC9

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 30-APR-2024

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

Only candidates who are entitled to work in Brazil may apply to this position

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Director and Representative of the UNESCO Brasilia Office (UBO) and the direct supervision of the Education Programme Coordinator, and following the Table of Delegated Authority and Accountability, the incumbent is responsible for project work, advice, research and knowledge management, networking, partnerships, and resource mobilization for the Education Programme of UNESCO in Brasília. In particular, the incumbent makes proposals and coordinates technical cooperation agreements in accordance with priorities, guidelines and orientations established, by providing technical and operational inputs for the design, elaboration, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of extra-budgetary and regular programme projects and activities, giving support and technical guidance to the actions and projects within the Education Sector. To this end, the successful candidate shall:

Long Description

Planning:

• Provide assistance to ED Programme Coordinator in mapping-out the development stage of topics under UNESCO’s mandate in education and the need for technical cooperation in Brazil with public and/or private sectors;
• Provide contributions to the preparation of UBO’s framework and planning documents, including the IT-based management tools such as SISTER/CorePlanner, as well as subsidizing issues for UNESCO’s planning documents (medium-term strategy and Programme and Budget – C/4 and C/5);
• Propose annual action plans for the specific theme(s) for which he/she is responsible in the Programmatic Area.

Long Description

Technical Cooperation:

• Identify and develop both internal and external collaborative project proposals based on needs; define and revise project requirements and specifications in line with goals and priorities and project quality criteria; conduct feasibility studies and draft reports. Contribute to the interdisciplinary work in the multi-sectoral team of the Field Office, particularly with regards to the educational dimension of the “2030 Sustainable Development Agenda”;
• Coordinate and plan work activities in the Field in assigned areas of focus, for example in the areas of the development of education systems, empowering learners and the Education 2030 agenda. Contribute both in terms of substantive aspects (assessment, curriculum, pedagogy) as well as the promotion of cross cutting values (peace, learning to live together, learner wellbeing, gender equality), as a reflection of the priorities of Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the country Education Support Strategy;
• Provide assistance to the ED Programme Coordinator in defining project and revision requirements by elaborating and/or supervising technical cooperation project documents (so-called PRODOCs and Funds-in-Trust agreements);
• Prepare project proposals and revision proposals; suggesting UNESCO cross-cutting activities and opportunities for south-south cooperation and better integrated activities with other UNESCO offices in the region;
• Manage and supervise technical cooperation agreements (extra-budgetary and UNESCO regular budget) by following up budget and financial situation, monitoring and systematizing evaluations and preparing document revisions and using project management tools; analyzing and interpreting background history and documentation of projects under his/her responsibility.
• Add technical value to projects by providing technical and strategic solutions to project needs based on the UNESCO expertise under the Education (ED) programme;
• Monitor project implementation, analyze and appraise products carried out within the projects under his/her responsibility;
• Organize and revise UNESCO books, articles and publications by drafting and structuring contents;
• Prepare and make technical presentations, speeches, documents, reports and papers upon request.

Long Description

National negotiations and fundraising:

• Attend qualified meetings and participate in technical groups, when indicated by the Programme Coordinator and/or the Director of UBO;
• Conduct negotiations with donors and prospective partners, selecting and proposing work plans for negotiation;
• Identify niches of opportunities and draft new project agreements, particularly with the private sector, in areas where the Education (ED) programme can offer expertise to a country such as Brazil.

Management:

• Plan and control the work progress of the specific themes for which he/she is responsible, including the elaboration of sectoral action plans;
• Orient, supervise and review the completion of duties conducted by Programme Assistant(s) related to the themes and projects under his/her responsibility as well as the work assigned to the assistant(s), according to the priorities defined by the Programme Coordinator.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Building partnerships (M)
Professionalism (C)
Strategic thinking (M)
–
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced University degree (equivalent to Masters) in education, social sciences or in a related area.

Work Experience

• Eight (8) years of of relevant professional experience in the field of education or social areas, with solid experience in project management and/or public policies;
• Proven experience in formulating education related policies and in implementing and monitoring education programmes/projects;
• Good understanding of the challenges and opportunities of particular Brazilian Education System.

Languages

• The position requires proficiency in Portuguese and English.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong sense of ethics, initiative, creativity, discretion and maturity of judgement;
• Pro-activeness and ability to work under pressure; timely responses, accuracy and sense of confidentiality; ability and flexibility to manage workload;
• Team and service-oriented, autonomy, emphasis on quality, efficiency and results;
• Analytical, problem solving, organizational and coordination skills;
• Resource mobilization and negotiation skills;
• Excellent oral and written presentation skills;
• Good IT skills (Microsoft package). Ability to handle web-based management systems;
• Availability to travel;
• Good interpersonal skills with ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment: with people of different national and cultural background. Gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Specialized training or courses in the fields related to this position or project management.

Work Experience

• Relevant experience within the United Nations System;
• Experience working with international cooperation organizations, governmental institutions, NGOs or private companies;
• Broad and up-to-date knowledge of specific themes within UNESCO’s areas of mandate.

Languages

• Working knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (French or Spanish).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This assignment is of full-time nature (Monday to Thursday: 8h30 to 12h30 / 14h to 18h; Friday: 8h30 to 14h).

For this position, the monthly remuneration, which will be paid in local currency, will be BRL 18.126,01.

The initial ccontract is intended for the year 2023 and shall be linked to a project funding source which is expected to be renewed. Any contract renewal shall be dependent upon budgetary availability and satisfactory services.

Further information regarding contractual modality as well as the applicable benefits package will be provided for short-listed candidates only.

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.