Senior Programme Assistant

UNESCO strives to promote education in Afghanistan as a fundamental human right while aiming to provide access to quality, relevant and inclusive education for all. UNESCO has over the years been implementing education programmes and projects in Afghanistan. In alignment with UNESCO’s approved C/4 and C/5 and related country frameworks such as the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan, UNESCO Kabul Office seeks to accelerate the implementation of education programmes and projects in response to the fast-changing operating contexts. In addition to its leading role in sector-wide coordination and strategic planning while ensuring learning continuity through community-based programmes and alternative learning modalities in Afghanistan, the Office aims to enhance the knowledge base and knowledge sharing on several critical areas of the country’s education sector, including learning outcomes, teacher content knowledge and pedagogical skills.

With support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, UNESCO Kabul is implementing alternative learning projects to ensure learning continuity among disadvantaged children and young people. Additionally, within the framework of the Education Sector Programme Implementation Grant provided by the Global Partnership to UNICEF Afghanistan, UNESCO Kabul is leading its component. This includes measuring the academic achievement of Grade 3 students in Afghanistan, conducting an in-depth research study on teaching and learning practices, and disseminating key findings to relevant stakeholders.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Under the overall authority of the Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Kabul, the overall supervision of the Head of Education Unit, and the immediate supervision of the Inclusion, Quality of Education and Research (IQR) Project Officer/Team Lead, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Under the leadership of the IQR Team Lead, ensure the effective implementation of IQR Team’s projects, with a focus on alternative learning and CapED programme, in compliance with the rules and regulations of UNESCO;
• Support in planning and strategizing the implementation of activities related to alternative learning and under the CapED programme. This includes drafting concept notes, TORs and work plans, liaising with service providers and implementing partners;
• Monitor the implementation of alternative learning and CapED activities by contractors and implementing partners, and promptly inform the Management of any significant risks and propose risk mitigation measures;
• Provide overall administrative support to the IQR Team. This includes coordinating internal and external meetings, managing the team’s filing systems for easy access and retrieval of documents, and ensuring the quality and adequacy of deliverables submitted by all contractors and  implementing partners
• Support the IQR Team Lead in consolidating relevant data and information to prepare project reports, including progress and financial reports. Ensure reports comply with donor requirements and organizational standards.
• Represent the IQR Team, as required, at relevant meetings, presenting the team’s updates and initiatives;
• Undertake any other tasks as deemed relevant by the IQR Team Lead and/or UNESCO Kabul senior management.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in providing support for the management and implementation of programmes and/or projects, preferably related to education;
• Demonstrated ability to engage and coordinate with diverse stakeholders, including other UN organisations, national and international NGOs and local communities.

Skills :

• Familiarity with the administrative procedures of large organizations;
• Good understanding of the education sector in Afghanistan;
• Strong communication skills and ability to function well in a multi-cultural team and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of partners;
• Ability to work under pressure, to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work;
• Results-oriented personality with proven problem-solving skills;
• High level of personal and professional integrity;
• Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software and online collaboration tools;
• Fluency (spoken and written) in English and Dari and/or Pashto.

Desirable Qualifications:

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration or a related field.

Work experience:

• Experience working with the UN or international organizations.

Skills :

• Familiarity with the administrative procedures of UNESCO

Source: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Kabul-Senior-Programme-Assistant/799650002/