Article
VACANCY NOTICE- Project Officer (Education)
Post Title: Project Officer (Education)
Sector: Education
Duty Station: UNESCO Office, Kathmandu, Nepal
Type of contract: Service Contract
Grade/Level: SB3 (SC Level 6)
Duration of contract: Feb to Dec 2024, with possibility of extension
Application Deadline (midnight, local time): 6 January 2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the overall authority of the Head of Office of the UNESCO Kathmandu and the direct supervision of the Chief of Education, the Project Officer (Education) will be responsible for the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of education programmes and projects in Nepal. The incumbent will work closely with government counterparts, development partners, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to advance UNESCO's country strategy in alignment with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In particular, the successful incumbent will:
Contribute to the strategic planning, design, coordination, implementation and monitoring of education programmes and projects in Nepal, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's global frameworks and national education priorities;
Carry out project management, including providing technical support and financial oversight;
Provide strategic policy advice on education sector development, including areas such as education for sustainable development, including greening education, STEM education, teacher development, transversal skills, digital transformation, TEVT and higher education;
Collaborate with other sectors within the Office to promote intersectoral initiatives that enhance the quality and relevance of education programmes;
Support resource mobilization efforts by developing concepts and project proposals;
Support increased visibility and positioning of UNESCO through fostering external partnerships with government counterparts, donors, development partners, UN agencies, civil society organizations and private sector. This includes representing UNESCO in education coordination fora, such as the Local Education Development Partner Group (LEDPG), technical committees, thematic working groups, and other relevant platforms;
Contribute to knowledge management, reporting, and the development of communication materials;
Monitor the progress of UNESCO’s education programs, ensuring adherence to objectives, timelines, and budgets.
Contribute to the preparation of periodic progress reports, including quarterly and annual reporting requirements.
Perform any additional activities required to ensure the success of the team.
Support the organization and delivery of capacity-building workshops and training sessions
Assist in organizing events such as UNESCO’s International Days, and other thematic activities and meetings organized by UNESCO.
Assist the Head of Education in preparing work plans, budgets, and other administrative documentation.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Results focused
Building partnerships
Strategic thinking
Planning and organizing
For detailed information, please consult the
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, or a related field.
Work Experience
At least 5 years of experience in the field of education
Experience in programme management, policy development, system strengthening, and capacity development in the areas of education for sustainable development, teacher development, ICT in education and transversal skills.
Strong knowledge of the education sector in Nepal, including national policies, challenges, and key stakeholders
Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and governments’ personnel;
Strong project management skills, including budget management and results-based management principles;
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment;
Proven experience in resource mobilization and partnership development;
Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
Good analytical and problem-solving skills;
Proficiency in office productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office).
Familiarity with UNESCO’s priorities, including SDG 4 and related global frameworks.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Skills and Competencies
Language
Excellent written and spoken Nepali and English language.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
Work experience in the UN or international organizations;
Experience in developing and managing joint UN education projects.
Skills and Competencies
Proven experience in resource mobilization and partnership development.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must submit their application with an updated CV and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience at kathmandu@unesco.org. Kindly mention the title of the position in the email subject line as: Application for (Job Title).
UNESCO is committed to diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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.
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.
Note: The vacancy is open to Nepali nationals only.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Note: 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, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. 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. 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.
