Senior Programme Specialist

Organisational unit - International Bureau of Education (IBE)
Duty station - Geneva, Switzerland
Grade - P5
Post number - 1CHED0906IB
Closing date - 19 September 2011

Main responsibilities The IBE is the UNESCO Institute specialized in content, methods, policies and processes of curriculum development. Its overall mission is to contribute to the attainment of quality Education for All (EFA). Under the authority and direct supervision of the IBE Director, the incumbent of this position is expected to play a significant role in the strategic direction, development, resource optimization, and monitoring and evaluation of programme activities. He/she will be responsible for the following activities:

  • Provide intellectual, strategic and operational leadership of the Policy Dialogue programme;
  • Serve as the Secretary of the IBE Council, by: assisting the Director in the preparation of the IBE Council sessions; coordinating the preparation of working documents and decisions; undertaking the role of Secretary of the IBE Council during the sessions, in conformity with Statutes and Rules of the IBE Council; drafting the proceedings of the Council sessions and biennial reports to be presented to the UNESCO General Conference;
  • Coordinate the preparation of and follow up to the sessions of the International Conference of Education (ICE) in terms of consultation and mobilization of Member States, preparation of working documents and recommendations, management of the operation, logistics, and diffusion of results;
  • Support the Director in the elaboration and implementation of the IBE Strategy and in the implementation of a monitoring & evaluation system for IBE activities;
  • Coordinate the diverse information and contribution requests from UNESCO HQ;
  • Build partnerships and collaboration across the UNESCO Education Sector, UN agencies and regional and international organization;
  • Assist the Director in the tasks of reporting to donors concerning extra budgetary funding as well as contribute to the strategy of resource mobilization.

    Profile
  • Advanced university degree (preferably at Ph.D. level) in the field of education or related area of the Social Sciences.
  • 10-15 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of education at national and international levels.
  • Experience in the management of training and/or research in educational institutions.
  • Grasp of current trends and challenges of UNESCO's fields of competence, particularly in the area of Education. A good knowledge of the UN system would be an asset.
  • Experience in resources mobilization and management in an international setting including the ability to participate in high-level negotiations with internal and external partners and donors.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain effective partnerships within the Organisation and with outside stakeholders
  • Strong strategic and analytical skills to support the implementation of the IBE reform process.
  • Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills. Excellent ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor the work of others. Proven ability to lead a staff in a multicultural environment
  • Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language. A third official UNESCO language would be an asset.

    A written test may be used in the evaluation of candidates.

    Conditions of employment

    UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars but mainly paid in local currency. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates. For this post, the annual remuneration in local currency will start from around US$ 119,300 (US$ 110,800 if without dependants), exempt from income tax.In addition, UNESCO offers an attractive benefits package including 30 days annual vacation, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. The initial appointment, which is for two years, includes a probationary period of 12 months, and is renewable, subject to satisfactory service. Worldwide mobility is required as staff members have to serve in other duty stations according to UNESCO’s job rotation policy. UNESCO is a non-smoking organization.

    How to apply

    When applying for UNESCO vacancies, please only use the on-line recruitment system at www.unesco.org/employment. Candidates without access to Internet may send a paper application by completing the official UNESCO CV form (available at Headquarters, UNESCO Offices, National Commissions in Member States, or any office of a United Nations Resident Representative) in English or French to Chief, HRM/RCR, UNESCO, 7 place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France, before the closing date, quoting the post number: 1CHED0906IB.

    UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNESCO and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: Recrutweb@unesco.org.