Associate Project Officer (Capacity Development for Education for All)

I. Background

UNESCO’s Capacity Development for Education for All (CapEFA) programme is an extra-budgetary funding mechanism and programme approach created in 2003 with the objective of translating global advocacy on EFA into concrete action, in particular in countries most at risk of not achieving the goals by 2015. The programme works with national counterparts to promote participatory nationally driven efforts to enhance capacities in planning processes, management functions, and organizational structures to improve educational quality and increase educational opportunities for all.

As one of the priority countries of UNESCO’s Education Sector, Afghanistan is currently benefiting from the CapEFA programme with a focus on technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

II. Duties and requirements

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education, the immediate supervision of the Chief of Education Unit of the UNESCO Office in Kabul and in close collaboration with the Programming, Monitoring and Coordination Unit at Headquarters, the incumbent will contribute to coordinate and implement activities of the CapEFA programme in Afghanistan. S/He shall directly collaborate to the overall planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, evaluation and documentation of the programme. Specifically, s/he will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

1. Programme planning:
   • Coordinate capacity assessments in the field of TVET and the development of detailed work plans to address identified gaps through close collaboration with national and international counterparts.
   • Follow-up on the CapEFA project work plan by periodically reviewing and refining programme activities and adjusting programmatic and financial plans as necessary.
   • Assist in the supervision of administrative matters concerning the CapEFA programme in Afghanistan, including contract and budget management.
2. Programme implementation:
   • Coordinate the overall implementation of the CapEFA programme by liaising with the main government counterparts at the Ministry of Education (Deputy Ministry of TVET), Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs, and Disabled (MoLSAMD), Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), National Skills Development Programme (NSDP), the Committee on Education and Skills Policy (CESP), and the Human Resources Development Board (HRDB) to implement programme activities in a high-quality and timely manner.
   • Ensure regular communication and consultation with national stakeholders and UNESCO staff during the implementation of the programme. Ongoing coordination is strongly required with ED/BLS/TVE (UNESCO HQ) and UNESCO UNEVOC Centre (Bonn).
   • Organize and coordinate seminars, national conferences, consultation meetings and other activities for diverse target groups according to the approved programme document and work plan.
   • Work with Chief of the Education Unit to liaise with international partners such as GIZ, ILO and WB on TVET-related matters.
3. Programme monitoring and reporting:
   • Monitor the implementation of the work plan and prepare budget revisions as necessary, in line with the overall CapEFA programme priorities and in close collaboration with the technical oversight team at UNESCO HQ.
   • Monitor contracts set up for programme implementation, ensuring deliverables meet UNESCO standards
   • Analyze, edit and compile other documentation and prepare briefing papers and reports to supporting donors and for internal use, particularly with a view to making strategic decisions and adding technical value and input to programme activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

 An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social sciences, development studies or related area.

WORK EXPERIENCE

 At least two years of relevant work experience, acquired at national and/or international level in the field of education, preferably related with TVET.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

 Experience in team working building and management of education programmes.
 Good computer and other IT skills.
 Strong sensitivity and adaptability (cultural, gender, religion, race and nationality).
 Excellent strategic and analytical skills.
 Excellent communication skills, including writing and oral expression.
 Ability to interact with a wide range of high–level partners.

LANGUAGES

 Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

 Experience in working in a post-conflict and post disaster (PCPD) context and a clear understanding of development work, particularly of capacity development.
 Previous experience with UN agencies and understanding of the UN system, including its administrative procedures and DUO process would be an asset.
 Previous experience in the field of TVET.
 Working knowledge of French

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars and exempt from income tax. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates.

Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.

How to apply:

To apply, please send your application letter and UNESCO CV (CV Form to be used) in English to k.human-resource@unesco.org before 6 August 2013 (Kabul time).

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.
Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.