Programme Specialist in Education

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4LAED 0001TA

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Lao People's Democratic Republic (the)

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Temporary Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 22-SEP-2024

 

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

 

Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Programme Specialist in Education, based in Vientiane, Lao PDR, is instrumental in advancing UNESCO's education strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. The incumbent is responsible for the conceptualization, planning, development, coordination, and implementation of education programmes and projects, working independently with minimal supervision while maintaining close collaboration with Professional Education Specialists in the Regional Office. Key responsibilities include establishing positive collaborations and partnerships, providing technical support, and engaging with various stakeholders to promote UNESCO's initiatives. The role also involves resource mobilization, policy development, and the management of projects, including supervising staff and ensuring alignment with UNESCO’s global and regional frameworks. Strong project management skills, the ability to work in a multicultural environment, and a commitment to UNESCO’s educational goals are essential for success in this position.

Long Description

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Education Section, the incumbent will specifically undertake the following responsibilities:

1. Contribute to the conceptualization, design, planning, development, coordination, monitoring, and implementation of programmes, projects, and activities related to the Education strategy in the Asia-Pacific region, in alignment with UNESCO's 42/C4 and 42/C5 frameworks.

2.  Identify key focus areas within Member States' national priorities. When requested by national authorities, propose alignment of these priorities with UN frameworks (e.g., Education for Sustainable Development 2015) and the approaches and strategies of development partners. Facilitate linkages between UNESCO's education initiatives at national, regional, and global levels, and identify opportunities for inter-sectoral collaboration in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders.

3. Support UNESCO's active participation in UN project management systems. Identify opportunities or areas for improved alignment of projects and activities at country and regional levels, including the preparation of Common Country Assessments (CCAs), United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAFs), Country Programme Documents (CPDs), and Country Programme Action Plans (CPAPs), ensuring coherence with UNESCO’s regional goals and the objectives of national and UN agencies.

4. Initiate and contribute to policy development and creation in the areas of ICT in education, research, and foresight. Advocate for and lead inter-sectoral collaboration and quality assurance exercises. Promote UNESCO’s position and involvement in these areas and establish relevant regional guidelines informed by comprehensive stocktaking exercises in the region.

5. Organize consultations and events, ensuring regular contributions and updates to online knowledge management systems. Plan, develop, and implement outreach strategies for ICT in education, research, and foresight programmes to maintain and expand UNESCO’s technical support, visibility, partnerships, and resource mobilization efforts.

Long Description

6.  In an increasingly competitive international and multilateral environment, lead resource mobilization efforts and develop alternative funding mechanisms for the region and individual countries. This includes developing concepts and project proposals aligned with the 42 C/4 and 42 C