Project Officer (Education)

UNESCO; Paris; Sur place; EUR 91 000; Temps partiel

Résumé du poste

A prominent international organization in Paris seeks a Project Officer to implement and improve education data and information management systems, especially in emergency contexts. The role requires a keen understanding of education policies and significant experience in program coordination. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree and be skilled in data management and analysis, with excellent communication abilities. This position offers competitive pay and rich benefits.

Prestations

30 days annual leave

Medical insurance

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in education policy and data systems.
• Proven experience in project/programme coordination and management at international levels.
• Experience in building partnerships and working relations.

Responsabilités

• Support the establishment of integrated M&E systems in education.
• Aid in integrating EiE data into EMIS in priority countries.
• Provide technical assistance to Field Offices on education data.

Connaissances

Excellent knowledge in education management information systems

Analytical and research skills

Ability to maintain effective working relationships

Excellent communication skills

Strong IT and data analysis skills

Formation

Advanced university degree in education, economics, or relevant fields

Description du poste

Overview

Post Number: ED / PA 252

Grade: P-3

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Education

Type of contract: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 27-JUN-2025

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

Within the Division of Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems (ED / PLS) the Section of Education Policy (EDP) contributes to driving education transformation through four dimensions: (a) legal and normative (b) policy review and planning (c) data and information management (d) assessment and alignment for learning across all levels of education starting from early childhood. EDPs work aims to promote and advance the right to education, evidence-based policies and practices, sound governance and management, accountability and reforms for the continuous improvement of system performance and student learning outcomes. This includes support to design, review, and scale-up of national efforts and initiatives for better alignment of and transformation in legal and regulatory frameworks, policies and planning, management and governance systems, data and accountability systems, learning pathways, quality assurance and learning assessment systems including in emergency contexts.

Long Description

Within the data and information management work strand, EDPs key programmatic activities include the following:

• Development of tools and guidelines for strengthening data and information management systems in education (EMIS).
• Fostering international dialogue on and reinforcement of international standards and tools on national education sector management governance, data management and M&E systems.
• Reinforcement of the coherence of UNESCOs interventions on sector management governance, data management and M&E.
• Provision of technical backstopping services to UNESCOs network and technical assistance to Member States for efficient transformation of Education Management Information Systems.

The cross-cutting nature of data systems for evidence-based decision-making positions EDP as a key enabler of ensuring coherence across UNESCOs programmatic interventions in education. In view of the continued expansion of the Education in Emergencies (EiE) portfolio there is a pressing need to consolidate EDPs role to provide strategic support to EiE programming and to strengthen the integration between emergency response and long-term resilience-building, as well as to enhance organizational efficiency and promote more cost-effective delivery of UNESCOs mandate in education.

Within this context EDP is seeking a Project Officer willing to contribute actively to the implementation and delivery of the above data and information management programme, notably in education in emergency (EiE) contexts.

Long Description

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education, the guidance of the Director of the Division and of the Chief of Section and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Officer in charge of EDPs portfolio on sector management governance data management and M&E systems, the Project Officer will be responsible for providing technical support in the implementation of the sections programmatic activities and initiatives on data systems in education and monitoring and evaluation notably in education in emergency contexts. The Project Officer will provide technical and capacity development support to UNESCOs network and Member States to strengthen Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and institutionalize EiE data into EMIS, improve data literacy, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and evidence-based planning, programming and advocacy.

The Project Officer will notably provide targeted technical assistance to projects in Member States affected by conflict and crisis—including but not limited to Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine and refugee-hosting countries—supporting efforts to enhance the availability, quality and use of education data in emergency and protracted crisis contexts. The position will contribute to reinforcing UNESCOs leadership in EiE data systems and knowledge generation at both global and field levels, supporting the systematic integration of EiE data into EMIS and advancing the humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach.

The Project Officer will also contribute to EDP global workstreams on education management, EMIS and e-governance and collaborate closely with internal and external partners to strengthen education data systems with particular attention to crisis-sensitive design and implementation.

Essential duties:

1. Programme and project implementation
   • Support the GPE System Capacity Grant (SCG) project in Sudan for establishment of an integrated M&E system under the Transitional Education Plan (TEP), ensuring alignment with EMIS.
   • Contribute to the design and rollout of EiE data integration into EMIS in priority countries including South Sudan, Sudan and Ukraine.
   • Support the GPE Multiplier project in Ukraine by providing technical input on e-governance, updating and analyzing data, and contributing to the Ukraine Regional Refugee Response by supporting data updates and analysis and co-developing learning briefs to inform regional coordination and programming.
   • Provide tailored technical assistance and capacity building to UNESCO Field Offices and partners on EiE data, statistics, M&E and EMIS.
   • Engage in global EMIS and e-governance initiatives through guidance, development, advocacy and knowledge sharing.
   • Promote a strategic crisis-sensitive approach to integrating EiE data into national EMIS in collaboration with internal and external partners.
   • Support assessments and gap analyses of EiE data and EMIS progress in selected countries.
2. Knowledge Management and Capacity Development
   • Support capacity strengthening in data literacy, evidence-informed planning and the use of education data for decision-making, notably in crisis-affected settings.
   • Contribute to the development of technical frameworks and tools such as EMIS PATT, including for enhancement of the integration of EiE data into EMIS and broader education sector planning mechanisms.
   • Support the development of global and regional knowledge products including learning briefs, technical notes and guidance documents.
   • Contribute to research and evaluation efforts on Education management and EMIS in EiE contexts, including generating evidence and lessons learned to inform policy and practice.
3. Partnerships, Networking and Resource Mobilization
   • Participate in relevant internal and inter-agency coordination mechanisms to support data harmonization and joint analysis in EiE contexts.
   • Support the resource mobilization efforts to strengthen the integrated EiE in EMIS work, including climate data into EMIS, working closely with partners both internal and external through harmonized vision and approach.

Competencies (Core / Managerial)

• Communication
• Accountability
• Innovation
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
• Planning and organizing
• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Professionalism

For detailed information please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of education, economics, social policy, demographics and/or other relevant fields.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in education policy and data systems, of which preferably 2 years occurred at the international level.
• Proven experience in project/programme coordination and management at international and/or regional levels.
• Proven experience in building, maintaining and enhancing partnerships and working relations.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent knowledge and technical expertise in education management information systems, monitoring and evaluation issues and education policy reforms, especially in emergency contexts.
• Excellent analytical and research skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations with internal and external partners.
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
• Strong IT and data analysis skills including knowledge of information systems, technical architectures and data systems for education.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written).

Desirable Qualifications

Work Experience

• Experience in project/programme coordination and management in Education in Emergency contexts

Working knowledge of French

Knowledge of another UNESCO official language

Benefits and Entitlements

UNESCOs salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan, etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 107 073 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

Selection and Recruitment Process

Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice and may include tests and/or assessments as well as an interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

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.

Notes

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. 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. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. 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 mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

Remarks

Required Experience: Unclear Seniority

Key Skills: Channel Marketing, ERP Sales, CSSD, Conflict Management, Ethernet, AC Maintenance

Employment Type: Contract

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1