Senior Programme Coordinator

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Duration of Contract: One (1) year, renewable

Recruitment Open To: Internal and External Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 26-MAY-2025

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

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) is an integral part of UNESCO’s Education Sector, operating with statutory institutional autonomy under the guidance of its Governing Board. UIL promotes an integrated approach to policy development, research and training, capacity building, networking and partnership building in the field of lifelong learning, with a focus on adult and continuing education, literacy and non-formal education. UIL also responds to the demands of individuals and communities throughout the world, ensuring that all forms of education and learning - formal, non formal and informal - are recognized, valued and available.

Under the overall authority and supervision of the Director of the Institute, the Senior Programme Coordinator will assist the Director in the management and coordination of specific areas of the Institute. The incumbent will oversee and contribute to the monitoring of the Institute’s Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2029. He/she will maintain an overview of specific UIL programmes and their outcomes, with a view to informing their ongoing enhancement and expansion, as applicable. He/she will contribute to the mobilization of funds and participate in fundraising negotiations, while promoting strategic partnerships with other organisations. He/she will oversee the preparation of documents for UNESCO C/4 and C/5 as well as for the Standing Committee and the Governing Board of UIL.

The working tasks of the Senior Programme Coordinator will include:

Informing and driving the delivery of the Institute’s services

• Provide intellectual leadership, guidance and feedback to the staff under his/her responsibility.
• Develop strategic proposals to the Director, aligned with the directives of the General Conference and the Governing Board, emphasizing lifelong learning policy development and implementation, research, training, capacity building and networking in lifelong learning and adult education.

Coordinating Monitoring and Evaluation

• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of programmes, based on results-based management ensuring alignment with the Institute's Key Performance Indicators.
• Develop, refine and promote tools to measure and document the results and impact of the Institute's activities in Member States.

Long Description

Directing innovative approaches

• Direct UIL's innovative programmes in key areas such as: Policy support and capacity-building for lifelong learning in Member States; Flexible learning pathways, including recognition, validation, and accreditation of prior learning focusing on migrants and refugees; Reaffirming lifelong learning and gender equality as human rights; Skills for green, inclusive, and peaceful communities.
• This includes monitoring progress, fostering strategic partnerships, providing feedback, representing the Institute at key events, and ensuring alignment with the performance cycle.
• Coordinate UNESCO networks by providing leadership in planning, implementing activities, developing membership strategies, and addressing regional needs.

Informing and supporting programme development

• Engage in regular consultations with Programme Coordinators and Unit Heads, participate in key meetings, and manage budgets and related tasks.
• Design, implement, monitor, and evaluate work plans and initiatives, ensuring resource optimization.

Mobilizing resources and optimizing their use

• Identify and pursue resource mobilization opportunities, engage potential donors, and foster influential partnerships with academia, research centers, and civil society.
• Undertake additional activities as directed by the Director.

Strengthening and building partnerships

• Represent UIL and its programmes in networks, collaborate with universities, agencies, and ministries, and develop systemic approaches to increase capacity and visibility.
• Develop concept notes, policy briefs, and lead key initiatives.

Core/Managerial Competencies

Communication, Accountability, Innovation, Knowledge sharing, Planning, Results focus, Teamwork, Professionalism, Building partnerships (Managerial), Driving change (Managerial), Leading others (Managerial), Decision-making (Managerial), Performance management (Managerial), Strategic thinking (Managerial)

Position Details

• Grade: P-5
• Duty Station: Hamburg, Germany
• Type of Contract: Project Appointment
• Duration: 1 year, renewable

Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree or equivalent in education, social sciences, or related fields.

Work Experience: Minimum 10 years in relevant areas, including 5 at the international level, with experience in policy development, programme management, and capacity building in lifelong learning and adult education.

Skills & Competencies: Strategic planning, partnership development, communication, and knowledge of the UN system.

Languages: Excellent English; working knowledge of another UN language preferred.

Desirable Qualifications: PhD in Education, management training, experience in policy dialogue, research, and lifelong learning promotion.

Benefits: Competitive salary (~USD 149,365/year), plus benefits like leave, insurance, pension, etc.