Afghanistan: Associate Program Coordinator (Capacity Development for Education 2030)

I. Background

UNESCO's Capacity Development for Education 2030 (CapED) program is an extra-budgetary funding mechanism and program approach created in 2003 with the objective of translating global advocacy on Education 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal 4 into concrete action, in particular in countries most at risk of not achieving the goals by 2030 The program 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 CapED program with a focus on three themes – curriculum, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and a pilot program of support for SDG4. The curriculum component of the program is implemented in partnership with UNICEF, who are supporting, through an inter-agency agreement with UNESCO, the implementation of the Curriculum Reform Plan developed within the CapED Afghanistan program.

II. Duties and requirements

Under the overall authority of the Director and Representative of UNESCO Kabul, and the immediate supervision of the Chief of Education Unit of the UNESCO Office in Kabul and Project Coordinator, CapED Afghanistan, the consultant will support the coordination and implementation of the activities of the CapEFD program in Afghanistan. S/He shall support the Project Coordinator with the overall planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, evaluation and documentation of the program and its four constituent workplans and budgets (CapED curriculum, TVET, and SDG4, and the UNICEF-supported curriculum Funds in Trust account). Specifically, s/he will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

1. Programme planning: -

· Follow-up on the CapED project work plans for curriculum, TVET, and SDG4 by supporting the Project Coordinator to periodically review and refine program activities and adjusting programmatic and financial plans as necessary. -

· Assist in the supervision of administrative matters concerning the CapED projects in Afghanistan, including contract and budget management.

· Support the Project Coordinator develop and circulate TORs for coordination platforms (e.g. the Curriculum Working Group) and temporary experts, where required.

2. Programme implementation: -

· Support the overall coordination of the CapED projects by liaising with the main government counterparts to implement program activities in a high-quality and timely manner.

· Support the Project Coordinator develop and manage contracts necessary for the efficient implementation of the CapED projects

· Ensure regular communication and consultation with national stakeholders and UNESCO staff during the implementation of the program. Prepare and document minutes where necessary of key meetings, including the Curriculum Working Group.

· Support the Project Coordinator organize and coordinate seminars, national conferences, consultation meetings and other activities for diverse target groups according to the approved project work plans. -

· Work with Chief of the Education Unit and Project Coordinator to liaise with international partners such as UNICEF (required), other UN entities and NGOs, on matters relating to curriculum, TVET, and SDG4.

3. Programme monitoring and reporting: -

· Support the Project Coordinator and National Project Officer monitor the implementation of the four work plans and prepare budget revisions as necessary, in line with the overall CapED program priorities

· Support the Project Coordinator monitor contracts set up for program implementation, ensuring deliverables meet UNESCO standards -

· Analyze, edit and compile other documentation and prepare briefing papers, website articles, and reports to UNICEF and other supporting donors and for internal use, particularly with a view to making strategic decisions and adding technical value and input to program 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 to curriculum, TVET, or education policy/planning.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

· Experience in team working building and management of education programs.

· 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 fields of curriculum, TVET, and education policy/ planning is an advantage.

To apply, please send your application letter and UNESCO CV (CV Form to be used) in English to k.human-resource@unesco.org before 30 November 2017 (Kabul time). Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization. Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.