Country: Jordan
Closing date: 09 Jul 2019
Title: Project Officer
Domain: Education
Grade: P-3
Position Number: 5JOED0017PA
Organizational Unit: UNESCO Amman Office
Duty Station: Amman
Type of contract: Project Appointment
Annual salary: Approx. 87 699 USD
Deadline (midnight, Amman time)**:** 09 July 2019
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Overview of the functions of the position
Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, the guidance of the Head of the UNESCO Amman Office and the direct supervision of the Education Programme Specialist, the Project Officer will be primarily responsible for the timely and efficient management and implementation of the “System Strengthening Partnership with Jordan’s Ministry of Education” program generously funded by the Government of Canada (and expected additional donors in future). The 3-year program aims to support the Ministry of Education (MoE) to strengthen data collection, utilization, and analysis, including through enhancement and greater use of the MoE’s Education Management Information System (EMIS) and WebGIS; monitoring, evaluation and reporting (MER); and evidence-based planning and policy-making.
More specifically, the Project Officer will be responsible for project management, technical support and leadership including for institutional system strengthening and capacity development within the MoE, donor relations, partnerships and coordination, and supervision and teamwork related to this program as outlined below.
In particular, the incumbent will: 1. Project management:
- Develop and keep up-to-date a strategic and operational plan for program implementation.
- Oversee all aspects of program management including financial, procurement, contract and administrative planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting in line with UNESCO procedures and requirements.
- Ensure technical and operational quality assurance of all project deliverables.
- Work closely with MoE staff, the UNESCO team, technical specialists, contractors and consultants to ensure quality and timely delivery of program activities, narrative and financial reports, and achievement of performance targets.
Identify opportunities and challenges during implementation and recommend relevant actions to ensure program objectives are met or surpassed. 2. Technical support and leadership – institutional system strengthening and capacity development:
Lead on the System Strengthening portfolio within the UNESCO Amman team, which is aligned with UNESCO’s main programme C/5 expected result 1 (ER 1: Improved national education policies and plans to advance access to equitable and quality ECCE, primary and secondary education through a system-wide lifelong learning approach).
Support and contribute to efforts to support Jordan in the implementation of its national Education Strategic Plan 2018-2022 in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 4, including providing technical support in the areas of data collection, utilization, and analysis; monitoring, evaluation and reporting (MER); and evidence-based planning and policy-making.
Establish effective communication channels and networks with government counterparts and other relevant national institutions.
Establish good communication channels/networks and ensure coordination of UNESCO Amman’s work within UNESCO (HQ, Regional Office, relevant UNESCO institutes, Jordan National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, etc.) in order to mobilize technical support and incorporate international best practices into the program. 3. Donor relations:
Ensure effective and timely communication and coordination with donors on major program developments, including through the Steering Committee for the program.
Ensure program and donor visibility and public recognition by carrying out regular communication activities.
Prepare the required donor progress and final reports (narrative and financial).
Provide support to the Education Programme Specialist to identify further needs and mobilize additional resources as needed. 4. Partnerships and Coordination:
Maintain a strong and constructive working relationship with partner ministries, in particular the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Provide support to the Education Programme Specialist in coordinating and taking part in the related meetings (e.g. Education Strategic Plan Coordination Structure and Technical Working Group meetings; Education Donor Working Group meetings, etc.).
Participate in joint UN programming activities related to education, specifically the UN Sustainable Development Framework “Strengthened Institutions” Results Group and the Education Sector Working Group in an effort to coordinate and advance programmatic work and ensure visibility for the Organization. 6. Supervision and Teamwork:
Directly supervise the National Project Officer(s), Project Assistant(s), interns and volunteers (performance and administrative management) responsible for the System Strengthening portfolio.
Oversee and monitor the implementation of regular program activities related to the System Strengthening portfolio.
Oversee the work of contracted personnel and consultants engaged in the delivery of the System Strengthening portfolio.
Contribute to a professional and effective working environment characterized by effective teamwork, collegiality, and mutual respect.
Provide support to and perform other tasks as assigned by the UNESCO Education Programme Specialist.
Competencies
A successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the following competencies:
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Teamwork
Innovation
Results focus
Planning and organizing
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
For detailed information please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework
Required qualifications
Education
- Advanced University degree (Master or equivalent) in education, international development, statistics, economics, social sciences or related field.
Work Experience
- Minimum 4 years of experience in the field of education, with particular focus on educational planning, education statistics, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and/or institutional system strengthening, capacity development and change management.
- Relevant experience in project management, including financial, procurement, contracts and results-based management.
Skills and competencies
- Strong analytical skills and problem solving skills, as well as ability to set priorities,
- Excellent organizational and knowledge management skills,
- Strong sensitivity and adaptability in a multicultural environment,
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines,
- Proven good interpersonal and communication skills,
- Ability to mobilize resources by carrying out scoping activities, identifying opportunities, and drafting project proposals for possible funding opportunities.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
Desirable qualifications
Work Experience
- Previous experience working within the UN system including familiarity with its administrative and procurement systems and processes.
- Relevant experience in working in the field of education at the international level.
- Experience with national Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) or related educational databases.
Languages
- Proficiency in Arabic.
Assessment
An assessment exercise may be used in the evaluation of candidates.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should complete the attached UNESCO CV with a covering letter in English explaining their interest in the position and forward it electronically to the following e-mail address: recruitment.amman@unesco.org
Please indicate the position title and number for which you are applying. Incomplete UNESCO CVs will not be processed.
Applications can also be received via fax only if internet access is not available to apply online. A completed official UNESCO CV form (available from the UNESCO home page) should be sent to fax number: +962-6-5928456.
Interested and suitable candidates should ensure that their application is submitted on or before09 July 2019. (midnight, Amman time).
Due to the large number of applications received, only applicants short‐**listed for interview will be contacted.**
Benefits and entitlements
UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, as well as exchange rates.
Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. More details can be found on the ICSC Website.
Please note that UNESCO is a no-smoking Organization.