Background:
The UNESCO Myanmar Project Office covers day-to-day operations of projects in education, communication and information, as well as cultural and natural heritage. It operates under the administrative oversight of the UNESCO Regional Bureau in Bangkok, Thailand. The UNESCO Myanmar Project Office works closely with a diverse range of partners – national, sub-national and regional government counterparts, other UN agencies, international and bilateral development partners, local and international NGOs, civil society, academia and the media and implements projects through different modalities including but not limited to capacity building, coordination, technical assistance and advocacy and awareness raising.
Main tasks and assignments:
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, the Individual Specialist shall provide support for UNESCO’s communications and development of partnerships in Myanmar. The Individual Specialist will work closely with the Head of Office to support the communications needs of the Office and partnerships in relation to the UNESCO Country Strategy (UCS) and resource mobilization strategy in line with the Sustainable Development Goals in UNESCO’s areas of comparative advantage and with Myanmar’s national priorities.
- The Individual Specialist shall perform the following specific assignments:
a. Support UNESCO’s role as Coordinating Agency of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and Grant Agent for the ESPDG. Provide assistance to the arrangements of meetings, consolidation of development partner feedback, drafting of briefs, review of technical outputs, follow-up after meetings and communication with partners.
b. Provide support to UNESCO’s engagement in education sector coordination mechanisms, including the Education and TVET Sector Coordination Group, the Management Capacity and Quality Assurance Sub-sector working group and the Statistics Coordination Group.
c. Support UNESCO’s response to the COVID-19 and its impact on education in Myanmar, including the conceptualization of a survey on the impact of the pandemic and to track COVID-response implementation as well as analysis and reporting of results.
d. Assist with UNESCO’s contribution to the development of Myanmar’s second National Education Strategic Plan (NESP), including the implementation of the Education Sector Plan Development Grant.
e. Support the finalisation of proposed studies under the education sector analysis of the NESP, including engagement with planning experts and coordination of partners.
f. Conduct secondary research and analysis of national frameworks, policies and topics related to the education and culture to prepare briefing notes, talking points, concept notes and external communications materials in coordination with the education and culture teams.
g. Support the UNESCO Head of Office in ensuring active involvement in UN common country processes such as the Common Country Assessment (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) by undertaking research and drafting background briefs and notes as well as preparing the inputs for submission to UNRCO and the thematic working groups in close coordination with all programme teams.
h. Participate actively in the UN Human Rights Thematic Group, report back to the Head of Office and other relevant programme teams for inputs and follow-up.
i. Carry out any other tasks assigned by the Head of Office in support of UNESCO Myanmar activities.
- The Individual Specialist shall carry out the following Travel Assignments:
a. The Individual Specialist shall be based in Yangon with travel to field sites as required.
b. The Individual Specialist will be supported by UNESCO for the round trip air ticket between Yangon and her/his place of residence.
- The Individual Specialist shall submit the following deliverables to UNESCO for its approval:
a. Monthly progress reports outlining activities undertaken and achievements.
b. A final report summarizing the activities carried out, achievements and lessons learnt during the contract period.
In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the incumbent is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.
The work shall be completed by 31 December 2021 at the latest.
Fees:
· Level 2: remuneration will take into account the selected individual’s qualifications and experience.
· Travel costs for missions undertaken within the context of the assignment will be reimbursed as per UNESCO rules and regulations.
· Round trip flight tickets between place of residence and Yangon at the start and end of contract.
Required Qualifications for Specialized Knowledge/Experience:
Education and experience:
· University degree in development studies, economics, law, international relations or a related field. Post-graduate studies in specialized disciplines such as education, economics, or development studies, can be an asset.
· At least 5 years of work experience in research, analysis, communications and international development.
Skills and competencies:
· Proven research and analytical skills;
· Ability to work independently on delegated tasks;
· Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
· Excellent communication and presentation skills;
· Excellent writing and speaking skills in English.
In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the consultant is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.
How to apply:
Interested applicants are invited to submit to the UNESCO Project Office in Myanmar:
(a) an up-to-date curriculum vitae;
(b) a statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the
assignment;
(c) an indication of the approach you would adopt to carry out the assignment, including any inputs
that may be required from UNESCO;
(d) the overall cost of the assignment, expressed as an overall lump-sum. Any travel and subsistence
requirements should be indicated separately; and
(e) a written sample in English.
Your application should be submitted by e-mail to yangon@unesco.org no later than 17:00 Hours (Yangon time) on Monday, 5 February 2021. Please mention “International Consultant – Communications and Partnerships” in the e-mail subject line.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.