OVERVIEW
Post Number: 4KIED 0001PA
Grade: NO-A
Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Tarawa, Kiribati
Job Family: Education
Type of contract: Project Appointment
Duration of contract: 1 year, renewable
Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 20 August 2025
Duration of contract: Initially 1 year, with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Kiribati is designated as the duty station for this post, subject to clearance by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS).
Only nationals of Kiribati are eligible to apply for this position.
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
BACKGROUND
The Kiribati System Transformation Grant (STG) is a USD $2.5M program (2024โ2028) designed to address critical challenges within the Kiribati education system. These challengesโidentified through extensive consultations and outlined in the Partnership Compactโinclude infrastructure limitations, resource constraints, and high dropout rates, particularly among boys. The program, developed by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), aims to expand access to quality learning and enhance teaching practices through a strategic focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Aligned with Kiribatiโs Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP 2024-2027) and the ICT in Education Master Plan (2021-2025), the STG takes a phased approach, initially focusing on establishing model schools. These selected schools will serve as testing grounds for ICT infrastructure and teaching innovations, enabling evidence-based learning and systematic adaptation. ICT integration will directly support student learning by expanding access to digital resources, with inclusive digital lesson plans, projectable diagrams and tools for student assessments. The STG programme activities are structured around three interconnected components:
Access: Expanding access to quality learning through ICT infrastructure and inclusive pedagogies. Teaching Quality: Improving teaching quality and inclusion through access to digital resources and training on using ICTs. Systems Reform: Strengthening the collection and use of data to support programme implementation, inclusivity, and system improvements.Long Description
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States in Apia, the direct supervision of the Education Programme Specialist, the incumbent will provide a range of programmatic support activities to UNESCO, who serves as the Grant Agent of the Kiribati Global Partnership for Education System Transformation Grant (STG).
Specifically, the incumbent will undertake the following functions:
1. Programme and Project Coordination
Support the day-to-day management of the STG programme, ensuring that all activities are implemented according to the project document and work plan. Assist with the coordination of technical and administrative support staff involved in programme activities. Ensure the efficient allocation of resources to meet programme needs and targets, identifying any gaps and proposing solutions. Assist in developing and implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress against the programmeโs objectives, outcomes and performance indicators. Ensure the enhancement of key areas such as ICT infrastructure, teacher capacity, and KEMIS development, and timely delivery of outputs and results. Assist in the preparations of regular technical progress reports for submission to UNESCO, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), and other relevant stakeholders.2. Technical Oversight and Quality Assurance
3. Financial and Administrative Management
Assist the financial management of the programme, ensuring that all expenditures are in line with UNESCOโs financial policies and procedures. Assist with the preparation of financial reports and ensure timely submission of all necessary documentation for audits. Monitor the programmeโs budget, ensuring that resources are efficiently allocated and that financial risks are mitigated.4. Capacity Building and Training
Support the capacity-building efforts of the Ministry of Education personnel, teachers, and other stakeholders, particularly in the areas of ICT integration, teacher ICT competency development, and KEMIS usage. Assist the coordination of training workshops to enhance the skills of teachers and school leaders in digital literacy, ICT-based pedagogy, and data-driven education management.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C)Accountability (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Professionalism (C)
- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, or closely related field(s). A first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Less than 2 years of relevant work experience in coordinating or managing education projects, particularly in the areas of ICT integration, teacher development, or education system reforms.SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
โข Strong project management and coordination skills, with experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
โข Solid financial management skills, including budgeting, reporting, and monitoring.
โข Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills for working with government officials, development partners, and local stakeholders.
โข Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with digital education tools or platforms.
LANGUAGES
โข Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English and Kiribati.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations in project coordination, capacity building, or education system strengthening is highly desirable.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCOโs 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 20 503 AUD.
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 on-line 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.
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