OVERVIEW
Post Number : 4AFED 0032TA
Grade : P-3
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Kabul
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Temporary Appointment
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 9-JUNE-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Duration of contract: 11 months with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
In the increasingly challenging humanitarian context of Afghanistan, where literacy levels remain low, especially for girls and young women, UNESCO has been implementing multiple projects on skills development and literacy for Afghanistan's adolescents, youth and adults, with a particular focus on women and girls. The \"Economic empowerment through skills development and literacy training in Afghanistan\" project aims to train semi-literate youth, providing them access to livelihood skills coupled with literacy skills and the opportunity to start an economic venture with financial support and mentoring. The intervention builds on the learnings from UNESCOโs Youth and Adult Literacy and Basic Education (YALBE) programme in Afghanistan.
Long Description
Under the overall authority of the Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Kabul and immediate supervision of the Head of Education Unit of the UNESCO Office in Kabul, the Programme Specialist for Skills Development and Literacy will contribute to coordinating and implementing the project activities. The incumbent is responsible for overall planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and knowledge management of the project. Specifically, undertaking the following tasks and responsibilities:
1. Project Planning and Implementation
- Identifying potential local partners within the non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and the private sector for participation in the planning and implementation of project activities, ensuring synergies with other skills development and literacy projects at the office.
- Establishing and regularly monitoring and updating the project work plan and results framework;
- Planning and organizing the procurement of goods and services;
- Identifying project implementation partners and providers of goods and services;
- Following up on the implementation of the contracts, assessing the quality of services provided and requesting disbursement of funds;
- Supervising and providing leadership, guidance and direction to the project team; and
- Building synergies with other projects and activities of the UNESCO Kabul Office and relevant projects of other development partners in Afghanistan.
Long Description
2. Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
- Contributing to monitoring and evaluation of project activities, reporting on progress and suggesting updates to the project timeframe;
- Regularly monitoring the financial status of the project and promptly developing budget revision if needed;
- Preparing reports on project activities for UNESCO, the donor and partners;
- Ensuring the implementation of the communication and visibility plan of the project; and
- Fostering exchanges of information, experience, identifying new strategies of action to improve delivery of services and to achieve the project requirements and objectives; and
3. Technical Coordination and Knowledge Management
- Regularly communicating with the relevant stakeholders on skills development and literacy to ensure smooth project implementation, strengthening the leading role of UNESCO on this area;
- Collaborating with other education teams in the UNESCO Kabul Office, ensuring the complementary nature of the education interventions in the office;
- Participating in necessary external meetings to advocate for support in skills development and literacy, including contributing to resource mobilization efforts;
- Documenting all project-related documents and knowledge products and contributing to office-wide knowledge management.
- Performing any other tasks as requested by supervisors, particularly contributing to the planning and implementation of other education projects.
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
โข Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of education, social sciences, development studies or related area.
Work experience
โข At least four (4) years of relevant work experience in education including two (2) years acquired prefereably at the international level, preferably relating to community-based literacy and non-formal education;
โข Previous work experience in developing countries.
Skills/Competencies
โข Excellent project management skills, including results-based management, financial management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting;
โข Strong sensitivity and adaptability in post-conflict countries and diversity (culture, gender, religion, race and nationality);
โข Integrity, reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties;
โข Excellent coordination and organizational skills;
โข Good analytical and problem-solving skills;
โข Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment;
โข Ability to work under pressure, to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work; and
โข Strong IT skills, including good knowledge of standard office software and online collaboration tools.
Languages
โข Excellent English (spoken and written) is required.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
โข Advanced university degree (PhD) in the field of education, social sciences, development studies or related area.
Work Experience
โข Relevant work experience in managing projects on literacy and non-formal education;
โข Relevant work experience in the UN;
โข Previous work experience in crisis-affected contexts.
Skills/Competencies
โข Knowledge of UNESCOโs mission and action in the positionโs field.
Languages
โข Good knowledge of another UN Language.
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 95 909 US $.
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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