OVERVIEW
Post Number : ED/PA 252
Grade : P-3
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 27-JUN-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Within the Division of Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems (ED/PLS), the Section of Education Policy (EDP) contributes to driving education transformation through four dimensions: (a) legal and normative, (b) policy review and planning, (c) data and information management, and (d) assessment and alignment for learning, these across all levels of education starting from early childhood. As such, EDPโs work aims to promote and advance the right to education, evidence-based policies and practices, sound governance and management, accountability and reforms for the continuous improvement of system performance and student learning outcomes. This includes support to design, review and scale-up of national efforts and initiatives for better alignment of and transformation in legal and regulatory frameworks, policies and planning, management and governance systems, data and accountability systems, learning pathways, quality assurance and learning assessment systems, including in emergency contexts.
Long Description
Within the data and information management work strand, EDPโs key programmatic activities include the following:
The cross-cutting nature of data systems for evidence-based decision-making positions EDP as a key enabler of ensuring coherence across UNESCOโs programmatic interventions in education. In view of the continued expansion of the Education in Emergencies (EiE) portfolio, there is a pressing need to further consolidate EDPโs roleโnot only to provide strategic support to EiE programming and to strengthen the integration between emergency response and long-term resilience-building, but also as a means of enhancing organizational efficiency and promoting more cost-effective delivery of UNESCOโs mandate in education.
Within this context, EDP is seeking for a Project Officer willing to contribute actively to the implementation and delivery of the above data and information management programme, notably in education in emergency (EiE) contexts.
Long Description
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education, the guidance of the Director of the Division and of the Chief of Section, and the direct supervision of the SeniorProject Officer in charge of EDPโs portfolio on sector management, governance, data management and M&E systems, the Project Officer will be responsible for providing technical support in the implementation of the sectionโs programmatic activities and initiatives on data systems in education and monitoring and evaluation, notably in education in emergency contexts. The Project Officer will provide technical and capacity development support to UNESCOโs network and Member States to strengthen Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and institutionalize EiE data into EMIS, improve data literacy, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and evidence-based planning, programming, and advocacy.
The Project Officer will notably provide targeted technical assistance to projects in Member States affected by conflict and crisisโincluding, but not limited to, Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine, and refugee-hosting countriesโsupporting efforts to enhance the availability, quality, and use of education data in emergency and protracted crisis contexts. The position will contribute to reinforcing UNESCOโs leadership in EiE data systems and knowledge generation at both global and field levels, supporting the systematic integration of EiE data into EMIS and advancing the humanitarianโdevelopmentโpeace nexus approach.
The Project Officer will also contribute to EDP global workstreams on education management, EMIS and e-governance and collaborate closely with internal and external partners to strengthen education data systems, with particular attention to crisis-sensitive design and implementation.
In particular, the incumbent will perform the following essential duties:
1. Programme and project implementation
2. Knowledge Management and Capacity Development
Support capacity strengthening in data literacy, evidence-informed planning, and the use of education data for decision-making, notably in crisis-affected settings. Contribute to the development of technical frameworks and tools such as EMIS PATT, including for enhancement of the integration of EiE data into EMIS and broader education sector planning mechanisms. Support the development of global and regional knowledge products, including learning briefs, technical notes, and guidance documents. Contribute to research and evaluation efforts on Education management and EMIS in EiE context, including generating evidence and lessons learned to inform policy and practice.
3. Partnerships, Networking and Resource Mobilization
Participate in relevant internal and inter-agency coordination mechanisms to support data harmonization and joint analysis in EiE contexts. Support the resource mobilization efforts to strengthen the integrated EiE in EMIS work, including climate data into EMIS, working closely with partners, both internal and external, through harmonized vision and approach.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 the field of education, economics, social policy, demographics, and/or other relevant fields.Work Experience
Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in education policy and data systems, of which preferably 2 years acquired at the international level. Proven experience in project/programme coordination and management at international and/or regional levels. Proven experience in building, maintaining, and enhancing partnerships and working relations.Long Description
Skills and Competencies
Excellent knowledge and technical expertise in education management information systems, monitoring and evaluation issues and education policy reforms, especially in emergency contexts. Excellent analytical and research skills. Ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment. Ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations with internal and external partners. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Strong IT and data analysis skills, including knowledge of information systems technical architectures and data systems for education.Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written).