PROJECT OFFICER (EDUCATION)
OVERVIEW
Post Number : ED/PA 221
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) : 26-JUN-2023
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Initial duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Unit for Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Education under the Future of Learning and Innovation Team, Education Sector, is responsible for supporting Member States’ efforts to leverage technological innovation to support the achievement of SDG 4 and enable the futures of learning. The main areas of work of the Unit include national ICT in education policies, AI and education, open educational resources (OER) and mobile learning, as well as steering the use of emerging technology as a public good for education.
Technological innovation in education is one of the thematic priorities of the Education Sector under the 41 C/4 Medium-Term Strategy (2022-2029) and the 41 C/5 Programme and Budget (2022-2025). The Unit is responsible for coordinating the implementation of project activities that will contribute to the achievement of the relevant expected output of the 41 C/4 and 41 C/5 on leveraging technological and digital innovations to ensure more inclusive, effective and relevant learning. The activities will also be implemented through promoting digital public goods for education, developing AI competencies, and leveraging data and AI tools for learning.
The regular programme is complemented by extra-budgetary projects, including the initiative on ICT Transforming Education in Africa (funded by the Republic of Korea), Digital Learning Week (formerly known as Mobile Learning Week), the project on Technology-enabled Open Schools for All, the initiative on AI and the futures of learning, the UNESCO-King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICTs in Education (funded by the Kingdom of Bahrain), etc.
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education (ADG/ED), the guidance of the Director of the Future of Learning and Innovation Team (ED/FLI) and the direct supervision of the Chief of Unit for Technology and AI in Education (ED/FLI/ICT), the incumbent will support the coordination of the implementation of the Unit’s extra-budgetary projects. More specifically, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks and responsibilities:
Long Description
1. Supporting the Chief of Unit in the coordination of project implementation
- Coordinate the planning, implementation and monitoring of projects and activities on ICT in education, digital learning, and artificial intelligence in education, under the regular programme and extra-budgetary resources, with a specific focus on the project “ICT Transforming Education in Africa”, and including the AI and the Future of Learning project, the Digital Learning Week, and activities and projects for technology-enabled open schools.
- Ensure the management and monitoring of projects and programmes’ budgets, including financial monitoring, funds transfer, authorization and reporting.
- Prepare progress reports and other documents requested by the relevant stakeholders and donor.
- Ensure the liaison with relevant teams at UNESCO to conduct the final evaluations of the extra-budgetary projects under the Unit for Technology and AI in Education.
- Coordinate the planning, implementation, promotion, and monitoring of events and technical workshops of the Unit.
- Contribute to the organization of and participate as relevant in review missions and international events in countries benefitting from the support of the Unit for Technology and AI in Education to monitor progress and provide technical assistance.
2. Knowledge production
- Undertake research tasks on ICT in education and digital learning.
- Contribute to the drafting and monitoring of the technical publications of the Unit.
- Contribute to the development or training and/or outreach tools.
3. Resource mobilization and partnership buildings:
- Contribute to resource mobilization by drafting project proposals and communicating with donors and partners.
- Contribute to building and maintenance of partnership with internal entities, UN agencies, and external partners.
Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent), preferably in the field of education, educational technology, social science, international relations or related fields.
Work Experience
- At least four years of relevant work experience in the area related to ICT in education or management of projects in the field of education, of which preferably 2 years acquired at the international level.
- Experience in the implementation, evaluation and advocacy of programmes and projects related to education, including administrative and financial matters, as well as coordinating with internal and external partners and networks.
- Experience in formulating, implementing, and monitoring education-related policies, strategies, programmes/projects.
Long Description
Skills/Competences
- Ability to draft high-quality, clear and concise analyses and reports.
- Ability to provide technical assistance for the development of policies and frameworks at country level.
- Ability to conduct analytical studies and prepare presentations on project implementation.
- Ability to design instruments for the monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
- Excellent project management skills, including budgeting and monitoring of projects and activities.
- Excellent management, coordination, and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to network with a range of partners, donors and other stakeholders.
- Excellent knowledge of ICT and good knowledge of social media and mobile applications.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with proven ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment and team.
- Demonstrated capacity to work under tight deadlines.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of (written and spoken) of English and good knowledge of French.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
- Experience with UNESCO and good understanding of the Organization, including its administrative procedures and financial process.
- Experience in ICTs for education.
- Experience in the context of African countries, including field experience.
Skills/Competencies
- Knowledge of UNESCO ICT teacher competency framework and the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Educational Resources.
Languages
- Knowledge of another official UNESCO's language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO’s 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 87, 251 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 a competency-based 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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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
