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National Programme Officer (Windhoek, Namibia) contract
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 6NAED 0006PA
Grade : NO-B
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Windhoek
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) : 11-DEC-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
1 year contract with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Only nationals of Namibia can apply for this position.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Context
Aligned with UNESCO’s Strategy for Gender Equality in and through Education (2019-2025) and the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UNESCO has prioritized advancing girls’ participation, learning, and retention in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. This focus is integral to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by breaking down barriers, promoting equal opportunities, and fostering inclusive education systems that empower girls and women in STEM fields.
STEM education has led to significant advancements in various areas, such as health, well-being, infrastructure, and sustainable energy. However, women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM studies and careers, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. To address this challenge, UNESCO is implementing the project “Accelerating African Girls’ Participation in STEM Education,” with a focus on Kenya and Namibia. The project aims to increase girls’ engagement in secondary-level STEM education by dismantling harmful gender stereotypes, changing norms, attitudes, and practices, and supporting their transition into STEM fields in higher education and the workforce.
The project will deliver the following outcomes:
• Ministry of Education officials in charge of designing, implementing and evaluating the curriculum (curriculum actors) understand gender-related barriers and bottlenecks that impede girls’ participation, learning and retention in secondary-level STEM education in their country and have recommendations to overcome them.
• Teacher training institutions and universities have strengthened capacity to provide teacher training that transforms gender stereotypes and norms, attitudes and practices and promotes equal learning pathways of girls and boys in STEM fields.
• Knowledge sharing, policy dialogue and project documentation inform the creation of an enabling environment to foster girls’ participation, learning and retention in secondary-level STEM education.
The three-year project will be implemented by UNESCO in partnership with Ministries of Education and affiliated
or partner institutions responsible for pre-service teacher training, curriculum development, textbooks and pedagogical tool design and development, inspectorates and pedagogical advisors, and departments responsible for evaluation and assessment, inclusive education and gender equality. It will also work closely with teacher training institutions and universities responsible for teacher capacity development, and national and regional civil society organizations for advocacy interventions.
Long Description
Under the overall authority of the Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO to Namibia, and with direct supervision of the Education Team Lead, the incumbent will be responsible for the effective planning, implementation, monitoring, coordination and reporting of project activities. The incumbent will work directly with the UNESCO Office in Windhoek, UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, UNESCO Headquarters, the International Bureau of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, teacher training institutions and relevant national and local partners in Namibia.
The incumbent will specifically support:
Planning, budgeting, M&E and reporting
- Ensure timely implementation, monitoring and reporting of the project workplan in Namibia.
- Monitor, track and report on project budget implementation, in collaboration with the Administrative Unit, and including using relevant tools such as the Core Manager
- Prepare timely narrative and financial reporting of project activities, per agreed timelines and UNESCO guidelines.
- Undertake relevant monitoring and evaluation activities including evaluation material development and distribution, and the collection, analysis and reporting of outcomes.
Long Description
Technical support
- Provide technical inputs to the planning and implementation of project activities including those related to curriculum analysis, teacher capacity development and awareness-raising with the aim to foster girls’ participation, learning and retention in STEM education.
- Support the national contextualisation of project activities in Namibia, in collaboration with national partners, including participation in relevant working groups.
- Undertake other tasks as deemed relevant by the UNESCO Windhoek Head of Office.
Long Description
Coordination, organization and representation
- Liaise and coordinate with the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, teacher training institutions and other national and local partners in the planning, implementation and monitoring phase of the project.
- Support the preparation and organization of field missions, implementing partner contracts and meetings/conferences/activities, as required.
- Represent UNESCO in project and other relevant meetings as necessary.
- Liaise and coordinate with UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, UNESCO Nairobi, UNESCO headquarters, the International Bureau of Education as needed.
- Draft for dissemination public visibility and communication products, including for publication on and off-line, in a timely manner.
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
• An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, science/STEM, social sciences, economics/statistics or a relevant field
Work Experience
• At least two years of relevant work experience in education project management, with a focus on gender equality, STEM education, or curriculum development.
• Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder projects, including collaboration with government agencies, educational institutions, civil society, and community organizations.
• Experience in conducting field studies and organizing workshops
• Experience in reporting and monitoring
Skills and competencies
• Good understanding of the country and the education sector
• Strong knowledge of STEM education, gender equality, and inclusive education practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusive education, particularly in the context of STEM.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, coordinate activities, and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, educators, civil society representatives, and community members
• Excellent networking and high level representational and partnership building skills, involving a wide range of partners (including relevant Ministries, national and local partners)
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports
• Skilled in planning and managing project budgets and preparing financial reports as per donor requirements.
• Excellent level of IT skills (MS Office) and communication management
• Ability to work in multicultural environments and demonstrate respect for diverse cultural perspectives
Languages
Excellent knowledge (oral and written) in English
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
- Training in STEM education and/or gender equality
- Work experience in areas related to STEM education and/or gender equality
Languages
Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, 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 754,763 Namibian dollars.
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.
Unesco is a non-smoking organization.
Source ⇲
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