Project Officer (Education) (Baghdad, Iraq) contract

Post Number : 5IQED 0026PA

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Baghdad

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) : 16-DEC-2024

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.

In December 2024, UNESCO and the European Union signed the three years Phase 3 of the TVET reform project “Green and Digital TVET for Enhancing Employability in Iraq”. Phase 3 will mobilize the institutional and technical expertise of UNESCO to support the Government of Iraq in enhancing the implementation of the Iraqi National Education Strategy targeted future-oriented skilling, reskilling, and upskilling activities focusing on greening and digitalization. This dynamic programmatic approach will enhance the employability of Iraqi youth, young women, disadvantaged groups (including Internally Displaced Persons IDPs), returnees, and refugees. And contribute to Iraq’s resilience to climate change. 
The project is under the overall Supervision of the Chief of Education, and the TVET 3 Project Manager on a day-to-day basis.
 
The Project will enhance the employment of Iraqi youth from 8 Technical Universities and Polytechnics, 8 Vocational schools, and 2 Vocational Training Centers by creating centers of Vocational Excellence that have strong labour market links, revised curricula and pedagogy, and a student-centred approach.

Under the overall supervision of the Director of UNESCO Iraq Office and the direct supervision of the Chief of Education, the selected candidate shall perform the following functions:

1. Coordinating the implementation of TVET-3 project while ensuring the achievement of the expected results by: 

• Articulate a comprehensive and detailed workplan based on the original project documents, budget, and agreed deliverables.
• Update the workplan and budget to ensure the smooth implementation of project activities, in line with the rules and regulations of UNESCO and the donor.
• Support the implementation of project outcomes, outputs, and activities ensuring the alignment with the overall objectives of the Green and Digital TVET for Enhancing Employability in Iraq project.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with Iraqi Technical Universities. Facilitate activities related to greening and digitalization by organizing site visits, meetings, workshops, and training sessions in collaboration with international experts.
• Regularly conducting and attending meetings of the project steering and technical committees, Education Cluster, and other education coordination mechanisms related to TVET, and ensuring preparing minutes of meetings and action plans with clear responsibility and timeframe.
• Maintaining regular contact with the representatives of relevant government authorities and with representatives of the donor;
• Supervising and providing leadership, guidance and direction for the project team through periodic meetings and other relevant measures.

2. Ensure the monitoring and evaluation of project implementation and the reporting on project activities

• Offer advisory support to International and National Consultants and Project Team, guiding them in their interactions with Ministries and on project implementation tasks, particularly those related to integrating greening and digitalization practices.
• Contributing to monitoring and evaluating project activities and suggesting updates of the project log frames.
• Developing supplementary tools to support the available “office template reporting format” towards improved reporting for results.
• Recalibrating self-reported and evaluation information feeding into the results reporting using feedback mechanisms with government counterparts, donors, and the Education Sector.
• Presenting aggregate strategic analysis on project performance based on commitment of indicators and implementation of activities as well as output delivery.
• Regularly monitoring the financial status of the projects and preparing budget revisions.
• Conducting periodic project reviews with government counterparts and other partners, recording the results of the review meetings in minutes and action plans.
• Providing content on major achievements and the implementation of the projects for UNESCO’s public information services to increase the visibility of UNESCO and the donor.

3. Manage and Oversee the Procurement process for Project Interventions

• Ensure that all procurement processes, documents, Terms of Reference (ToRs), and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for TVET-3 project interventions comply with UNESCO and Donor regulations and meet project and stakeholder expectations.
• Preparing plans for the procurement of goods and services, and drafting terms of reference of contracts
• Monitor the progress of vendors, contractors, and implementing partners’ interventions onsite to confirm alignment with project standards, timelines, and specifications. 
• Review and approve completion reports, documentation, and release of payments of onsite interventions.

4. Prepare project documentation and progress reports:

• Regularly review and update (upon the needs) the project document, workplan, progress, identify any delays, and advise the project team on adjustments to timelines, resources, or priorities. Ensuring documentation of changes and actions.
• Prepare reports, briefings, presentations, and other materials as requested by the Chief of Education emphasizing the integration and impact of greening and digitalization within the project.
• Preparing reports on project activities for UNESCO, donors, and partners, and ensuring effective visibility of the project results and achievements.
• Prepare the quarterly progress reports and donor reports by providing the required statistics and updated financial status.

5. Conduct Follow-up Field Missions:

• Undertake regular field missions to TVET institutions in targeted areas to monitor activities, engage with local stakeholders, and provide support for on-the-ground implementation of project activities and as necessary and requested for project implementation in Iraq and elsewhere.

6. Perform Additional Duties:

• Provide support to the UNESCO Iraq Office in identifying and securing potential donors in the TVET sector by actively participating in consultation meetings, conducting thorough research, and developing concept notes and proposals. 
• Support additional tasks as requested by the Director and Chief of Education in line with the programme mandate.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, or closely related field(s).

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in education, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) or closely related fields, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at the international level.
• Experience working on education and training or skills development projects.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English Language (written and spoken).

COMPETENCIES/ SKILLS

•    Integrity, reliability, and sense of commitment in the execution of duties.
•    Excellent coordination skills.
•    Good knowledge of results-based and budget management tools.
•    Ability to build and maintain partnerships.
•    Ability to work under pressure, manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
•    Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software.
•    Knowledge of UNESCOs mission and the Education Sector’s Programme. 
•    Strong analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbally and in writing), and sensitivity to the local context.
•    Excellent project implementation skills.
•    Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the Organization. 
 
 

EXPERIENCE

• Experience within UN entity and a good understanding of the Organization, including its administrative procedures and financial processes.
• Experience in the context of Middle East countries

LANGUAGES

• Good knowledge of another UNESCO official language especially Arabic will be an advantage.