GSHS/G-SHPPS Coordination Focal Point (Paris, France) contract

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Paris

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 27/12/2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Objective

The GSHS/G-SHPPS Coordination Focal Point is expected to oversee and coordinate the conduct of a Global School Health Survey across 26 countries, working closely with country and regional teams from UNESCO, WHO, Ministries of Health, Ministries of Education, other participating ministries, and government agencies, as well as other designated multilateral organizations. The primary goal is to ensure the successful implementation of the survey, data collection, and reporting in accordance with established guidelines and standards.

The GSHS/G-SHPPS Coordination Focal Point will be positioned within the Health and Education Section, providing technical program support to all coordination-related needs of the GSHS and G-SHPPS surveys across select O3 program countries.

Key Responsibilities

In addition to other tasks assigned by the ESA and WCA Regional Health Advisors, the Coordination Focal Point will:

1. Operational Coordination

• Lead efforts for planning and implementing the GSHS/G-SHPPS surveys in close consultation with the core coordination group, regional, and field office colleagues.
• Support country and regional teams in achieving all planning and implementation activities highlighted on the survey implementation roadmap.
• Support country and regional teams from UNESCO, WHO, and Ministries of Health and Education to implement survey plans developed in 2024.
• Organize regular coordination (at least quarterly) calls bringing stakeholders from UNESCO and WHO HQ, regional and country offices to take stock of progress, challenges and agreeing on ways forward.
• Plan and organize a data validation workshop (in-person, hybrid, or remote) with participation from all survey countries. This includes coordinating logistics, developing the workshop agenda, preparing materials, facilitating sessions, and ensuring engagement of all relevant stakeholders.

2.  Capacity Building

• Build capacity of country and regional teams on survey methodologies, data collection tools, ethical considerations, and data management practices to ensure consistency and quality across all participating countries.

3. Technical Support

• Serve as a technical advisor on issues related to school health surveys, providing guidance and support to internal teams and external partners as needed.
• Provide technical guidance and support to ensure the quality and consistency of survey methodologies, tools, and data collection processes across all participating countries.
• Support data analysis and dissemination once data collection is completed. This includes assisting in the interpretation of findings, preparing reports, and developing materials for sharing results with stakeholders at regional and global levels.

4. Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor survey activities in each country, identify challenges, and provide timely support and solutions.
• Facilitate regular communication and coordination among stakeholders, including organizing meetings and sharing updates.
• Collaborate with the team in HQ, RO, and country offices to prepare the 2024/2025 annual report, including collating inputs and conducting data analysis.

5. Compliance and Data Management

• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and data protection regulations, supporting countries in obtaining necessary approvals and permissions.
• Support countries in transmitting completed survey materials to WHO for data processing and analysis.
• Follow up with countries on the preparation of survey reports, including interpretation of findings and recommendations for action.

6.  Evidence-based Planning: Integration of health and well-being in education sector planning

• Facilitate the use of GSHS and G-SHPPS data among others to inform evidence-based decision making within the region and beyond, which includes but not limited to education sector analysis and planning.
• Serve as a focal point in the region for the initiative on integrating health and well-being in education sector planning (finalization of the handbook and training programme and roll-out, etc.)
• Promote the use of findings to guide decision-making, policy development, and investment priorities for integrating health and well-being into education systems.

Key Deliverables

• All preparation work for the launch of the surveys is completed for all participating countries (functional steering committees established in all participating countries, ethical clearances and survey approvals obtained, sample frames shared with WHO for sample selection, materials procured, parental permissions obtained, and survey personnel trained according to timelines, among others).
• All participating countries have completed GSHS and G-SHPPS and their data have been shared with the WHO HQ for data analysis.
• The data from both surveys (GSHS and G-SHPPS) have been analysed and disseminated for all participating countries.
• A successfully executed data validation workshop with robust participation from all survey countries.
• Capacity-building sessions conducted, with measurable improvements in knowledge and practices of participating teams.
• Timely contributions to the 2024 annual report.

Duration and Location

The contract is an 11-month contract with the possibility of extension, based in Paris. Some travel to participating countries may be required. The anticipated contract start date is 13 January 2025.

Reporting

The Survey Coordinator will work closely with the project team, including representatives from UNESCO Regional Office & HQ, WHO, and Ministries of Health and Education.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in coordinating large-scale survey projects, preferably in the fields of public health or education.
• Demonstrated expertise in survey methodologies, data collection techniques, and data management practices.
• Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, and diverse cultural contexts.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in statistical software and data analysis tools.
• Advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, education, or a related field is preferred.