Within the framework of the Education Sector Programme Implementation Grant provided by the Global Partnership to UNICEF Afghanistan, UNESCO Kabul is leading its component. This includes measuring the academic achievement of Grade 3 students in Afghanistan, conducting an in-depth research study on teaching and learning practices, and disseminating key findings to relevant stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall authority of the Officer-in Charge of the the UNESCO Kabul Office, the overall supervision of the Head of the Education Unit, and immediate supervision of the inclusion, Quality of Education and Research (IQR) Project Officer/Team Lead, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

1. Provide technical assistance to the implementation of IQR Team’s projects, including a Grade 3 student learning assessment, a positive deviance research study, and alternative learning projects;

2. Assume primary responsibility for developing and finalizing learning assessment instruments, including question banks, test booklets, and background questionnaires for teachers, students, and schools, in collaboration with other national and international consultants and other IQR team members.

3. Support the development and finalization of research instruments for the positive deviance study. This includes creating questionnaires, interview guides, and observation checklists that effectively capture relevant data. Ensure that the instruments are both valid and reliable and assist in piloting and revising them based on feedback;

3. Assist in organizing consultative meetings with technical partners such as relevant Sections at UNESCO HQ, UNESCO Institutes, UNICEF and other members of the Education Strategic Thematic Working Group (Ed-STWG) in Afghanistan to ensure a participatory approach to the implementation of IQR Team’s research projects;

4. Provide technical assistance to the development of relevant technical documents and knowledge products within the framework of IQR Team’s research projects;

5. Support, as required, in coordinating with relevant education stakeholders to facilitate the seamless implementation of IQR Team’s projects;

6. Provide quality assurance to the outputs of alternative learning projects, such as audio lessons and digital teaching and learning materials, by conducting thorough reviews and evaluations to ensure content accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness;

7. Support the IQR Team Lead in consolidating relevant data and information to prepare project reports, including progress and financial reports. Ensure reports comply with donor requirements and organizational standards.

8. Undertake any other tasks as deemed relevant by the IQR Team Lead and/or UNESCO Kabul senior management.

Education: First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Education, Pedagogy, Linguistics, Mathematics, Sciences or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in managing and implementing education programmes and/or projects;
• Demonstrated ability to engage and coordinate with diverse stakeholders, including other UN organisations, national and international NGOs and local communities in Afghanistan.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent understanding of the education sector in Afghanistan;
• Strong communication skills and ability to function well in a multi-cultural team and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of partners;
• Ability to work under pressure, to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work;
• Results-oriented personality with proven problem-solving skills;
• High level of personal and professional integrity;
• Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software and online collaboration tools;
• Fluency (spoken and written) in English and Dari and/or Pashto.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Pedagogy, Linguistics, Mathematics, Sciences or a related field.

Work experience:

• Experience in curriculum development, development learning assessment instruments such as question banks, test booklets;
• Experience working with the UN or international organizations.

Skills and Competencies:

• Knowledge of different types of learning assessments, including large-scale learning assessment.