BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

UNESCO is seeking to recruit an international consultant to support the planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of it programmes, projects and activities in the fields of education, culture and media development.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The Specialist will provide technical expertise and programme implementation support particularly on planning and management, as well as monitoring and evaluation of the different programmes, projects and activities of the UNESCO antenna office in Yangon. The specialist will particularly contribute to two main education projects, namely Strengthening Teacher Education in Myanmar (STEM) and Education Sector Programme Implementation Grant (ESPIG) as well as provide technical support on UN related monitoring and reporting.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the overall authority of the Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office in Bangkok, the direct supervision of the Head of UNESCO Antenna Office in Yangon, the Individual Specialist shall be responsible for the following:

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Terms of Reference:

1.1 Provide support in coordinating the design and formulation of the Transitional Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (TSDCF) 2024-2025, including through providing input to the validation of the Common Country Analysis, participating in relevant task teams, and reviewing the strategic prioritization of the TSDCF 2024- 2025;
1.2 Provide support, in coordination with Resident Coordinator’s Office, UNDP and UNESCO’s programme teams, in monitoring, reporting and implementing relevant joint initiatives and programmes, including the Socio-economic Resilience Response Plan (SERRP) for Myanmar, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Monitoring Mechanism and the Myanmar Development Observatory;
1.3 Provide support in coordinating and contributing to the development of education proposals and programme documents by desk review, data collection, web-researching, and draft writing;
1.4 Compile and analyze data and evidence of the implementation progress of programme activities, producing quarterly progress reports and drafting appropriate narratives and impact stories for inclusion in reporting;
1.5 Ensure that the results, findings and lessons learned in the course of implementing the activities are well discussed and understood by the project team members at the office for continuous improvement in the planning and implementation through the team regular meetings and presentations;
1.6 Develop advocacy and public information materials based on the achievements, challenges and lessons learned from the monitoring and evaluation of programme activities;
1.7 Produce meeting minutes, surveys, concept notes, briefing notes, and presentation files, as well as review planning documents and technical reports relating to the programmes, projects and activities;
1.8 Provide advice on the overall strategies and assist in planning, monitoring and evaluating all programmes, projects and activities in accordance with the established work plans. This includes supporting the programme teams in the development and fine-tuning of programming documents, including but not limited to finalizing the Theory of Change, work plans, results frameworks, monitoring and evaluation plans, and risk management matrices;
1.9 Develop repository for STEM Phase III activities, outputs and achievements and support all relevant activities to finalize the closing of the programme.

1.10 Provide technical advice to design, plan, coordinate, and support to implement all activities under Outcome 3 of the Education Sector Programme Implementation Grant (ESPIG) Project; plan and coordinate work activities, namely policy, developing the classmap system, pilot it with 30-50 schools/learning centers, modify it continuously for expansion, work with implementing partners on the ground for further modification of the system, provide capacity building of the partners online when required.
1.11 Compile and analyze data and evidence of the implementation progress of stories for inclusion in reporting, actively participate in the joint monitoring the evaluation and monitoring of ESPIG with other Grand Agents and various partners in the education sector, Ensure that the results, findings and lessons learned in the course of implementing the activities are well discussed and understood by the project team members at the office for continuous improvement in the planning and implementation through the team regular meetings and presentations

Travel:
The Specialist will be required to travel on mission directly related to projects and implementation during the assignment. The Specialist should travel economy class and received DSA at the standard rate (and which should be reduced, as necessary, when the number of days of DSA exceeds the limits stipulated in the table of rates published by ICSC). DSA is only payable to individuals carrying out assignments away from their usual place of residence or work. The Specialist is expected to make her/his own travel arrangements and should be provided with a lump sum to cover travel-related expenses in accordance with UNESCO rules and regulations. Travel-related expenses (e.g. the cost of tickets, terminal fares and DSA) must be fixed and agreed between the parties.

TIMETABLE AND DELIVERABLES

The Individual Specialist shall complete and submit the following deliverables to the staff responsible of this contract for UNESCO’s review and approval:

Timeframe

From: 1-Feb-2025 to: 31-Dec-2025

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• At least Master’s degree with specialization in education, economics, management studies, international development or a related field;

Work Experience

• At least five years of experience in the field of education development, preferably relating to education planning and management, as well as monitoring and evaluation. Previous experience in teacher education or higher education reforms, preferably in the developing country contexts, would be desirable; and
• Good knowledge of the Myanmar country context would be desirable.

Skills/ Competencies

• Proven research and analytical skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Proficiency in using common office ICT productivity tools; ability to work independently on delegated tasks and collaboratively in a multi- cultural environment;
• Excellent communication skills;

Languages

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Multi-disciplinary educational background, preferably with training related to analytical studies and public policy.

Work Experience

• Work experience with the UN or other inter-governmental organisations in relevant fields;
• Proven experience in regional coordination and technical assistance;
• Proven experience in donor and stakeholder relationship management;
• Experience in preparing publications and reports;
• Relevant experience in the Asia-Pacific at both regional and national level

Skills/Competencies

• Familiarity with UN programming policies and procedures;
• Working knowledge of results-based and budget management tools;
• Good interpersonal and negotiation skills;
• Proven experience on programme or project management cycle.

Languages

• Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish).