OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Context

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Office for Iraq/UNESCO Representative to Iraq, the overall supervision of Chief of Education and under the direct supervision of Project Officer based in Baghdad, in coordination with the other project staff members based in Baghdad and Basra. The incumbent will be requested to adhere to the rules and regulations guiding project implementation stated by the donor. Complete understanding of the internal UNESCO policy and guidelines pertaining to all the aspect of the project implementation (this refers, but it is not limited to, the administrative, finance and procurement rules) will also be requested. The incumbent will be responsible for the implementation of the project activities in accordance with the project standards, and in close coordination with the Ministry of Education and the targeted DoEs. At this end, regular meetings with the Ministry of Education Directorates of Education will take place to plan together the implementation strategy/work plan, and to update on the status of the project implementation and on the main achievements and challenges.
The incumbent will be working under the project “Teach for Future: the future of Zubair is in my classroom today” funded by Eni Iraq BV, the project is to be implemented in the Al Zubair district of Basra Governorate that directly responds to the teaching and learning needs of the children, teachers, parents and school management community and district of 131 primary schools in the Al Zubair district. “Teach for Future” will be a tailored project that will focus on three interlinked components:

1. Improved learning environment: improvement of infrastructures (including new constructions) and basic services in Al Zubair.

2. Teaching and learning practices:

• Teaching and learning tools developed and teachers’ capacities improved for the effective implementation of a child-/learner-centered approach to quality teaching and learning.
• capacity enhancement for principals and DoE representatives to promote and implement innovative school management strategies and practices.

3. Pro-active role of communities, families, and local authorities: empowerment of families and communities to practice child protection and play a proactive role in advancing quality education and learning for their children.

Main duties and responsibilities

The Associate Project Officer will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Liaison with national and international stakeholders in the implementation of project activities in the targeted governorates:
a. Maintaining regular contact and facilitating communication, coordination and programme reviews with relevant ministries and governmental departments, other UN agencies, non-government organizations and other stakeholders.
b. Liaising and coordinating with national and international stakeholders to obtain maximum benefit and efficient use of resources in the implementation of project activities and avoid duplication of efforts.

2. Support to project activities’ planning, implementation, and administrative follow up:
a. Contributing to development and effective execution of the Project’s work plan and log frame.
b. Providing technical support and assistance to UNESCO staff, stakeholders and partners in the planning, management, and implementation of program/project activities.
c. Coordinating with Administration Unit on timely delivery of assistance to implement activities, as well as requesting disbursement of funds.

Receiving and screening all internal and external communications and providing necessary background information for review by supervisors.
f. Maintaining the project/s records and reference files.

3. Support to project activities’ monitoring, evaluation and reporting:
a. Conducting regular visits to project activities to monitor progress and evaluate results and impact;

b. Assist in organizing and facilitating capacity-building workshops tailored for Teachers, administrators, and stakeholders in the targeted areas, while maintaining a high level of visibility.
c. Contribute to the creation and dissemination of training materials, guidelines, and tools for ToTs, teachers and PTAs.
d. Monitoring closely the activities implemented by the Implementing Partners and vendors to check quality and actual delivery of the tasks and products with verification and official documentation.
e. Providing technical support on monitoring project activities, as well as the development, implementation and progress tracking of the project action work plan.

f. Closely supporting, coaching and supervising field assistants in Baghdad and Babil and a project assistant based in Baghdad.
g. Contributing to the periodic narrative and financial progress reports to donors on project implementation, including the development of monthly internal projects updates and reports, as well as periodic or ad-hoc analytical narrative reports.
h. Contributing to the design, development and maintenance of databases and other information systems.

4. Performing any other duties as required by the office.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Academic Qualifications:

University degree (bachelor’s degree minimum) in Education, Engineering, Business administration, management, or any other related field.

2. Years of relevant work experience:

Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in education projects or closely related fields.

3. Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills: the ability to manage sub-contracted implementing partners, organize multiple and simultaneous tasks, and deliver results within a specified timetable.
• Sound understanding of results-based management and monitoring and evaluation principles.
• Proven interpersonal, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently under pressure within a multicultural environment and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic office software tools (MS Office suite) and use of relevant IT solutions.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

4. Languages:
Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of Arabic and English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

1. Academic qualifications:

Master’s degree in education, Engineering, Business administration, management, or any other related field.

2. Work Experience:
• Experience within the UN entity.
• Experience in education, particularly in Teachers Professional Development.

3. Languages:
Knowledge of the other UNESCO official languages (French, Chinese, Russian and Spanish).