1 year contract with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Only nationals of Iraq can apply for this position.

Overview of the functions of the post

The incumbent will work in the Education Unit of UNESCO Office for Iraq under the overall authority of Director of the UNESCO Office for Iraq and direct supervision of the Chief of Education of the UNESCO Office for Iraq and day to day guidance from the Project Officer.

The incumbent will be responsible for assisting the Project Officer in providing management support in the implementation of “Improving Access to Inclusive Quality Education in Southern Iraq” project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation / Government of Italy, the main objective of this project is to ensure all learners in Iraq, especially vulnerable OOSC ( Out-of-School Children) in southern governorates, are able to access and complete quality, inclusive and gender responsive primary and secondary education. This will be ensured an institutionalized support is in place to ensure access to primary and secondary education for 40,000 OOSC in Basrah, Dhi Qar and Maysan governorates.
This objective will be achieved through a set of the following interrelated outputs:

• Schools improved and expanded for a safer child- friendly learning environment.
• Increased enrolments of OOSC through Community engagement in awareness raising campaigns.
• Capacities of education providers/education officials (teachers/officials and PTAs) for enhanced education outcomes.

Main duties and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Director of UNESCO Iraq Office and the direct supervision of the project Officer and Chief of Education, the selected candidate shall carry out the following, but not limited to, functions:

1. Build and maintain strong relationships with relevant governmental directorates and local authorities in the targeted areas, other UN agencies, non-government organizations and other stakeholders;
2. Representing UNESCO in relevant meetings and coordination groups and facilitating communication by taking minutes, providing interpretation and translating relevant documents.
3. Assist in the implementation of project outputs and activities, ensuring alignment with the overall project objectives.
4. Contributing to development and effective execution of the Project’s work plan and log frame;
5. Oversee the organization of program events, such as workshops, training, missions, etc. including preparing agendas, documents and reach-out material, identifying venues and services, organizing travels of participants, ensuring interpretation and translation;
6. Providing support in drafting the terms of reference, ensuring follow-up of the contracting and payments for implementing partners, vendors, consultants and institutions;
7. Contributing to prepare budgets for activities and assisting in the monitoring of expenditures and in the preparation of budget revisions;
8. Drafting internal memos, official correspondence, press notes, web site, and other outreach activities;
9. 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;
10. Providing technical support on monitoring project activities, as well as the development, implementation and progress tracking of the project action work plan;
11. 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;
12. Contributing to the design, development, and maintenance of databases and other information systems.
13. Performing any other duties as required by the office.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, engineering or closely related field(s). A first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in education, or closely related fields (4 years with first-level university degree).

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.

Languages

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

Desirable qualifications

Work Experience

• Experience within the UN entity.
• Experience in education, particularly in OOSC enrollment and school rehabilitations.

Languages

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