JOB DESCRIPTION

Description

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is hiring a Project Coordinator: HP-FUTURES

Overview of the functions of the Post

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia in New Delhi, and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist and Chief of Education (ED), theproject coordinatorwill be engaged by the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia (hereinafter UNESCO) to support the implementation of the HP – FUTURES project.

TheProject Coordinatorwill be based in Shimla and work with the project management team based in New Delhi consisted ofProgramme Specialists and staff members from the Education and the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Sectors in the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asialeading overall project management, implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and reporting efforts in coordination with UNESCO’s implementing partners in regards to the following three outputs

Develop policies, curriculum, teacher training programs, and assessment on competency-based education (CBE) for 21st century skills to enhance teacher readiness for effective implementation in classrooms and beyond.

Conduct teacher capacity building workshops to strengthen understanding of values of inclusion, equity, and respect strengthened through sports

Evaluate policies, curriculum, teacher training programs, Eco-clubs, and assessments on greening education conducted to ensure a holistic integration of climate change education in Himachal Pradesh, with findings presented to guide future implementation.

This role is ideal for a highly organized professional with strong background and experience in education and project management. An understanding of and work experience in, the state of Himachal Pradesh and with state machinery is desirable.

Functional Reporting Structure

The Project Coordinator will:

Report directly to the Programme Specialist and Chief of Education Sector at UNESCO.

Maintain a functional reporting line to the UNESCO HP-Futures Project Management Teams from UNESCO Education (ED) Sector and Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Sector.

Scope of Work

1. Project Management and Coordination

Lead overall project management and provide strategic advisory support to Implementation Partners and local stakeholders to ensure effective and timely delivery of project outcomes.

Facilitate cohesive communication and coordination among UNESCO New Delhi Office, Himachal Pradesh government, implementing partners, consultants, and other stakeholders.

Develop and manage detailed work plans, budgets, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies; support financial monitoring and procurement processes in coordination with UNESCO’s administrative teams.

Organize and oversee project events, workshops, and consultations; ensure logistical arrangements and stakeholder participation are effectively managed.

Monitor the political, social, and security environment in implementation areas and ensure compliance with UN security protocols.

Facilitate a scoping mission featuring multiple consultation sessions with diverse stakeholders — including policymakers, curriculum developers, school administrators, teachers, State Council of Educational Research and Training and District Institute of Education and Training – for CBE.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The performance of the Project Coordinator will be assessed based on the following indicators:

1. Project Management and Coordination

All planned activities are implemented on time, with effective coordination and communication reflected in positive stakeholder feedback.

Project documentation, including work plans, reports, and meeting minutes, is timely, complete, and meets quality standards.

Strong relationships are established with key stakeholders, and government counterparts demonstrate ownership through active participation and policy uptake.

Budget is utilized efficiently with full compliance to financial procedures and no major audit findings.

Events and activities are delivered cost-effectively and in accordance with UN security protocols, considering the political, social, and security context.

2. Technical and Content Development Support

Assessment reports and technical documents meet UNESCO’s quality standards, are contextually relevant to Himachal Pradesh, and align with NEP 2020 and NCF 2023.

All project outputs reflect UNESCO’s principles and thematic priorities.

Curriculum and content development are completed on schedule in collaboration with consultants and partners, incorporating field data and stakeholder inputs.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

A robust Monitoring and Evaluation framework is implemented, with regular collection and analysis of gender- and age-disaggregated data to track progress against objectives.

Quarterly updates, project reports, and communication materials are submitted on time and contribute to project visibility and decision-making.

A functional document repository is maintained, and lessons learned are clearly documented and applied to future project phases.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)

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For detailed information, please consult theUNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, development studies, social work, or in the field of social and human sciences and related disciplines.

Work Experience

At least 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience programme management (technical and financial), including programme design, programme coordination, monitoring and evaluation of activities and budget, donor reporting; in the field of education, social and human sciences.

Language

Excellent knowledge of English.

Fluency in Hindi.

Skills and Competencies

Organizational and coordination skills, ability to monitor budget and work plans, and report on projects and activities.
Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to deal efficiently with partners at different levels.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment.
Capacity to adapt and adjust work schedules and perform diligently under pressure.
Excellent knowledge management skills and understanding of emerging communication and information technologies and their potential uses

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in programme management (technical and financial), including programme design, programme coordination, monitoring and evaluation of activities and budget, donor reporting; in the field of education, social and human sciences.
Experience of handling projects on enhancing educational outcomes, curriculum development and teacher training or related areas.
Experience with implementing projects at state level; liaising and collaborating with government and civil society stakeholders.
Experience of working with UN or other international organizations will be an added advantage.
Work experience in Himachal Pradesh.

Skills And Competencies

Knowledge of competency-based learning, value education, climate change education
Familiarity with the United Nations system and its coordination mechanism is an advantage.
Knowledge of cross-cutting principles such as Gender, Human Rights-based approaches to development, Conflict Sensitivity and Do-No-Harm approaches and disability inclusion.
Experience in coordinating teams effectively.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements