National Project Officer (Education)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 4AFED 0031PA

Grade: NO-C

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Kabul

Job Family: Education

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 15/09/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Following the power shift in 2021, Afghanistan continues to face significant challenges in access to quality, equitable and inclusive education. UNESCO remains committed to promoting education as a fundamental human right and supporting evidence-based sector development through sector planning, coordination, capacity development, research, monitoring and quality enhancement through teacher training and learning assessment. The UNESCO Office in Kabul is implementing education initiatives for these efforts supported by various development partners, including the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) System Capacity Grant (SCG).

Under the overall authority of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the Head of Education Unit, the incumbent will support and coordinate programme implementation related to education sector planning, coordination, monitoring and quality education through teacher training and learning assessment. 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The National Project Officer for Education will assume the following responsibilities related to education system strengthening and quality education:

A. Programme and Project Management

• Support the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of UNESCO education programmes and projects, ensuring alignment with approved project documents, UNESCO regulations and donor requirements.
• Develop and manage annual workplans, implementation schedules, risk registers and results frameworks.
• Monitor implementation progress and achievement of targets, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and outcomes.
• Identify implementation challenges and develop mitigation measures to ensure programme continuity and effectiveness.
• Prepare project progress updates, briefing notes, donor reports and technical documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate implementation and oversight of consultancy contracts, partnerships and service agreements.
• Ensure wrap-up and closing the GPE SCG project.

B. Education Sector Planning, Monitoring and Evidence Generation

• Support education sector analysis, planning and policy development processes with a focus on quality, equity and inclusion.
• Lead and coordinate monitoring and evaluation activities, including development of results frameworks, indicator tracking tools and implementation monitoring systems.
• Contribute to education data management, analysis, research studies and evidence generation initiatives.
• Support development and maintenance of education sector dashboards, databases and information products.
• Produce analytical reports, policy briefs, presentations and knowledge products to inform programme and policy decisions.
• Support learning assessments and education research initiatives, including data collection, analysis and dissemination of findings.

C. Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in and contribute to education sector coordination mechanisms, technical working groups and joint UN initiatives.
• Organize meetings, workshops, consultations and capacity development activities.
• Represent UNESCO in relevant technical discussions and sector forums as delegated by the supervisor.

D. Financial Management and Compliance

• Support budget planning, monitoring and expenditure tracking of assigned projects.
• Conduct regular budget reviews and variance analyses to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Ensure compliance with UNESCO financial, procurement and administrative procedures and donor requirements.
• Contribute to preparation of financial updates and programme expenditure forecasts.

E. Team Leadership and Capacity Development

• Provide day-to-day guidance and technical support to project personnel, consultants and implementing partners.
• Contribute to staff development and strengthening of partner capacities in planning, monitoring, evaluation and programme management.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, innovation and knowledge sharing across the programme portfolio.

F. Resource Mobilization and Partnerships

• Support development of concept notes, project proposals and partnership initiatives.
• Contribute to donor engagement, advocacy and resource mobilization efforts.
• Identify opportunities for expansion and sustainability of UNESCO education programmes.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

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

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

WORK EXPERIENCE

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Strong programme and project management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of results-based management, monitoring and evaluation methodologies.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research and analytical skills.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Strong coordination, networking and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and accountability.
• Excellent IT skills, including advanced use of MS Office applications and data management tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

LANGUAGES

• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required.
• Fluency in national languages of Afghanistan (Dari and/or Pashto).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.