Project Officer- Education

Duration of contract: Till 31 December 2025 with the possibility of extension based on the satisfactory performance and availability of funds

Recruitment open to: External as well as Internal (Only Pakistani nationals are eligible to apply)

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time): 21 April 2025

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

UNESCO, as a specialized agency of the United Nations and an integral member of the UN family, works in close coordination with other UN agencies, funds, and programmes in Pakistan. Operating within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027, UNESCO supports Pakistan in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring no one is left behind, upholding fundamental rights, promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, strengthening resilience, enhancing accountability, and advancing sustainability.

Under the overall guidance of the Head of the UNESCO Pakistan Office and the direct supervision of the Head of the Education Unit, the Project Officer for Education Unit plays a critical role in advancing UNESCO's education agenda in Pakistan. As part of the Education team, this position is responsible for supporting the results-based planning, implementation, and monitoring of education sector programmes, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's strategic priorities and donor requirements.

More specifically, the Project Officer for Education Unit in Islamabad Office will be responsible for the following functions:

Planning, Coordination and Management
1. Assisting in updating the Education Unit work plans for Regular Programme (RP) and Extrabudgetary (EXB) initiatives, outlining key activities, timelines, milestones, and deliverables, while ensuring alignment with Education strategic priorities of Education and donor requirements.
2. Coordinating closely with internal teams, including Education, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), Procurement and Admin, as well as implementation partners and vendors to ensure that planning and implementation processes are harmonized, efficient, and clearly communicated.
3. Tracking implementation progress against established work plans, analysing performance data to support evidence-based decision-making, and preparing regular progress updates and reports to promote transparency and accountability to stakeholders and donors.
4. Identifying risks and implementation challenges, developing appropriate mitigation strategies, and adapting plans proactively in response to emerging issues or changing contextual dynamics.

Technical Support and Knowledge Management in Education
1. Providing support by contributing to education related programme development aligned with UNESCO's mandate and strategic priorities for education.
2. Conducting desk research and analysis on key education issues in Pakistan to inform programme design, policy recommendations, and advocacy efforts.
3. Supporting capacity development initiatives for education stakeholders through the design and facilitation of workshops, training sessions, and knowledge exchange activities.

Contract and Financial Management
1. Drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts with implementing partners, consultants, and vendors in compliance with UNESCO's policies, ensuring clarity in scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and payment terms.
2. Supporting the development of detailed RP and EXB programme budgets, monitoring expenditures against approved budgets, and ensuring that allocated budgets are utilized efficiently, with final verification of the Administrative Officer, and in accordance with UNESCO's financial regulations.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

1. Maintaining a robust tracking system to monitor compliance with contractual and partnership agreements, performance benchmarks, and delivery schedules; proposing amendments or contract extensions as needed to support timely programme delivery.
2. Collecting, analysing, and reporting data as per MEAL requirements to assess the effectiveness of education programme interventions, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring evidence-based decision-making.
3. Preparing and submitting quality narrative and financial reports with close coordination of the Administrative Officer for both internal use and external stakeholders, effectively communicating programme progress, challenges, and impacts.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in Education, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field from a recognised institution.

Work Experience
1. Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in project planning, implementation, management and coordination in the education sector.
2. Proven experience of collaborating with government agencies, international organizations, UN agencies, or other key stakeholders in the education sector.
3. Hands on experience in financial management, contract negotiation and enforcement.

Skills and competencies

• Strong organization and coordination skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with proven ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment.
• Effective communication skills for preparing and presenting reports, briefs, and progress updates.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work effectively, set priorities, and work within tight deadlines.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation methodologies.
• Ability to draft high-quality, clear, concise documents and reports.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Excellent IT skills, including office productivity tools and online collaboration tools.
• Proven ability in contract and financial management, including budgeting and reporting.
• Excellent skills in project monitoring and evaluation, including data collection, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.

Languages
Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and good knowledge of Urdu.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in Project Management, Development Studies, or a related field from a recognized institution.

Work Experience
Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in the UN system or intergovernmental organizations in managing and coordinating projects.
Experience in SDG-4 related programmes national, education sector plans, and key global education frameworks.

Languages
Proficiency in the local working language is preferred.

Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.