Individual Consultant - Coordination, Reporting and Knowledge Management

Support UNESCO’s role as Coordinating Agency for a new education programme.

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Application deadline 7 months ago: Thursday 23 Oct 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Support UNESCO’s role as Coordinating Agency for a new education programme.

You have:

  • Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Economics, Public Policy, Management, Monitoring and Evaluation or other related fields.
  • Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the field of education planning and management, as well as monitoring and evaluation.
  • Excellent project management, coordination and organizational skills.
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong and demonstrated experience in developing annual reports and other programme documents such as work plans and risk management matrices.
  • Proven ability to work efficiently, under pressure, and in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Strong technical skills relating to education programme coordination.
  • Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
  • Familiar with Myanmar’s education landscape and context, including knowledge on the existing education programmes and projects in the country.
  • Knowledge of education in emergencies.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station: Yangon Job Family: Education Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 23-Oct-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism 1. BACKGROUND ------------- Through funding provided by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) System Capacity Grant (SCG), UNESCO will support consolidated reporting, risk oversight and information sharing to facilitate structured, cohesive coordination for an upcoming US$ 18.11 million joint education programme. The programme will be implemented by five (5) Grant Agents (GAs), including UN agencies and an International NGO, with operations in Myanmar. Implementation of activities under this new programme will work towards the attainment of the undermentioned strategic objectives: • Strategic Objective 1: Safe and equitable access to learning for children and youth in Myanmar • Strategic Objective 2: Quality teaching/learning for all children and youth in Myanmar • Strategic Objective 3: Systems strengthening, management, coordination and monitoring In the development of this new programme, GAs agreed to appoint a Coordinating Agency (UNESCO) for this new education programme based on lessons learned from previous GPE programs in Myanmar – for example, the Education Cannot Wait/Multi-Year Resilience Programme (ECW/MYRP) and the Education Sector Program Implementation Grant (ESPIG) – which underscore the importance of structured co-ordination in streamlining efforts, optimizing collaboration, and facilitating decision-making. Given the number of GAs involved as well as the complexity and scope of the programme, GAs have agreed that the most effective model is that of a dedicated Coordinating Agency. The Coordinating Agency will accordingly focus on harmonized planning, consolidated reporting, monitoring of progress, and effective communication among the GAs. 2. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT ---------------------------- The Individual Specialist is sought to support UNESCO’s role as Coordinating Agency for this new education programme that will be funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). This includes, facilitating coordination, communication, joint planning, consolidated MEAL reporting and knowledge management among all Grant Agents and with key stakeholders. Additionally, the Individual Specialist will ensure streamlined implementation and strategic coherence across the new education programme, thereby maximizing the collective impact of all GAs. 4. TIMETABLE AND DELIVERABLES ----------------------------- The Individual Specialist will submit the following deliverables within the designated timeline. All deliverables must be submitted with original, editable files, as well as high-resolution versions of final products (if applicable) to UNESCO. The assigned tasks must be submitted by the following deadlines. **No.****Deliverables****Latest date for submission** 1. Consolidated programme-wide work plan and implementation plan Monitoring and Reporting Tools (for e.g. templates, trackers, dashboard) for MEAL Components30 November 2025 2.Consolidated programme-wide risk matrix and joint risk assessments31 December 2025 3.Quarterly programme progress updates (including MEAL components) and summary notes for the ESRG31 January 2026 4.Report on monthly coordination meetings held with GAs covering the period November 2025 – February 202628 February 2026 5.Status update on previously documented issues at monthly coordination meetings and corresponding follow-up action31 March 2026 6.Quarterly programme progress updates (including MEAL components) and summary notes for the ESRG30 April 2026 7.Report on monthly coordination meetings held with GAs covering the period February 2026 – May 2026 Status update on previously documented issues at monthly coordination meetings and corresponding follow-up action 31 May 2026 8.Report on overall programme progress, challenges, and mitigation measures 30 June 2026 9.Updated Programme Risk Matrix and Joint Risk Assessment Report Quarterly programme progress updates (including MEAL components) and summary notes for the ESRG 31 July 2026 10.Briefing report, PPTs and other documents in preparation for GPE’s Semi-Annual Portfolio Review Progress update against Joint MEAL Framework 31 August 2026 11.Two knowledge products (for e.g. briefs, case studies, success stories, interactive dashboard or infographics) capturing lessons learned and good practices Draft template for consolidated annual report that aligns with donor requirements for reporting. 30 September 2026 5. Location and Travel ---------------------- The consultant may be required to travel on missions directly related to projects and implementation during the assignment. The consultant should travel economy class and receive DSA at the standard rate (and which should be reduced, as necessary, when the number of days of DSA exceeds the limits stipulated in the table of rates published by ICSC). DSA is only payable to individuals carrying out assignments away from their usual place of residence or work. The consultant is expected to make her/his own travel arrangements and should be provided with a lump sum to cover travel-related expenses in accordance with UNESCO rules and regulations. Travel-related expenses (e.g. the cost of tickets, terminal fares and DSA) must be fixed and agreed between the parties. **6. COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** --------------------------------------- Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **7. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** ------------------------------- **Education** Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Economics, Public Policy, Management, Monitoring and Evaluation or other related fields. **Work Experience** Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the field of education planning and management, as well as monitoring and evaluation. **Skills/Competencies** • Excellent project management, coordination and organizational skills. • Good analytical and problem-solving skills. • Strong and demonstrated experience in developing annual reports and other programme documents such as work plans and risk management matrices. • Proven ability to work efficiently, under pressure, and in a multi-cultural environment. • Strong technical skills relating to education programme coordination. **Languages** Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken). **8. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ------------------------------- **Work Experience** • Work experience with the UN or other inter-governmental organizations in relevant fields. • Familiar with Myanmar’s education landscape and context, including knowledge on the existing education programmes and projects in the country. • Prior experience working in education development in the Asia-Pacific Region. • Good knowledge of the Myanmar country context. • Knowledge of education in emergencies. • Familiarity with GPE governance structures. **Skills/Competencies** • Good leadership and teamwork with excellent managerial skills. 9. Application Process ---------------------- Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in "Employment History Form/My Documents." Before uploading the document, at the end of the Word document, please insert extra pages with the following required information. Upload all documents as a single PDF document in place of the Employment History Form. a) A cover letter (in English) and clearly referencing how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment; b) An up-to-date CV, with contact details including telephone numbers and email address, including the contact details of three referees; and c) A technical proposal (in English) that details the approach and methodology for carrying out the assignment (maximum, 4 A-4 pages) d) A financial proposal that outlines the proposed daily or monthly rates to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in USD. Travel expenses should be drawn up separately as part of the financial proposal. UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organization the best value for money. Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. **Assessment** • Only applications providing the information requested in the application procedure will be considered. • Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview. **Note:** • Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidate(s) about the outcome or status of the selection process. **10. Selection and Recruitment Process** ----------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [UNESCO careers website](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl). No modifications can be made to the application submitted. 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. **Footer** ---------- 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 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. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

Potential interview questions

Describe your experience in education programme coordination and why it’s relevant for this position. This question assesses your specific experience related to education programme coordination. Highlight relevant roles and specific achievements in coordination.
How do you approach developing annual programme reports and managing project documentation? This question seeks to evaluate your organizational and reporting skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a challenging situation you faced in a multicultural setting and how you handled it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What techniques do you use to ensure effective communication among stakeholders in a project? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain how you would develop a consolidated risk matrix for this education programme. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) components in previous projects. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your strategy for managing multiple deliverables under tight deadlines? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay current with trends and changes in education reforms, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 8 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: careers.unesco.org