Programme Specialist (Quality Education)

Overview

Provide management support in the quality of education portfolio in Iraq.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Education, Social and Human Sciences, Business Administration, Project Management, or closely related field(s).
• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in education, particularly quality of education or closely related fields, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at the international level.
• Excellent knowledge of English Language (written and spoken).
• Experience in designing and implementing educational projects.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills verbally and in writing in English.
• Demonstrated ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with donors, Government counterparts, partners, and beneficiaries.
• Supervisory and managerial skills, capable of leading a team of professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Excellent knowledge of office productivity and collaboration tools.

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 97,268 USD and 127,364 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Post Number : 5IQED 0003TA Grade : P-3 Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station: Baghdad Job Family: Education Type of contract : Temporary Appointment Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 14-Aug-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **Duration of contract: 11 months with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- The incumbent will work in the Education Unit of the UNESCO Office in Iraq under the overall authority of Head of Office and the direct supervision and guidance of the Chief of Education. The incumbent will be responsible for providing management support in the quality of education portfolio of the UNESCO Office in Iraq, with a particular focus on the implementation of two projects, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation-funded “Improving Access to Inclusive Quality Education in Southern Iraq” project and the ENI Iraq-funded “Teach for Future: the future of Zubair is in my classroom today” project. The main objective of the first project is to ensure all learners in Iraq, especially vulnerable out-of-school children in southern governorates, are able to access and complete quality, inclusive and gender responsive primary and secondary education. This will ensure institutionalized support is in place to ensure access to primary and secondary education for 40,000 out-of-school children in Basra, Dhi Qar and Maysan governorates through the provision of a safer child-friendly learning environment, community engagement in awareness raising campaigns, and strengthened capacity of education providers. The main objective of the second project is to respond to the teaching and learning needs of the children, teachers, parents and school management community and district of 131 primary schools in the Al Zubair district of Basra Governorate through the improvement of infrastructures and basic services in Al Zubair, improved teaching and learning practices, strengthened capacity of the management to implement innovative school management strategies, and empowerment of families and communities in advancing quality education. In particular, the incumbent shall perform the following functions: - Develop, implement and regularly review an overall strategy of the UNESCO Office in Iraq to support the improvement of quality of education in Iraq, in close coordination with other education team members and stakeholders; - Contribute to the visibility efforts in showcasing UNESCO’s work on improving quality of education through internal and external communication and reporting, and the resource mobilization efforts in developing concept notes and proposals and identifying potential donors and partners to support education initiatives; - Represent UNESCO in coordination and technical forums relating to education and maintain good relationships with relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to donors, Government counterparts, partners, and beneficiaries to demonstrate effective partnerships; - Perform good management of the two education projects for the whole project cycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and control; - Supervise and coach international and national personnel and consultants to ensure the timely and quality achievements of results; - Ensure UNESCO administrative, financial, procurement and contracting rules are strictly adhered to, with proper financial and contractual management; and - Support additional tasks as requested by the Head of Office and Chief of Education in line with the mandate and priorities of the office. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- **EDUCATION** - Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Education, Social and Human Sciences, Business Administration, Project Management, or closely related field(s). **WORK EXPERIENCE** - Minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in education, particularly quality of education or closely related fields, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at the international level. - Experience in increasing the visibility of education projects and mobilizing resources with donors and partners. **LANGUAGES** - Excellent knowledge of English Language (written and spoken). **COMPETENCIES/ SKILLS** - Experience in designing and implementing educational projects; - Excellent interpersonal and communication skills verbally and in writing in English; - Demonstrated ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with donors, Government counterparts, partners, and beneficiaries; - Supervisory and managerial skills, capable of leading a team of professionals; - Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization; and - Excellent knowledge of office productivity and collaboration tools. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **EXPERIENCE** - A good understanding of UNESCO, including its administrative procedures and financial processes; and - Experience in working in post-crisis and post-disaster contexts. **LANGUAGES** - Good knowledge of another UNESCO official language especially Arabic will be an advantage. **BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS** ----------------------------- UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. The annual starting salary for this post is USD 89,028. For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our [Guide to Staff Benefits.](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/unesco-staff-compensation-booklet_en.pdf) **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 a competency-based 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](https://en.unesco.org/careers/geographicaldistribution)) 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.*

Potential interview questions