Programme Specialist ( Skills Development and Literacy) Education

Overview

Coordinate and implement educational projects in Afghanistan focused on skills development and literacy training.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of education, social sciences, development studies or related area.
• At least four (4) years of relevant work experience in education including two (2) years acquired preferably at the international level, preferably relating to community-based literacy and non-formal education.
• Excellent English (spoken and written) is required.
• Previous work experience in developing countries.
• Strong sensitivity and adaptability in post-conflict countries and diversity (culture, gender, religion, race and nationality).
• Excellent project management skills, including results-based management, financial management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong IT skills, including good knowledge of standard office software and online 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 102,568 USD and 134,304 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 : 4AFED 0032TA Grade : P-3 Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED) Duty Station: Kabul 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) : 9-JUNE-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** ----------------------------------------- In the increasingly challenging humanitarian context of Afghanistan, where literacy levels remain low, especially for girls and young women, UNESCO has been implementing multiple projects on skills development and literacy for Afghanistan's adolescents, youth and adults, with a particular focus on women and girls. The "Economic empowerment through skills development and literacy training in Afghanistan" project aims to train semi-literate youth, providing them access to livelihood skills coupled with literacy skills and the opportunity to start an economic venture with financial support and mentoring. The intervention builds on the learnings from UNESCO’s Youth and Adult Literacy and Basic Education (YALBE) programme in Afghanistan. Long Description ---------------- Under the overall authority of the Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Kabul and immediate supervision of the Head of Education Unit of the UNESCO Office in Kabul, the **Programme Specialist for Skills Development and Literacy** will contribute to coordinating and implementing the project activities. The incumbent is responsible for overall planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and knowledge management of the project. Specifically, undertaking the following tasks and responsibilities: **1. Project Planning and Implementation** \- Identifying potential local partners within the non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and the private sector for participation in the planning and implementation of project activities, ensuring synergies with other skills development and literacy projects at the office. \- Establishing and regularly monitoring and updating the project work plan and results framework; \- Planning and organizing the procurement of goods and services; \- Identifying project implementation partners and providers of goods and services; \- Following up on the implementation of the contracts, assessing the quality of services provided and requesting disbursement of funds; \- Supervising and providing leadership, guidance and direction to the project team; and \- Building synergies with other projects and activities of the UNESCO Kabul Office and relevant projects of other development partners in Afghanistan. Long Description ---------------- **2. Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting** \- Contributing to monitoring and evaluation of project activities, reporting on progress and suggesting updates to the project timeframe; \- Regularly monitoring the financial status of the project and promptly developing budget revision if needed; \- Preparing reports on project activities for UNESCO, the donor and partners; \- Ensuring the implementation of the communication and visibility plan of the project; and \- Fostering exchanges of information, experience, identifying new strategies of action to improve delivery of services and to achieve the project requirements and objectives; and **3. Technical Coordination and Knowledge Management** \- Regularly communicating with the relevant stakeholders on skills development and literacy to ensure smooth project implementation, strengthening the leading role of UNESCO on this area; \- Collaborating with other education teams in the UNESCO Kabul Office, ensuring the complementary nature of the education interventions in the office; \- Participating in necessary external meetings to advocate for support in skills development and literacy, including contributing to resource mobilization efforts; \- Documenting all project-related documents and knowledge products and contributing to office-wide knowledge management. \- Performing any other tasks as requested by supervisors, particularly contributing to the planning and implementation of other education projects. **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 the field of education, social sciences, development studies or related area. **Work experience** • At least four (4) years of relevant work experience in education including two (2) years acquired prefereably at the international level, preferably relating to community-based literacy and non-formal education; • Previous work experience in developing countries. **Skills/Competencies** • Excellent project management skills, including results-based management, financial management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting; • Strong sensitivity and adaptability in post-conflict countries and diversity (culture, gender, religion, race and nationality); • Integrity, reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties; • Excellent coordination and organizational skills; • Good analytical and problem-solving skills; • Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment; • Ability to work under pressure, to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work; and • Strong IT skills, including good knowledge of standard office software and online collaboration tools. **Languages** • Excellent English (spoken and written) is required. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- **Education** • Advanced university degree (PhD) in the field of education, social sciences, development studies or related area. **Work Experience** • Relevant work experience in managing projects on literacy and non-formal education; • Relevant work experience in the UN; • Previous work experience in crisis-affected contexts. **Skills/Competencies** • Knowledge of UNESCO’s mission and action in the position’s field. **Languages** •Good knowledge of another UN Language. **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 approximate annual starting salary for this post is 95 909 US $. 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 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](https://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution)) 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.

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