National Project Officer (Education)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4AFED 0028PA

Grade : NO-C

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Kabul

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 08-12-2025

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

Only nationals of Afghanistan may apply to this position

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall guidance of the Officer-in-Charge and the Head of Education of the UNESCO Office in Kabul, and the direct supervision of the international EU Project Officer, the national project officer will support the implementation of the project “Economic empowerment through community-based skills development and literacy training in Afghanistan” funded by the EU. 

The project aims to empower illiterate youth and adults, including girls and women, between the ages of 15 to 45, by providing them with opportunities to acquire livelihood skills that are integrated with literacy training. For learners with children in their households, the project also offers parenting education guidance to support the children’s holistic development. Recognizing the critical role of psychosocial wellbeing in learning and resilience, especially in the current circumstances in Afghanistan, the project integrates psychosocial support (PSS) to create safer, more nurturing learning environments and to strengthen learners’ emotional wellbeing alongside their educational and skills development. 

Long Description

The national project officer for education will perform the following main duties and responsibilities:

• Project implementation: Support the international Project Officer in developing and implementing a detailed work plan to ensure timely implementation of all activities in line with the project document and budget plan; Ensure the management of the project in line with EU guidelines and UNESCO’s financial and administrative regulations; Supporting the Project Officer in develop a project procurement plan and working closely with the procurement unit for project procurement and contracting; Liaising with local implementing partners for quality delivery of services in the communities; Communicating with local communities on the goals, progress and successes of the project.
• Project monitoring, evaluation & reporting: Drafting and execution of the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, including log frames, Indicator Progress Tracking Table (IPTT), and Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP); Continuously refine and utilize effective feedback mechanisms to gather input from beneficiaries and stakeholders; Support the project officer in monitoring financial utilization, preparing periodic narrative and financial reports as per EU requirements, and adjusting project implementation as needed.

• Technical assistance and policy advice: Lead the culturally appropriate localization and contextualization of the regional guidebook on parenting education in Afghanistan; Keep abreast of skills development and literacy programme development in Afghanistan and identify best practices to advise colleagues, partners and stakeholders.

• IP management: Develop and execute a training plan for implementing partners (IPs); Maintain regular communication with IPs on project implementation; Guide and monitor IPs’ staff recruitment and procurement.

• Knowledge management and visibility: Organize and coordinate consultation, knowledge sharing and learning events; Develop and execute a visibility and communication plan for the project; Prepare and draft project success stories, impact articles, briefings, publications and reports.

• Coordination and partnership: Coordinate with internal teams, external partners, donors, and stakeholders to ensure synergy, effective collaboration, and maximized project impact.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education 
•    Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of education, social sciences, development studies and a related area. 

Work experience
•    At least 4 years of relevant work experience in education and other related fields.
•    A deep understanding of education development work, particularly of non-formal TVET, literacy and parenting education. 

Skills/Competencies 
•    Excellent project management skills, including results-based management, financial management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting;
•    Strong sensitivity and adaptability in post conflict countries;
•    Integrity, reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties; 
•    Excellent coordination and organizational skills; 
•    Good analytical and problem solving skills;  
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to draft clearly and concisely;
•    Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment;
•    Ability to build and maintain partnerships;
•    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 knowledge of English language (verbal and written).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience

•    Relevant work experience in managing projects on literacy and non-formal TVET; 
•    Relevant work experience in the UN; and
•    Relevant work experience in working with the EU.

Skills/Competencies
•    Knowledge of UNESCO’s mission and action in the position’s field.

Languages 
•    Good knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto (verbal and written).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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