National Project Officer (Education)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4AFED 0029PA

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) : 06-Jan-2026

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

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

Only Nationals of Afghanistan may apply for this post.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall guidance of the Officer-in-Charge and the Head of Education, and the direct supervision of the International Project Officer/Team Lead for the Skills Development and Literacy (SDL) programme, the National Project Officer will support the implementation of the Canada-funded project within the wider SDL programme. The SDL programme provides integrated literacy and vocational skills training to help individuals and communities strengthen their self-reliance and economic opportunities.
The project “Economic empowerment through community-based skills development and literacy training in Afghanistan” focuses on illiterate and semi-literate adolescents, youth and adults up to the age of 45, with a target of at least 60% women. It supports 10 provinces through combined literacy, numeracy, livelihood skills training and community-based delivery models. The project also develops and adapts teaching and learning materials, runs community classes, and offers business launch grants and mentoring to help graduates move into income generation.
In addition to literacy and vocational skills, the project strengthens learners’ confidence and employability through soft skills and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). As a cross-cutting suplplementry area, a Learning Management System titled BASAWAD supports digital access to learning materials for illiterate and semiliterate youth and adults. Together, these components create supportive learning environments and contribute to more resilient and economically empowered households and communities.

Long Description

Main duties and responsibilities:

Under the overall guidance of the Officer in Charge and the Head of Education, and the direct supervision of the Project Officer/Team Lead at the UNESCO Office in Kabul, the National Project Officer will undertake the following responsibilities: 

1.Project Implementation
-Lead execution of the project workplan in line with the project document, budget and results framework, ensuring compliance with UNESCO’s administrative, financial and procurement rules.
-Liaise with Impementing Partners and support community networks to ensure quality delivery of integrated literacy, numeracy, soft skills, climate-adaptation content and livelihood skills. 

2. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 
-Implement the M&E plan, maintain the results framework, and monitor course delivery, enrolment, attendance and kit distribution.
-Coordinate field visits, remote and third-party monitoring and manage all follow-up on the Complaint and Feedback Mechanism.
-Contribute to narrative and financial reporting and document lessons learned to strengthen implementation and guide future programming.

3.Technical Assistance and Policy Support
-Support contextualisation and development of literacy, numeracy, soft skills and livelihood materials, including SEL, climate adaptation and GBV components.
-Stay informed of national developments in literacy, skills and TVET to ensure programme relevance and responsiveness.

4.Implementing Partner (IP) Management
-Provide training, guidance and regular communication to IPs to ensure adherence to standards, timelines, monitoring requirements and reporting obligations.
-Review and verify IP progress reports and follow up on gaps or issues.

Long Description

5.Knowledge Management, Communication and Visibility
-Organise consultations, learning events and technical meetings.
-Support communication and visibility activities and draft briefs, stories, progress updates and thematic products.

6.Coordination and Partnership
-Coordinate with internal teams, UN agencies, NGOs, community representatives and technical bodies such as UIL to ensure alignment with global standards.
-Share project tools and findings through sector coordination mechanisms and contribute to discussions on literacy and skills development.
7.Learning Management System (LMS)-Promote and manage the LMS (BASAWAD) , ensuring content updates, user supportand effective use of digital learning tools across implementing partners and community learning sites.

Organizational environment and partnerships:

•The national project officer will adhere to UNESCO’s Administrative and Financial Manuals and Staff Rules to ensure efficient operations, mitigate potential risks, and minimize adverse impacts.
•The national project officer will support the international project officer to implement the project and manage local and national implementing partners.
•The national project officer will maintain regular internal and external communication with key stakeholders, including:
•Internal Contacts: Canda project team SDL team members including EU project at UNESCO Kabul.
•External Contacts: Global Affairs Canada, UNICEF Skills Team, Tertiary Education and Skills Development Working Group members including NGOs, UN agencies and donors.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, development studies or a related field.

Work Experience:

•Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in education, literacy, skills development or similar fields.
•Strong understanding of community-based literacy and livelihood skills development.
•Experience with learning management systems and digital education tools, including adapting content for digital use and providing basic user support.

Skills and Competencies:
•Strong project management experience including RBM, M&E and reporting.

•Adaptability to complex and restrictive contexts.

•Strong coordination, communication and analytical skills.

•Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

•Strong IT and digital collaboration skills including Languages

•Excellent command of English (verbal and written).

•Proficient in Dari/Farsi and/or Pashto (verbal and written).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Desired qualifications and skills:

•Experience in literacy or TVET projects.

•Experience with the UN or international donor-funded projects.

•Experience in curriculum instructional materials development.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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