National Project Coordinator (Education)
Apia
- Organization: UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
- Location: Apia
- Grade: Mid level - NO-C, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position
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Occupational Groups:
- Education, Learning and Training
- Project and Programme Management
- Managerial positions
- Closing Date: 2025-09-06
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 4WSED 0001PA
Grade : NO-C
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Apia
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) : 06-09-2025
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 Samoa may apply for this post.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The incumbent will work under the overall authority of the Director and direct supervision of the Education Programme Specialist.
The Project Coordinator will undertake the following functions:
Long Description
1. Project Implementation and Monitoring
- Daily management of project implementation with project document and work plan.
- Track timely progress against the project’s objectives and performance indicators.
- Oversee the coordination of the project technical and administrative support staff.
2. Stakeholder Coordination and Engagement
- Act as focal point between the MEC, UNESCO and project partners.
- Facilitate regular meetings and consultations with stakeholders to ensure alignment with the ESP 2025-2030, Partnership Compact, and national priorities.
- Ensure effective coordination across sectors - government agencies, educational institutions, local communities.
3. Technical Oversight and Quality Assurance
- Provide technical guidance to ensure seamless implementation of ECE policies, primary school foundational literacy and numeracy skills and comprehensive secondary schools TVET.
- Conduct project quality assurance checks as per UNESCO’s standards.
4. Financial and Administrative Management
- Manage project budget in compliance with UNESCO’s financial policies.
- Assist with the preparation of financial reports and ensure timely submission of all necessary documentation for audits.
- Ensure effective allocation of resources and mitigate financial risks.
Long Description
5. Capacity Building and Training
- Support trainings for MEC staff, teachers, data analysis, systems review policy analysis and development.
- Organize trainings quality teaching and learning and community engagement in ECE.
6. Risk Management and Safeguards
- Identify operational, financial, and social risks (e.g., SEAH).
- Implement mitigation strategies in line with UNESCO’s safeguarding policies, including the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) framework.
- Ensure compliance with UNESCO’s risk management policies.
7. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Develop and implement a M & E framework framework.
- Prepare regular technical progress reports.
- Facilitate external and internal evaluations of the project.
8.Communications and Visibility
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- Promote the achievements and impacts of the STG project.
- Prepare promotional materials, case studies, and success stories to highlight the project’s contributions to Samoa’s education sector.
9. Other Duties
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director and the Education Programme Specialist.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, project management, international development, or related fields.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in coordinating or managing education projects, particularly in the areas of ICT integration, teacher development, or education system reforms.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Strong project management and coordination skills, with experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
- Solid financial management skills, including budgeting, reporting, and monitoring.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills for working with government officials, development partners, and local stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with digital education tools or platforms.
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge ( written and oral) of English and Samoa is required.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations in project coordination, capacity building, or education system strengthening is highly desirable.
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 87816 WST.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
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. 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.
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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.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.