National Professional Officer (Education)

Post Number : 5LBED1000RP

Grade : NO-D

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Beirut

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Fixed Term Field

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates – IMPORTANT : Only nationals of Lebanon may apply for this post

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 27-MAY-2024 (EXTENDED)

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education, the authority of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office and the direct supervision of the Chief of Education Section, the incumbent will contribute to the development of national strategies which address the education needs of the country and will be responsible for the overall implementation of and reporting on the education programme activities and projects in Lebanon. The incumbent works within the frameworks of UNESCO’s Medium Term Strategy, the approved Programme and Budget, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with particular reference to the Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Education 2030 Agenda, and the Beirut Office Strategy.

The National Professional Officer will be expected to perform among others the following responsibilities: 
 

Long Description

• Coordinate and supervise the overall national education activities in the Office, regarding Regular and Extra-budgetary Programmes, in consultation with the Government priorities in all levels and modalities of education. Represent UNESCO whenever necessary, with regards to the discussion of policy issues on education along with the preparation of corresponding texts and documents promoting UNESCO main programmes and orientations.
• Assure that the office national actions in education are in accordance with the Organization’s programme and priorities and are articulated with the activities developed by the Education Sector.
• Ensure support and technical assistance to Lebanon’s formal and non-formal education institutions in the framework of both Regular and Extra-budgetary Programmes.
• Design, plan, organize, implement and coordinate evaluations of projects at the national level and ensure day to day follow-up on approved work plans.
• Prepare papers, texts, presentations, documents, reports and organise the contents of publications related to the particular technical area of expertise;.
• Provide coordination and support to the Higher Education Convention Regional Secretariat.. 
• Coordinate national and regional inputs (when requested) to periodic reviews of extra- activities and advise on strategic analysis of such activities for improved engagement and advocacy with donors and the development of  engagement with the private sector.
• Coordinate and maintain relationships with the donor for establishment of partnerships, fundraising and programme-related issues and events, as well as negotiate partnerships with governmental and non-governmental entities and private enterprises to develop actions with the potential/ability to contribute to the dissemination of UNESCO’s mandate.

• Identify potential donor funds and programmes for the Education sector in Lebanon and the region;
• Draft and prepare funding proposals and follow up negotiation with funders. 
• Monitor and supervise the execution of national activities, and national components of regional activities in country. Prepare annual national Work Plan and updates on a quarterly basis with explanations of any changes.
• Monitor and supervise the work of consultants, institutions, government staff and other partners, facilitate meetings and, as far as possible, ensure the timely and responsive delivery of outputs and reports.

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)
Building partnerships (M)
Driving and managing change (M)
Leading and empowering others (M)
Making quality decisions (M)
Strategic thinking (M)
Managing performance (M)
–
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

IMPORTANT : Only nationals of Lebanon may apply for this post

Education

•    Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social sciences or another related field. 

Work Experience

•    Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible, relevant work experience in education development at the national or international level. 
•    Advanced professional experience in education policy formulation, education planning, education in emergencies, with a proven capacity to liaise with Government officials.
•    Proven experience in programme management, advocacy, resources and partnership mobilization. 

Skills and Competencies 

•    Strong understanding of UNESCO’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities, particularly in Education. 
•    Strong understanding of Lebanon’s education sector, including the governmental structure, strategic direction and priorities. 
•    Proven ability in promoting UNESCO education thematic priorities, such as education in emergencies, inclusive education, greening education, and digital learning, etc. 
•    Proven organizational skills, including in establishing plans and priorities, and in implementing them effectively, as well as in devising implementation plans. 
•    Proven ability to coordinate, collaborate and liaise with stakeholders to plan, manage and monitor projects and programmes.
•    Excellent communication and networking skills with strong representational ability; drive for results; analytical and technical application skills. 
•    Strong personnel leadership skills, particularly mentoring skills. 
•    Good inter-personal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural team. 
•    Very good IT skills. 

Languages

•    Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and Arabic. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

•    Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in Education and/or related areas. 

Work Experience

•    Experience in international organisations, preferably within the UN System in the Arab States.
•    Experience of working with education and related agencies in the region.

Languages

• Good knowledge of French.

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 94,396 $ USD.

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 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.

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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.