Assistant Programme Specialist (Educational Planning)

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

As the only specialized semi-autonomous organization with the mandate to support educational policy, planning and management, the International Institute for Educational Planning at UNESCO (IIEP- UNESCO) plays a unique role within the United Nations system. IIEP was established in 1963 as an integral part of UNESCO. IIEP’s mission statement is to strengthen the capacity of UNESCO Member States to plan and manage their education system. It supports ministries of education around the world and other key actors to plan and manage education systems through its programmes of training, technical assistance, policy research and knowledge sharing. Within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, IIEP contributes to UNESCO specific mandate on Sustainable Development Goal number 4 to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. In order to fulfil its mission, IIEP-UNESCO undertakes technical cooperation projects at the request of UNESCO Member States. These projects include a range of research, analysis, training and coaching activities. The Institute launched its new Medium-Term Strategy (2022-2024) in December 2021. It draws on core and project funding to achieve its goals and objectives. This position is located in the Technical Cooperation Team IIEP) in Paris. This team applies an integrated capacity development approach to its technical support to UNESCO Member States. This support for educational policy, planning and management takes many forms, including customized training in-countries. Through a capacity development approach, IIEP contributes to the creation of diagnostic analyses, sector plans and pedagogical tools. In concert, these contribute to more relevant and sustainable educational policies in Member States.

Under the supervision of the Policy, Planning and M&E (PPME) Cluster of IIEP’s Technical cooperation (TC) and direct supervision of the respective project manager, the assistant programme specialist will contribute to the implementation of different projects. She/He will contribute to the implementation of the PAPESI project in Madagascar. She/He will also contribute to the implementation of other projects of the PPME Cluster, when deemed necessary for the efficient organization of the Cluster team’s effort. The incumbent will have the following duties and responsibilities:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1) Collaborate in IIEP’s support to Member States on the design and implementation of tailor-made training targeting planners at central, regional, and local levels:

• Support the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of three cohorts of tailor-made hybrid training Programmes for educational planners in Madagascar.
• Contribute to the revision of training strategies and resources developed by the PPME Cluster.

   2) Support the overall coordination and management of the PAPESI project in Madagascar:

• Support coordination meetings and draft memos, update workplans and project documents accordingly.
• Prepare draft ToRs for contracts and missions related to activities to be implemented.
• Prepare draft reports on activities implemented.
• Contribute to the regular monitoring and evaluation of the activities implemented according to the M&E plan

   3) Support the implementation of project activities under the responsibility of the PPME Cluster including:

• Facilitation of policy dialogue and development of tools targeting senior management in central and decentralized education offices in Madagascar.
• Contributions to the development of education sector analysis and plans and other analyses and tools supported by the PPME Cluster.

   4) Perform any other duties as assigned by the Head of Technical Cooperation.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree ( Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, international relations, or related areas.

Work Experience

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in areas related to educational planning, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international level.
• Experience in developing and implementing tailor-made training programs targeting professional working in education administrations, in areas related to educational planning.
• Experience in evidence-based educational research, policy reviews or data analysis.
• Experience in the development of education sector analyses and plan, mid-term and/or joint-sector reviews of the education sector.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent analytical skills and knowledge and understanding of global education-related issues, in the context of the Sustainable Development Agenda, Our Common Agenda and other major multilateral frameworks.
• Ability to draft high-quality, clear and concise analyses, studies and reports.
• Ability to draft concept notes and project proposals.
• Excellent coordination, negotiation and presentation skills and ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment and team.
• Demonstrated capacity to work under tight deadlines.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good knowledge of the other language