Project Officer

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) for 2030 framework (2019) and the Berlin Declaration (2021) gave an impetus to the acceleration of ESD in countries reaffirming ESD as key to addressing planetary challenges and developing the necessary capacities for transformation at both individual and system levels. Being an enabler for achieving SDG4 and all other SDGs, ESD is gaining attention in the context of the follow-up to the UN Transforming Education Summit. ESD is a powerful means for transforming education and transforming lives. By its definition underscoring interdisciplinarity and system-thinking, ESD highlights the interlinkages between society, economy, and the environment, and discusses societal challenges within the planetary boundaries. ESD helps learners connect the dots among the complex issues in the contemporary world, contextualize the big issues in their own context, and provides opportunities for getting together with people beyond borders, developing the sense of responsibility for future generations, and taking actions individually and collectively.

With UNESCO’s technical assistance in facilitating national consultations and convening global exchange and dialogue, over 100 Member States committed to the process of “ESD for 2030 country initiative” plans. These plans aim to mainstream ESD in policy, curricula, teacher development, school, learning environment, youth engagement and community learning.

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director General, Education and  of the Director of Division for Peace and Sustainable Development, and the overall supervision of the Chief of Section of Education for Sustainable Development, and the direct supervision of Programme Specialist in charge of the ESD for 2030 framework, the incumbent will contribute to supporting Member States for implementing the framework and its roadmap and enhancing international cooperation among education and development stakeholders.

Long Description

In particular, she/he shall:

• Contribute to the work related to the ESD for 2030 Country Initiatives, including the coordination with UNESCO Field Offices, providing technical back-stopping, production of guidance, communication and advocacy material, drafting reports and other work related documents.
• Develop major research work on some topics of common interest for Member States having engaged to the ESD for 2030 country initiatives.
• Contribute to developing partnerships with international and regional institutions in supporting capacity development of education professionals at the country level.
• Lead the development of activities related to the global network of ESD stakeholders “ESD-Net 2030”, including communication and coordination with members (i.e. country representatives, international & regional partners, and other individuals and institutions), organizing activities related to knowledge sharing & learning, advocacy and M&E, drafting reports and other communication material.
• Contribute to the country-level implementation of the “Climate Smart Education Systems Initiative” led by Global Partnership for Education, UNESCO and Save the Children, in cooperation with UNESCO field offices and in-country partners.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

•   Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in education, environment, sustainable development, or related fields.

Work experience

•   Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible, relevant work experience in the field of ESD, including in the areas of national or local-level project implementation.
•   Experience in curricula, pedagogy and assessment alignment in relation to sustainability competencies, transversal competencies or 21st century skills.
•   Experience in designing, managing, monitoring and evaluating ESD programmes and projects.
•   Experience in managing researchers’ networks in the field of education.
•   Experience in outreach activities and partnerships/network building for ESD including at international level.

Skills/Competencies

•   Strong analytical and drafting skills in English.
•   Ability to think critically and innovatively.
•   Ability to advice national education authorities and stakeholders.
•   Good knowledge on curricula, pedagogy and assessment alignment.
•   Good knowledge of education for sustainable development.
•   Demonstrated capacity to work under tight deadlines.
•   Ability to maintain effective collegial relations in a multi-cultural setting and to work effectively and collaboratively in a team environment.
•   Excellent IT skills to carry out the work.
•   Great flexibility working with various stakeholders under different timeframes and competing priorities.

Languages

•   Excellent oral and written English.
•   Good knowledge of oral and written French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience

• Direct work experience in/with UNESCO.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS