National Project Officer (Program Design and Policy)

Organizational Context

The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) is UNESCO's category 1 institute in the Asia-Pacific region, dedicated to promoting education for a peaceful and sustainable world. MGIEP spearheads innovative projects in education policy, research, and program implementation, aiming to foster peace, sustainability, and well-being through transformative education. The Institute is committed to designing, developing, and evaluating large-scale educational programs that build essential knowledge and skills for sustainable development and peace, utilizing empirical methods for rigorous assessment and improvement.

Job Purpose

The National Project Officer (Program Design and Policy) will play a crucial role in advancing MGIEP's mission by contributing to program development efforts. This includes conducting policy analysis and facilitating policy uptake, as well as designing, managing, and evaluating programs that support education for peace and sustainability. The incumbent will lead the development of educational and policy research programs aligned with MGIEP's objectives, support other teams in program design and Theory of Change development, and draft essential program documentation. This position is vital for ensuring the effective and impactful delivery of MGIEP's initiatives in fostering a more peaceful and sustainable future through education.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of MGIEP's educational and policy research programs, ensuring alignment with the institute's mission. Support various MGIEP teams in developing program designs, Theories of Change, and facilitating policy uptake. Draft necessary documents, frameworks, and guidelines for successful program development. Coordinate with project teams involved in program development and evaluation to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of outputs. Manage partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to support program design and implementation. Ensure compliance with UNESCO's Results-Based Management (RBM) framework for program monitoring and reporting. Provide training and capacity-building sessions for educators and facilitators on curriculum delivery, quality assurance, and instructional design. Guide junior colleagues and staff in program design, policy uptake, and evaluation processes. Stay updated on the latest developments in educational program development, policy analysis, reform, program evaluation, and peace education.

Work Experience

A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in program design, development, and evaluation, preferably within the education sector. Demonstrated experience in managing the development of educational and/or research projects. Experience with Results-Based Management (RBM) and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks is essential. Experience in content development for educational programs, particularly in peace, sustainability, or Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), is required. Experience with international educational programs and research is an asset.

Skills

Strong knowledge of program design and evaluation studies. Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Skill in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing complex information for informed decision-making. Proficient project management skills with a focus on timely, high-quality output delivery. Ability to present information clearly and persuasively to various audiences. Capacity to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Commitment to delivering results and taking ownership of program outcomes. Aptitude for continuous learning and adaptation to enhance program design and outcomes.

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