Project Assistant

Organizational Context

The International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO) is a specialized UN agency focused on strengthening member states' capacity in educational planning and management. IIEP-UNESCO in Africa, based in Dakar, analyzes educational sectors and assists African countries in developing robust educational system plans aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Education. Through capacity building, it supports diagnostic analyses, sectoral plans, and methodological tools for more relevant and sustainable educational policies.

Job Purpose

The Project Assistant will support the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of the regional program "Planning for Inclusive Education." Working under the authority of the Head of IIEP-UNESCO Africa Office and the direct supervision of the Project Officer for the regional program, the role involves contributing to the program's overall execution and its four components. This position is crucial for ensuring the effective delivery of program activities, facilitating communication with stakeholders, and supporting the logistical and technical aspects of program implementation, ultimately contributing to the advancement of inclusive education planning in Africa.

Responsibilities

The Project Assistant will provide comprehensive support for the coordination, management, implementation, and monitoring of the regional program "Planning for Inclusive Education." Key responsibilities include assisting in the development and updating of activity schedules, providing administrative support for meetings, maintaining partner contact lists, and facilitating communication with focal points and ministries. The role also involves translating various texts, managing program document filing and archiving, and supporting the organization of in-person and online events such as steering committees and high-level forums. Additionally, the assistant will help track action points, prepare for field missions, and contribute to risk mitigation strategies. Support will also be provided for the program's monitoring and evaluation approach, including data collection and analysis, report drafting, and the implementation of corrective measures. Specific tasks include supporting training coordination, participant enrollment, and ensuring effective participation, particularly for individuals with disabilities. The role also involves supporting the management of a community of practice on educational planning for disability inclusion, including event organization and content curation.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of experience in project management, administrative, and logistical coordination is required. Experience in organizing events, working with international organizations (preferably in education), budget monitoring, and online community management is also necessary.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential. Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills are required. The ability to work in a diverse, multicultural environment, attention to detail, and a proactive, autonomous work style are important. Familiarity with disability and inclusion themes, video conferencing tools (Zoom), and online learning platforms (Moodle) is desirable.

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