National Project Officer (Education)

Organizational Context

Ukraine's education system is navigating the complexities of ongoing war, including displacement, infrastructure damage, and learning disruptions. UNESCO actively supports the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and national partners. This support encompasses emergency response, recovery efforts, and long-term system strengthening across various educational domains, aiming to rebuild and enhance the nation's educational landscape.

Job Purpose

The National Project Officer (Education) will operate under the direct supervision of the Head of Education, providing crucial cross-portfolio program support and coordinating specific projects assigned by the supervisor. This role is integral to the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of UNESCO's education initiatives in Ukraine. The incumbent will foster strong working relationships with the Ministry of Education and Science, national and subnational authorities, UNESCO Headquarters, donors, UN agencies, and other education partners. Additionally, the role involves intersectoral programming within the UNESCO Antenna and may include acting as Deputy to the Head of Education, ensuring program continuity and operational efficiency during absences when formally designated.

Responsibilities

The National Project Officer (Education) will be responsible for supporting the planning and review of the entire education portfolio, consolidating work plans, results frameworks, budgets, schedules, and risk information. This includes tracking management decisions, identifying bottlenecks, and preparing concise analyses and recommendations. The role involves managing assigned projects from inception to closure, overseeing work plans, budgets, results, risks, contracts, and partner performance. This includes coordinating project teams, consultants, and service providers, verifying delivery against commitments, and initiating corrective actions when quality or timeliness is at risk. The officer will contribute to sector analysis, needs assessments, program design, and results-based planning, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNESCO standards. Monitoring results, indicators, budgets, and partner performance, along with preparing internal and donor reports, is also a key responsibility. Furthermore, the role entails maintaining cooperation with government bodies, donors, and UN agencies, representing UNESCO, and supporting policy dialogue and resource mobilization. When delegated, the incumbent will act as Deputy or Officer-in-Charge, coordinating daily priorities, convening team meetings, and escalating strategic matters.

Work Experience

A minimum of four years of progressive professional experience in education program or project planning, management, monitoring, evaluation, or policy support is necessary. Demonstrated experience in coordinating multi-partner or donor-funded projects, including work planning, results-based management, budget follow-up, and risk management, is essential. Experience working with government authorities and translating national policy priorities into implementable programs is also required.

Skills

Proficiency in education sector planning, policy analysis, program design, and project cycle management is essential. A strong understanding of Ukraine's education system, reform priorities, and the impact of conflict on education is required. The ability to coordinate diverse teams and partners, facilitate meetings, and maintain constructive relations with stakeholders is crucial. Excellent analytical, drafting, and presentation skills are necessary, along with the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently. Digital literacy and command of standard office and project management tools are also required.

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