National Project Officer (MHPSS and Inclusive Education Reform)

Organizational Context

Ukraine's education system is navigating war-related disruptions, trauma, and widening inequalities. The Ministry of Education and Science is enhancing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and inclusive education to ensure vulnerable learners receive timely, coordinated, and quality support. UNESCO provides policy advice, technical assistance, capacity development, and implements projects to link emergency response with sustainable system strengthening, focusing on psychological services, inclusive resource centers, and safe learning environments.

Job Purpose

The National Project Officer will coordinate UNESCO's support for MHPSS and inclusive education reforms in Ukraine, working closely with the Ministry of Education and Science. This role serves as the primary technical and coordination focal point, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNESCO standards. The incumbent will bridge policy development with practical implementation, monitoring, learning, and scaling-up of initiatives. This involves providing technical recommendations, coordinating consultants and partners, and managing projects to ensure timely delivery within approved workplans and budgets. The position requires operational independence while referring major risks to the supervisor.

Responsibilities

Coordinate UNESCO's technical support for MHPSS and inclusive education reforms, aligning activities with national policies and priorities. Provide technical inputs for policies, standards, service models, and referral pathways, promoting rights-based and inclusive approaches. Plan, coordinate, and monitor projects, ensuring timely delivery against workplans and donor commitments, and managing implementation risks. Coordinate capacity-building for national and subnational authorities, school psychologists, teachers, and leaders to foster sustainable MHPSS and inclusive education services. Develop and maintain monitoring tools to track reform progress and service outcomes, using findings to inform policy and program adaptation. Maintain coordination with government institutions, UN agencies, and partners, preparing reports and contributing to resource mobilization. The role involves working with operational independence, coordinating consultants and partners, and referring significant risks to the supervisor.

Work Experience

Minimum of four years of professional experience in education reform, inclusive education, MHPSS in education, or programme management. Demonstrated experience coordinating with government authorities and diverse partners, translating policy into action, and managing projects with results-based management. Experience in Ukraine or a UN organization is an asset.

Skills

Strong knowledge of education governance, policy development, and reform implementation. Understanding of MHPSS, inclusive education, disability inclusion, and safeguarding. Proven ability to facilitate policy dialogue and draft clear documents. Strong analytical, coordination, and partnership-building skills. Ability to manage priorities and deliver high-quality outputs. Excellent English and Ukrainian language proficiency.

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