Associate Project Officer (Education)
Organizational Context
UNESCO has been collaborating with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) in Cambodia to advance the Education 2030 / SDG 4 agenda and contribute to the Education Strategic Plan 2024-2028. This involves the joint implementation of the Strengthening Teacher Education Programmes in Cambodia (STEPCam), funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The programme focuses on teacher education, professional development, classroom learning, and digital transformation in education.
Job Purpose
The Associate Project Officer will provide technical assistance, coordination, and management for the implementation and monitoring of the STEPCam project and other GPE initiatives in Cambodia. This role involves close collaboration with the MoEYS and other partners to ensure timely execution of project activities, including work planning, budget management, and progress reporting. The incumbent will also assist in managing contracts, supervising experts, and ensuring the quality of deliverables. A key aspect of the role is supporting the monitoring and evaluation plan to align results with project indicators and preparing internal and external reports for donors and stakeholders. The position contributes to the expansion of new educational programmes and resource mobilization, and supports UNESCO's strategic partnerships within UN planning mechanisms and Cambodia's education sector coordination.
Responsibilities
Provide technical assistance for the overall management of STEPCam and other GPE projects, ensuring timely implementation of activities, work planning, progress reporting, and budget management. Assist in managing these projects by developing terms of reference, supervising contracts for experts and service providers, and ensuring quality assurance for all deliverables. Oversee the monitoring and evaluation plan and activities in coordination with the project team and international experts to ensure alignment with performance indicators. Support the Chief of Education Unit and project teams in preparing internal and external reports for GPE, donors, the UN Country Team, and government entities. Provide technical assistance for the expansion and resource mobilization of new programmes in teacher education, skills development, non-formal education, climate change education, and ICT/AI in education. Act as a strategic partner in UN planning mechanisms and Cambodia's education sector coordination, facilitating integration and reporting within the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Develop and implement visibility and outreach strategies to maximize project results and impact through various communication materials. Carry out any other relevant tasks as assigned by supervisors.
Work Experience
Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in education and international development, with at least 1 year at the international level. Experience in designing, managing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on education projects is required. Proven experience in a coordination role, engaging with governments, development partners, and stakeholders, is essential.
Skills
Excellent writing and communication skills for drafting reports and news items. Strong analytical and strategic skills for consolidating and synthesizing information. Ability to work effectively in diverse, multi-skilled, and multi-cultural environments. Capacity to manage heavy workloads, meet tight deadlines, and maintain high-quality work. Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships. Proficiency in MS Office software. Knowledge of teacher education, skills development, climate change education, and non-formal education is desirable.