Chargé(e) de projet Education en Systeme Capacity Grant
Organizational Context
The education sector in Madagascar is undergoing significant transformation, with a Partnership Pact endorsed by the National Platform for Education Sector Steering and Technical and Financial Partners. This Pact aims to improve governance, equity, efficiency, and quality across the educational system. However, structural limitations in key ministries hinder operational implementation, particularly in strategic planning, coordination, data management, and performance monitoring. Challenges include fragmented information systems, a lack of specialized technical skills, and insufficient integration of gender and inclusion dimensions.
Job Purpose
This role supports the implementation of the Partnership Pact in Madagascar's education sector through the System Capacity Grant (SCG) funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The project aims to sustainably strengthen institutional and technical capacities, aligning with national priorities and international commitments like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024-2028. UNESCO has been selected as a partner agency to manage this funding in collaboration with the three education ministries, ensuring effective support for educational reforms and development.
Responsibilities
The Project Officer will oversee the overall coordination and management of program activities, including developing Terms of Reference, annual work plans, and execution timelines. Responsibilities include managing the consolidated program schedule, identifying risks, and proposing corrective actions. The role involves ensuring operational coordination among SCG components for coherence and complementarity, and establishing steering tools like dashboards and progress trackers. Regular monitoring of activity progress with stakeholders and timely alerts on potential risks are crucial. The officer will coordinate operational aspects between ministries, the PNPSE, UNESCO-IIPE, and other partners to ensure effective program implementation. This includes preparing and facilitating steering meetings, coordinating the preparation and validation of technical deliverables, supporting sectoral planning and budgeting, and overseeing data system strengthening initiatives. The role also involves managing operational and financial execution in compliance with UNESCO and GPE procedures, monitoring action plans, and identifying implementation challenges. Furthermore, the officer will track performance indicators, ensure real-time monitoring of progress and risks, prepare periodic technical reports, document best practices, and contribute to evaluations. Partnership coordination, facilitating dialogue, strengthening synergies, and ensuring regular communication with partners are also key duties.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of experience in coordinating or managing complex programs funded by technical and financial partners within the education sector. Demonstrated experience in coordinating programs involving multiple government institutions, technical and financial partners, and national/international expertise is required. Experience in organizing key education events and workshops is beneficial. Familiarity with GPE funding processes and UN system work experience are considered assets.
Skills
Technical skills include excellent knowledge of the Malagasy education system's challenges, education planning and administration, and education management information systems (EMIS). Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation approaches, results-based management, and project financial management is essential. Strong writing skills and proficiency in MS Office Suite are required. Behavioral competencies include leadership, managerial skills, excellent coordination and negotiation abilities, strategic analysis, organization, planning, and excellent oral and written communication. The ability to work under pressure in a multi-stakeholder environment is also crucial.