Responsable National(e) de Projet (Education)
Organizational Context
The Democratic Republic of the Congo prioritizes teacher professionalization, leading to the establishment of Institutes for Teacher Training (IFME). These institutes aim to train basic education teachers and provide continuous professional development for school leaders and pedagogical advisors. This reform includes renovating pedagogical high schools to complement IFME, ensuring a coherent national teacher training system. UNESCO's expertise is sought to support the pedagogical and organizational aspects of this reform.
Job Purpose
The National Project Manager (Education) will be responsible for the overall management, coordination, planning, and implementation of UNESCO's support project for the pedagogical and organizational operationalization of the Institutes for Teacher Training (IFME) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This role involves providing high-quality technical assistance and policy advice to Congolese authorities on education policies and planning, aligning them with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4. The position requires active participation in UNCT working groups and strategic partnerships to enhance UNESCO's visibility and programmatic work. Resource mobilization through identifying and developing funding opportunities and preparing project proposals is also a key function, alongside managing the project team and ensuring efficient budget execution.
Responsibilities
The National Project Manager (Education) will oversee the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the project supporting the IFME operationalization in the DRC. This includes managing all budgetary, financial, and administrative aspects, and proposing necessary adjustments. The role involves monitoring the work plan, preparing budget revisions, and ensuring synergy with other education sector projects and with Technical and Financial Partners (PTF) and civil society. A key responsibility is establishing mechanisms for project result sustainability. The incumbent will provide constructive support and high-quality technical assistance in strategic areas aligned with UNESCO's mandate, actively participating in UNCT working groups and offering strategic advice for UNSDCF preparation and implementation. Networking, communication, knowledge management, and partnership building are crucial, including participating in joint UN programming and coordination activities. Developing and implementing outreach strategies to enhance project visibility, resources, and partnerships is also required. Furthermore, the role involves identifying and developing cooperation and funding opportunities, preparing project proposals, and negotiating with donors and international agencies. Effective management of the project team, including identifying human and technical resource needs, recruitment, and performance management, is essential for efficient budget execution and timely delivery of project objectives.
Work Experience
A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in the education sector, preferably in teacher policies and training engineering, is required. Experience in developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating education and teacher training projects/programs, particularly within the DRC context, is essential.
Skills
Key skills include strong communication (written and oral), responsibility, innovation, knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, planning and organization, results-orientation, teamwork, and professionalism. A good understanding of capacity development concepts, strong analytical and writing abilities, knowledge of project budget management, resource mobilization capabilities, and proficiency in IT tools are also necessary. Fluency in French and a good command of English are required.