Education Associate
Organizational Context
UNESCO, a UN specialized agency, promotes global peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication. It leads the Global Education 2030 Agenda (SDG 4) and strengthens education systems worldwide, emphasizing gender equality. In the Pacific, UNESCO collaborates with regional bodies, governments, and partners to advance education, focusing on quality, equity, resilience, inclusion, and teacher professionalism through initiatives like the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF).
Job Purpose
The Education Associate will support UNESCO's Regional Office in Apia, Samoa, by providing technical assistance for the coordination, monitoring, and reporting of education initiatives across 18 Pacific States. This role is crucial for ensuring the coherence, sustainability, and visibility of UNESCO's education work in the region, aligning with the SDG 4-Education 2030 agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Pacific. The associate will contribute to planning, implementation, and documentation processes, supporting transformative education projects that enhance digital readiness, climate resilience, and equitable learning opportunities.
Responsibilities
The Education Associate will support UNESCO's Education Sector in the Pacific by providing technical assistance for coordination, monitoring, and reporting of priority initiatives across 18 Pacific States. Key tasks include assisting UNESCO's participation in education coordination mechanisms, policy dialogues, and joint UN programming, ensuring timely delivery of activities and integration into regional reporting. This involves facilitating consultations, workshops, and meetings, coordinating with experts and partners, preparing terms of reference, and following up on action points. The associate will also support data collection and analysis for SDG 4 targets, maintain strategic engagement with Ministries of Education, regional bodies, UN agencies, and development partners, and contribute to knowledge products and outreach activities. Additionally, the role involves developing concept notes and strategy papers, providing technical assistance for project monitoring and evaluation, and performing other duties to support programme implementation and sustainability.
Work Experience
No prior experience is required. However, demonstrated ability in providing expert advice on education policy and strategy, developing concept notes and programme designs, and producing analytical reports is desirable. Strong skills in programme management, stakeholder coordination with UN agencies and development partners, and excellent written and oral communication are also beneficial.
Skills
Core competencies include accountability, adaptability, building trust, client orientation, commitment to learning, communication, creativity, empowering others, ethics, integrity, judgement, knowledge sharing, leadership, planning, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, technological awareness, vision, and teamwork. Specific expertise areas include Education and Community Development.