Project Officer

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4AFED 0027PA

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Kabul

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 19-NOV-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The project officer will lead a team to implement the project "Economic empowerment through community-based skills development and literacy training in Afghanistan" funded by the European Union (EU).  The project aims to empower illiterate youth and adults, including girls and women, aged 15 to 45, by providing opportunities to acquire livelihood skills integrated with literacy training. For learners with children in their households, the project also offers parenting guidance to support the children's holistic development. Recognizing the critical role of psychosocial wellbeing in learning and resilience, especially in the current circumstances in Afghanistan, the project integrates psychosocial support (PSS) to create safer, more nurturing learning environments and to strengthen learners' emotional wellbeing alongside their educational and skills development. 

Long Description

Main duties and responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Officer in Charge and the direct supervision of the Head of Education, and in close coordination with the Skills Development and Literacy Team Lead at the UNESCO Office in Kabul, the project officer will be responsible for overall management of the project (Planning, implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and reporting): 

• Project implementation: Develop and implement a detailed work plan to ensure timely implementation of all activities in line with the project document and budget plan; Ensure the management of the project in line with EU guidelines and UNESCO's financial and administrative regulations; Serve as the overall budget holder to conduct regular budget variance analysis and take necessary actions to align burn rate and project timelines; Develop a project procurement plan and work closely with the procurement unit for project procurement and contracting; Select and manage local implementing partners for quality delivery of services in the communities.
• Project monitoring, evaluation & reporting: Lead the development and execution of the project's Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, including log frames, Indicator Progress Tracking Table (IPTT), and Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP); Monitor financial utilization, prepare periodic narrative and financial reports as per EU requirements, and adjust project implementation as needed.

Long Description

• Technical assistance and policy advice: Provide necessary technical input and policy advice to project areas related to non-formal skills development, literacy, parenting education and psychosocial support; Keep abreast of skills development and literacy programme development in Afghanistan and identify best practices to advise colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
• Project staff recruitment and management: Prepare Terms of Reference (ToRs) and ensure compliance with UNESCO HR policies during recruitment; Provide guidance and capacity development support to project staff to enhance performance and professional growth; Lead and manage a high-performing team to ensure continuous improvement and timely, high-quality project implementation.
• Knowledge management and visibility: Organize and coordinate consultation, knowledge sharing and learning events; Develop and execute a visibility and communication plan for the project; Prepare and draft project success stories, impact articles, briefings, publications and reports.
• Coordination and partnership: Coordinate with internal teams, external partners, donors, and stakeholders to ensure synergy, effective collaboration, and maximized project impact. 

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) -
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in the field of education, social sciences, development studies or a related area.

Work experience

• At least 4 years of relevant work experience in education and other related fields, of which 2 years acquired at the international level.
• A deep understanding of education development work, particularly of non-formal TVET and literacy. 

Skills 

• Excellent project management skills, including results-based management, financial management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting;
• Strong sensitivity and adaptability in post-conflict countries;
• Integrity, reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties;
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills;  
• Ability to work under pressure, to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work; and
• Strong IT skills, including good knowledge of standard office software and online collaboration tools.  

Languages 

• Excellent command in English (both written and spoken). 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience

• Relevant work experience in managing projects on literacy and non-formal TVET;
• Relevant work experience in the UN;
• Relevant work experience in working with the EU; and
• Previous work experience in crisis-affected contexts. 

Skills

• Knowledge of UNESCO's mission and action in the position's field.  

Languages 

• Good knowledge of another UN Language.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO's salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 95,909 USD.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization. 

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