OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Afghanistan faced a serious learning crisis with one of the highest levels of learning poverty in the world. 93 percent of Afghan children aged 10 years old were unable to read and understand a simple text. Results from the 2017 Systems Approach for Better Education Results (SABER) Service Delivery Survey by the World Bank also show that, despite remarkable expansion of schooling in the country over the past decades, Afghan students were not learning effectively. After spending 4 years in primary school, only two-thirds of Afghan students have fully mastered the Grade 1 Language curriculum and less than half of them mastered the Grade 1 Mathematics curriculum (World Bank, 2018). While learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have had negative impacts on students’ learning outcomes across the world, including Afghanistan, both schooling and learning deprivations are likely to be exacerbated due to the current country context.

UNESCO strives to promote education in Afghanistan as a fundamental human right while aiming to provide access to quality, relevant and inclusive education for all. UNESCO has over the years been implementing education programmes and projects in Afghanistan. In alignment with UNESCO’s approved C/4 and C/5 and related country frameworks such as the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan, UNESCO Kabul Office seeks to accelerate the implementation of education programmes and projects in response to the fast-changing operating contexts. In addition to its leading role in sector-wide coordination and strategic planning while ensuring learning continuity through community-based programmes and alternative learning modalities in Afghanistan, the Office aims to enhance the knowledge base and knowledge sharing on several critical areas of the country’s education sector, including learning outcomes, teacher content knowledge and pedagogical skills.

Within the framework of the Education Sector Programme Implementation Grant provided by the Global Partnership to UNICEF Afghanistan, UNESCO Kabul is leading its component. This includes measuring the academic achievement of Grade 3 students in Afghanistan, conducting an in-depth research study on teaching and learning practices, and disseminating key findings to relevant stakeholders.

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Main duties and responsibilities:

Under the overall authority of the Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Kabul, the overall supervision of the Head of Education Unit, and the immediate supervision of the Inclusion, Quality of Education and Research (IQR) Project Officer/Team Lead, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

1. Under the leadership of the IQR Team Lead, ensure the effective implementation of IQR Team’s projects, with a focus on research projects such as a Grade 3 student learning assessment and a positive deviance research study, in compliance with the rules and regulations of UNESCO;
2. Support in planning and strategizing the implementation of all research project activities, with a view to ensuring proper consideration and understanding of local contexts;
3. Supervise and advise contractors directly involved in the implementation of research projects and promptly inform the Management of any significant risks and propose risk mitigation measures. Facilitate regular meetings and communications to maintain effective collaboration between IQR Team and contractors;
4. Responsible for the organization of consultative meetings with technical partners such as relevant Sections at UNESCO HQ, UNESCO Institutes, UNICEF and other members of the Education Strategic Thematic Working Group (Ed-STWG) in Afghanistan to ensure a participatory approach to the implementation of IQR Team’s research projects;

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       5. Coordinate the development of relevant technical documents and knowledge products within the framework of IQR Team’s research projects;

6. Support the IQR Team Lead in preparing and submitting timely and accurate project reports, including progress and financial reports. Ensure reports comply with donor requirements and organizational standards.

7. Foster productive relationships with key education stakeholders in Afghanistan to facilitate the seamless implementation of IQR Team’s projects;

8. Contribute to the development of new project proposals and grant applications by IQR Team by compiling data, analysing and evaluating information, and drafting documents. Provide inputs based on project insights, lessons learned, and best practices to enhance proposal quality and relevance;

9. Represent IQR Team at relevant meetings and fora, presenting the team’s perspectives and initiatives, and advocating for UNESCO’s priorities related to education in Afghanistan;

10. Undertake any other tasks as deemed relevant by the IQR Team Lead and/or UNESCO Kabul senior management.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in education and/or social research management;
• Proven experience in programming and project management such as programme design and results monitoring, budget implementation and oversight;
• Demonstrated ability to engage and coordinate with diverse stakeholders, including other UN organisations, National and International NGOs and local communities.

Skills and Competencies

• Good knowledge of research methods and strong analytical and research skills, including proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data;
• Good understanding of the education sector in Afghanistan;
• Strong communication skills and ability to function well in a multi-cultural team and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of partners;
• Ability to work under pressure, to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work;
• Results-oriented personality with proven problem-solving skills;
• High level of personal and professional integrity;
• Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software and online collaboration tools;

Languages

• Fluency (spoken and written) in English and Dari and/or Pashto.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience in designing and managing research projects related to education;
• Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization;
• Experience working with the UN or international organizations.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency in using qualitative and quantitative data analysis packages such as NVivo, STATA, and R will be an asset;
• Knowledge of different types of learning assessments, including large-scale learning assessment.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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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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