Back Associate Project Officer

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 3COEDPA001IH

Grade : P-2

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Bogota

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) : 23-JUN-2025

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC) and the Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD) have established a partnership dedicated to strengthening higher education teaching capacities, promoting pedagogical innovation, and fostering leadership for sustainable and transformative change in the Latin American region and other parts of the Global South. The post will be located in Bogotá (Colombia), and its academic programming will primarily be developed in Santa Fe de Antioquia (Antioquia - Colombia). The main focus will be on:

• Research and development of innovative university pedagogies.
• Capacity building and training in transformative teaching practices, sustainability, and hybrid education methodologies.
• Networking among higher education leaders to advance sustainable and inclusive education.
• Advocacy and resource mobilization to ensure the activities in the long-term.

  Under the direct supervision of the Director of UNESCO IESALC, the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the strategic plan and the coordination of the programs, partnerships and resources. The incumbent will support the senior management in ensuring that impacts and outcomes align with the core values of UNESCO.

  MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  Programme and Project Contribution

  • Support the preparation of thematic and situational analysis, including analysis and evaluation of project and programme implementation and delivery. Identify areas for improvement and correction, and for increased alignment with regional UNESCO goals, national and UN agencies goals and strategies (e.g. 2015 Sustainable Development Goals).
  • Support the preparation of reports and proposals setting out plans for implementation of programme/project developments and monitoring performance against established indicators. Provide input, including data and statistics to the preparation of reports on the implementation of programmes and projects (funded within C/5 and extrabudgetary funds) and other briefings as may be required by the UNESCO Field Office or Headquarters, using relevant tools, including the System of Information on Strategies, Tasks and the Evaluation of Results.
  • Provide substantive, logistical and administrative support to projects, consultations, meetings, events and missions.

    Long Description

    Research and Knowledge Management, Public Information

    • Conduct research, compile analysis, data and inputs for publications, documents, projects and policy proposals and recommend elements of inclusion. Expand knowledge and awareness of needs. Ensure knowledge management systems are current and content is coordinated and shared with Field and ED staff regardless of location.
    • Analyze best practices and current trends to contribute inputs and recommendations to a variety of proposals and reports.
    • Contribute to public information and awareness raising activities, organizing and participating in supporting outreach tasks, researching, writing, feeding social media, hosting information points.
    • Invest in personal, professional learning in respect of new trends, and maintenance of personal knowledge and expertise.

      
      Partnership

      • Analyze and compile background data for potential partnerships and fundraising events and opportunities. Assist in UNESCO’s IESALC involvement in UN projects and collaboration Support associated monitoring, evaluation and reporting tasks.
      • Carry out backstopping in support of collaborative activities for colleagues at UNESCO IESALC. Identify opportunities or areas for increased collaboration; throughout education initiatives and strategies, within broader UNESCO goals and inter disciplinary approaches.
      • Upload to automated systems (Sharepoint) and other platforms the institutional memory of UNESCO IESALC.

        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)

        REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

        Education

        Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, Educational Technology, International Development, or a related field.

        📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

        ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

        Work Experience

      • A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in higher education, teacher training, or educational project management, of which preferably one (1) year acquired at international level.
      • Demonstrable experience in organizing capacity-building programs, training sessions, or similar initiatives within the education sector.

        Long Description

        Skills and Competencies

      • Understanding multiple pedagogical approaches and disruptive technologies for higher education, particularly hybrid and digital environments.
      • Ability to coordinate with diverse stakeholders and promote international collaboration for sustainable and inclusive education.
      • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt and innovate.
      • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; effectively presenting results and recommendations.
      • Team-oriented approach with the ability to operate within a multi-disciplinary environment and cultural diversity.

        Languages

        Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of Spanish and English.

        DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

        Work Experience

      • Experience in capacity-building or training initiatives focusing on higher education or pedagogical enhancement.
      • Experience in coordinating or implementing research projects on higher education innovation or sustainability.

        Languages

      • Knowledge of another UNESCO language (French, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) would be an asset.

        BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

        UNESCO's remuneration includes a basic salary and other benefits, including (depending on eligibility) 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan, etc.
        The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 76,897 US $.

        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 an 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.

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