Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Baghdad
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff/ Service Contract
Level : SB 4: SC 8/1
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 10-Dec-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Organizational Context
UNESCO Office in Iraq, in collaboration with Ministry of Education (MOE) and UNICEF and with funding from EU, is implementing programme “Equitable Access to Quality General Education in Iraq: Improving Teaching and Learning and Education Management (ITALEEM)”. The overall objective of ITALEEM is to support all learners in Iraq, including the most disadvantaged ones, are able to access and complete high-quality, inclusive, and gender-responsive teaching and learning in General Education.
The programme aims at three specific objectives which, taken together, strengthen institutional capacity, school management and civil society engagement in the education sector, in pursuit of the overall objective:
i. To strengthen an evidenced-based, gender-responsive, policy, planning, and management environment with quality assurance mechanisms and institutional and professional capacities at national, governorate, and school levels, that enables all children and adolescents – especially those from disadvantaged groups such as IDPs, returnees, refugees, and children with disabilities—to access and complete quality basic education.
ii. To improve access to, and enhance the quality of, gender-responsive, inclusive, and climate-resilient education at the school level for all children, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, raising achievement and completion.
iii. To enhance the capacity of CSOs, parents, local communities, teacher organizations, and private sector organizations to actively engage in policy formulation and interventions in such a way that all children and adolescents – especially those from disadvantaged groups – access and complete quality education.
Under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Iraq Office, overall supervision of the Chief of Education Unit and day-to-day guidance from the Programme Manager ITALEEM, the Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer will be responsible for designing and implementing the MEL framework for ITALEEM Programme, ensuring that all activities are monitored, evaluated, and reported effectively. The MEL Officer will work closely with programme teams, including UNICEF MEL officer, to collect and analyze data, generate insights, and facilitate learning to improve programme outcomes.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer will perform the following duties and responsibilities:
1. Monitoring and Evaluation
• Develop and implement ITALEEM programme MEL plan, including indicators, data collection methods, and timelines.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor programme activities and verify data.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
• Prepare and present MEL reports, highlighting key findings and recommendations.
2. Learning and Knowledge Management
• Facilitate learning sessions and workshops to share MEL findings with programme teams and stakeholders.
• Document and disseminate best practices, lessons learned, and success stories.
• Maintain a database of MEL data and ensure its accessibility for project teams.
3. Capacity Building
• Train programme staff and partners on MEL concepts, tools, and processes.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to enhance MEL capacity within the programme team and partners.
4. Collaboration and Coordination
• Work closely with programme manager, component leads, partners, and stakeholders to ensure MEL activities are integrated into project management and implementation.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to strategic discussions.
Required Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in project planning and management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
Years of Experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in MEL roles, preferably in the education sector in a development or humanitarian context.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks and tools.
Languages
• Excellent knowledge of English Language (written and spoken).
Skills and competencies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata) and data visualization tools.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• In-depth knowledge of MEL methodologies and best practices.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing MEL frameworks and tools.
• Strong understanding of data collection, analysis, and reporting techniques.
• Ability to analyze complex data sets and generate actionable insights.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong report-writing skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to identify challenges and propose effective solutions.
• Experience in project planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to work in diverse cultural contexts
Desirable Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
Advanced University Degree (Master's or Equivalent) in Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field is desirable.
Experience
• Previous experience in a similar role with I-NGOs and, or UN entity.
Languages
• Knowledge of the other UNESCO official languages (French, Chinese, Russian and Spanish).
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.
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.
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