Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Beirut
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 10-APR-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Lebanon education system is challenged with multi-faceted crises that are disrupting the development of the education sector. UNESCO and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) initiated programs to respond to the existing challenges and maintain the resilience of the sector under the strategic objectives of the 5-year plan.
UNESCO Beirut office is dedicated to support MEHE in capacity building efforts to increase quality of education to all students and guarantee the resilience of the education system and implement the strategic objectives of sector plans.
This is reflected in the national development goal for Lebanon’s future: Lebanon’s high-quality human capital strengthens socio-economic development, innovation and resilience.
SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The Partnership Coordinator will be responsible for identifying, developing, and maintaining partnerships with organizations that align with the goals, mission, and priorities of UNESCO and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. This includes developing and implementing strategies to cultivate relationships with potential partners, negotiating and drafting partnership agreements, and managing existing partnerships to ensure that they are meeting the needs of the ministry. The Partnership Coordinator will work under the close supervision of UNESCO and the Minister of Education and Higher Education and will coordinate with various teams at UNESCO and MEHE to identify opportunities for collaboration and to ensure that partnerships are integrated into UNESCO and MEHE’s overall strategy and aligned with the five-year plan for General Education and the reform roadmap initiative.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work closely with UNESCO, and the Minister and his team to identify funding gaps aligned with sector priorities, prioritize fundraising needs, and set fundraising targets of the 5 Year Plan, other sector plans and programs.
• Maintain close relationship and strengthen ties with existing partners.
• Assess external and internal opportunities for resource mobilization and identification and perform mapping of current and potential partnerships.
• Provide inputs to outreach/publicity material geared towards partners and donors.
• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate relationships with potential partners.
• Negotiate and draft partnership agreements.
• Work under the supervision of the Minister to manage existing partnerships at the ministry including monitoring progress and ensuring that the partnerships are meeting the needs and expectations of all parties.
• Prepare periodic reports on policy developments, stakeholder engagement, and office performance to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.
• Identify opportunities for MEHE to partner with private sector, national partners, international organizations, donors, and UN Agencies for the purpose of implementing the 5 Year Plan and other sector programs.
• Facilitate coordination and collaboration between internal ministry departments, UNESCO, and all education sector partners to ensure the effective implementation of joint education programs and initiatives. This includes strengthening communication channels, aligning efforts, and supporting the successful execution of assigned initiatives.
• Support the implementation and coordination of the Multi-Year Resilience Program (MYRP) by facilitating stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with national education priorities, monitoring progress, and contributing to reporting and resource mobilization efforts to enhance education access and resilience in crisis-affected communities.
• Align donor and partner support with MEHE-led initiatives, fostering a sustainable transition that reflects national education priorities and long-term development goals.
• Assist in strengthening relationships with donors to foster multi-stakeholder engagement and contribute to ensuring sustained technical support for education initiatives.
• Master’s degree in education, business, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in partnership development and management.
• Previous experience in fund-raising for an international organization is preferable.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively to identify new opportunities for partnerships.
• Proven ability to work both independently and within a team of senior experts.
• Strong tactful/soft diplomacy and communication skills with proficiency in developing high-level compelling technical written and oral presentations.
• Fluency in Arabic and English, French is desired.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines with minimum level of supervision.
DELIVERABLES
The Consultant shall submit the below reports in the specific responsibilities defined in this Terms of Reference that includes the following:
• Deliverable 1: Progress report of MYRP activities including the outcomes of the ECW mission, steering committee meeting, and other relevant activities (includes executive summary, key monthly objectives & activities, milestones & future steps - ongoing tasks and/or new cycle).
• Deliverable 2: Final report: A report mapping existing and potential partnerships, funding gaps, and priority fundraising needs for the 5-Year Education Plan and other sector programs
* The Consultant will provide documentation of the specific responsibilities reflected in the progress report.
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.
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.