Associate Project Officer

OVERVIEW

Post Number : ED/PA 176

Grade : P-2

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 5-MAR-2021

 

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 performance.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

A. Context

 

UNESCO’s Capacity Development for Education (CapED) Programme supports countries as to plan, implement and monitor SDG4-responsive education policies and plans. The Programme works with national counterparts to promote participatory nationally driven efforts to enhance capacities in planning processes, management functions, and organizational structures to improve educational quality and increase educational opportunities for all.

 

With a focus on least developed countries and those in emergency or recovering from conflict or national disasters, CapED is currently operational in 26 countries. It is implemented by UNESCO Field Offices with the support, monitoring and strategic guidance of a coordination team based at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. CapED's complex budget structure and results framework require close budget and programmatic monitoring, planning and analysis.

Long Description

B. Main duties and responsibilities

 

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education, the immediate supervision of the CapED Team Leader, and overall guidance from the Chief of the Unit for Strategic Planning, Monitoring, Institute and Field Coordination of the Education Sector's Executive Office (ED/EO/SPM), the incumbent will advise on relevant budget, financial and performance matters related to the CapED Programme. Specifically, she/he will: 

 

1. Ensure and coordinate budget planning, allocation and allotment processes, and monitor programme implementation across all country programmes, identifying budget discrepancies, undertaking operational risk analysis and coordinating relevant remedial actions.

 

2. Prepare regular budget performance reports analysing past and present expenditures, estimating future revenues, undertaking systematic analysis to mitigate cash flow and liquidity risks, and proposing budget scenarios for decision making, monitoring exercises and reporting. 

 

3. Identify and analyse monitoring needs and propose improvements in working methods with the use of monitoring and budget tools.

 

4. Provide budget development advice regarding budget structures as per expected results and donor reporting requirements, and conduct cost analysis and benchmarking per type of activities to ensure a more effective management of projects.

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

 

Education

• An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in administration, business, finance, accounting, or other related fields.

 

Work Experience

• At least two years of working experience, of which preferably one year acquired at international level or in an international setting in the field of budget planning and finance.
• Demonstrated experience in budget monitoring, analysis, forecasting and strategic planning.

 

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to work independently, suggest practical solutions and follow-up effectively on management decisions.
•  Strong interpersonal skills, with proven ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, to manage heavy workload and to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong IT skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, databases and office software/multimedia packages.

 

Language

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken)  of either English or French  and full professional proficiency in the other language.

 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Work Experience

• Work experience with UN agencies or experience with assignments for the UN.
• Experience in working with SAP.

 

Skills and Competencies

• Understanding and knowledge of UNESCO’s mandate and SDG4.

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.

 

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.

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 is committed to achieve and sustain 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. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) 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.