Associate Project Officer (Education)

OVERVIEW

Position Number : ED/PA 259

Grade : P-2

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Paris

Job Family : Education

Contract Type : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 22/10/2026

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 satisfactory performance.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director General for Education, the overall guidance of the Director of the Division for Peace and Sustainable Development, and the direct supervision of the Chief of Section on Global Citizenship and Peace Education, the incumbent will contribute to follow-up and implementation of the 2023 Recommendation by focusing on the development of new thematic and context-specific materials and their dissemination, as well as to capacity-strengthening and other targeted activities and support to Member States (with a particular focus on the LAC region).

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Associate Project Officer will :

- Provide substantive research, analytical, and technical support for the design and implementation of the digital citizenship portfolio, including the preparation of strategic documentation such as policy briefs, position papers, guidance materials, and inputs to resource mobilization initiatives, fostering collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and develop integrated regional and country-level programmes.

- Support the development, publication, and dissemination of materials on the teaching and learning of history, particularly those included in the General History of Africa Resource Pack and contribute to the preparation and dissemination of other knowledge products and outreach activities, such as reports, presentations, workshops, and events, ensuring effective coordination with Field Offices. Ensure follow up particularly with the LAC countries.

- Support the planning, coordination, and rollout of the Section's work on hate speech, racism, equality and non-discrimination at regional and national levels. Contribute to strengthening coherence and synergies between UNESCO's work on digital citizenship, hate speech prevention and the promotion of equality and non-discrimination, supporting integrated educational responses in line with the 2023 Recommendation. Work closely with other sectors, Field Offices, Member States and partners, ensuring effective follow-up, particularly in the LAC region.

- Support partnership development and resource mobilization efforts by analyzing and compiling background information for potential partnerships and fundraising opportunities and providing operational backstopping for collaborative activities in the above areas.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Associate Project Officer will :
• Provide substantive research, analytical, and technical support for the design and implementation of the digital citizenship portfolio, including the preparation of strategic documentation such as policy briefs, position papers, guidance materials, and inputs to resource mobilization initiatives, fostering collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and develop integrated regional and country-level programmes.
• Support the development, publication, and dissemination of materials on the teaching and learning of history, particularly those included in the General History of Africa Resource Pack and contribute to the preparation and dissemination of other knowledge products and outreach activities, such as reports, presentations, workshops, and events, ensuring effective coordination with Field Offices. Ensure follow up particularly with the LAC countries.
• Support the planning, coordination, and rollout of the Section's work on hate speech, racism, equality and non-discrimination at regional and national levels. Contribute to strengthening coherence and synergies between UNESCO's work on digital citizenship, hate speech prevention and the promotion of equality and non-discrimination, supporting integrated educational responses in line with the 2023 Recommendation. Work closely with other sectors, Field Offices, Member States and partners, ensuring effective follow-up, particularly in the LAC region.
• Support partnership development and resource mobilization efforts by analyzing and compiling background information for potential partnerships and fundraising opportunities and providing operational backstopping for collaborative activities in the above areas.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

- Communication (C)

- Accountability (C)

- Innovation (C)

- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

- Planning and organizing (C)

- Results focus (C)

- Teamwork (C)

- Professionalism (C)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework .

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of History, Education, Social or Human Sciences, Political Science or related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

- At least 2 years of professional experience,of which preferably 1 year acquired at international level, in the field of peacebuilding and international development and/or education research, advisory and advocacy, capacity development and training.

- Experience in organizing events for diverse audiences, such as memorial days, workshops, training, conferences.

- Track record of engagement with governments, funding agencies, non-governmental organizations or the United Nations would be an asset.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent skills in managing complex international education projects, including coordination with project partners, project implementation, and reporting.
• Track record in fundraising and grant writing.
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to draft clearly and concisely for specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Excellent written skills, ability to write concise and clear texts and ability to ensure the accuracy of documents and reports, through research, referencing sources and consultations, with particular attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with a variety of actors and work effectively and respectfully in a multicultural environment.
• A strong sense of ethics, professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and discretion.
• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, manage high workloads and tight deadlines, and act flexibly to adjust work schedules and priorities; and
• Excellent IT and computer skills (MS Office).

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and/or good knowledge of the other language (verbal and written).

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.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is USD 87 095.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our  Guide to Staff Benefits .

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website . No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

- 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 to 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 (https://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.

- lndividuals 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.

- Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.

- In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net (https://www.whed.net/home.php)

- The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.

- UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.

- UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.