National Project Officer - Tashkent - UNESCO

Description

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4UZED 0011PA

Grade : NO-C

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Tashkent

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) : 16-JUL-2025

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.

Only nationals of Uzbekistan may apply to this position.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan is leading several key initiatives aimed at advancing the quality, inclusiveness, and relevance of education in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan's education sector is undergoing significant reforms to improve the quality of teaching and learning. However, teacher capacity and professional development remain key challenges. Many teachers still rely on outdated pedagogical approaches that emphasize rote learning rather than competency-based, child centered instruction. There is a need to strengthen pre-service and in-service teacher training to equip educators with modern teaching methodologies, digital competencies, and inclusive education approaches.

The Teacher Education programme led by UNESCO in Uzbekistan aims to strengthen teacher training in Uzbekistan to enhance the quality of education. The programme focuses on addressing gaps in pre-service and in-service teacher training, professional development, and competency-based education (CBE). 
The expected outcome is improved teacher capacity to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and competency-based education. Key activities include revising teacher training curricula to align with CBE, building teachers and school leaders capacity through digital and blended learning, establishing a mentorship system  for continuous professional learning, and supporting teacher training institutions in implementing evidence-based professional development policies.

To support the successful implementation of this programme, UNESCO seeks a National Project Officer who will contribute with technical expertise, coordinate with national and international partners, and assist in ensuring that the programme's objectives align with the government's broader education reform.  

Long Description

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education (ADG/ED), and of the Head of Office, and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Officer, the incumbent shall perform the functions indicated in the Terms of References below: 

Education Programme Implementation and Technical Support:

• Provide technical support to the Senior Project Officer in the implementation of UNESCO's Education Programme
• Support the Education Team in coordination  and overseeing day-to-day programme activities to ensure they are carried out in line with agreed-upon work plans and timelines.
• Provide technical support for the design and implementation of activities aimed at reforming pre- service and in-service teacher education and establishing systems for continuous professional development aligned with Competency-Based Education (CBE) principles.
• Advise in building the institutional capacity of teacher training centres, education faculties, and professional development centers to deliver and sustain quality learning for educators at scale.
• Ensure the delivery of quality outputs, including the development of training materials, guidelines, and capacity-building initiatives related to pre-service and in-service Teacher Training, in alignment with UNESCO priorities, including the focus on gender equality and equity

Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate strong communication and collaboration between UNESCO, the line ministries, the private sector, and other national stakeholders involved in the Education Programme.
• Support the Senior Project Officer and the Education Unit in liaising with international and national development partners, to ensure synergies between UNESCO's interventions and broader development efforts in Uzbekistan.
• Represent UNESCO at relevant technical meetings and working groups related to UNESCO's areas of interest in the field of education.
• Provide technical support for technical teams, implementing partners, and the government stakeholders to define recruitment needs, job profiles, and selection criteria that reflect the evolving demands of teacher education reform, to ensure coherence of the activities launched, develop synergies with existing UNESCO initiatives and to share best practices/lessons learnt.

Short Description

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):

• Contribute the technical inputs  in the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the progress and impact of programme.
• Contribute to the analysis of programme performance data, identifying key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned to inform future interventions.
• Support the preparation of regular progress reports and donor briefs in collaboration with the programme team.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:

• Contribute to design and implement capacity-building strategies for faculty members, teacher trainers, and institutional leaders to strengthen their ability to deliver CBE-aligned curricula, pedagogy, and assessment method.
• Participate in organizing workshops, training sessions, and other capacity-building activities for government counterparts and education stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products and resources that will help national stakeholders sustain and expand the impact of UNESCO's education interventions.

Resource Mobilization and Reporting:

• Developing, in consultation with the Senior Project Officer, funding proposals and concept notes for additional programme activities, in line with the identified needs and priorities of the education sector.
• Identify and engage with additional partners willing to participate in current and/or future initiatives

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)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, International Development, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or a related field. 

Work Experience

• A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in the field of education.  
• Demonstrated experience working with government counterparts, international organizations, and development partners.

Skills and competencies

• In-depth knowledge of the education sector in Uzbekistan
• Ability to develop innovative approaches in terms of strategic planning.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities efficiently. Proficiency in coordinating multi-stakeholder projects and partnerships.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work in a collegial manner and build partnerships both within and externally to UNESCO
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively deal with colleagues, partners and networks in private and public sectors in education and teacher development
   

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
• Good knowledge (spoken and written) of Uzbek.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Work experience in education project management 
• Experience within the UN system, multilateral agencies or international corporations.
• Experience with the work of teacher training institutions in Uzbekistan
• Experience with UNESCO internal processes and procedures

Skills and competencies

• Knowledge of teacher policy, or skills trainings, especially those related to digital solutions and/or those aimed at teachers would be an advantage.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of Russian.

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 57, 615.

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 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 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.