OVERVIEW
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) : 20-APR-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The September 2024 crisis in Lebanon lasted for 72 days, leading to a loss of 40 days of schooling across public schools and impacting over 500,000 students, with numerous educational institutions either located in directly affected areas or converted into collective shelters. During the crisis, more than 77% of public schools and other educational establishments were not providing education services, disrupting access to education at all levels nationwide. Throughout the crisis, 647 public education institutions have been repurposed as collective shelters, including 561 public schools, 67 technical and vocational education (TVET) centers, and 19 branches of the Lebanese University. This crisis has disrupted another school year for children and youth in Lebanon, further exacerbating learning loss and leading to a decline in human capital, which will affect future labor market outcomes.
On 21 October 2024, UNESCOโs Executive Board adopted, by consensus, Decision 220 EX/44 reaffirming the Organizationโs key role in addressing the impact of the September 2024 crisis in Lebanon by ensuring education for all, protecting the cultural, historical and natural heritage of humanity and facilitating the free flow of ideas and information. It also called for the urgent preparation of an Action Plan covering all UNESCOโs relevant areas of intervention in Lebanon. The Education component of the UNESCO Lebanon Action Plan is in full alignment with MEHEโs EECRP and focused on continuity of learning, system strengthening and the early recovery of the education system. UNESCOโs education response actions are also framed within the wider recovery and development efforts of the United Nations (UN) in Lebanon, as set out in the Lebanon Response Plan 2025. UNESCO identified key priority interventions in support to the implementation of the EECRP through the โUNESCO Action Plan for Emergency Response in Lebanonโ. The key elements of the Action Plan include:
โข Provision of mental health and psychological support for school-aged children and youth, including those displaced and with disabilities; training of teachers and educators both for their mental health and equipping them with the skills to provide support to the affected learners.
โข Capacity building for crisis-sensitive planning and educational response in emergency context including distance learning, training of educational personnel for crisis sensitive instruction, at general education, TVET and higher education levels.
โข Training of teachers, educators as well as higher education and TVET students to volunteer to support schools and learning hubs in communities, TVET centers and universities; and provision of stationery and printed learning materials to affected learners for general education, TVET and higher education levels.
SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The Project Support Coordinator contributes to the implementation of UNESCO Action Plan for Emergency Response in Lebanon throughout its programming process and through the application of theoretical and technical skills.
Under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Regional Office for UN Coordination for the Arab States in Beirut (hereafter referred to as the Beirut Office), and the direct supervision of the Senior National Professional Officer responsible for Education in Lebanon, the Project Support Coordinator will contribute to the coordination, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the activities under the UNESCO Action Plan for Emergency Response in Lebanon.
Long Description
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Support Coordinator will carry out the following duties:
Project Management:
โข Contribute to the conceptualization, planning, development, coordination, monitoring and implementation of initiatives with focus on the UNESCO Action Plan in alignment with the 5-Year General Education Plan, the Education Emergency Costed Response Plan EECRP, and the Reform Roadmap, and in line with gender priorities and UNESCOโs Medium-Term Strategy, the approved Program and Budget, the 2030 Agenda, and as per the countriesโ needs and priorities.
โข Develop, plan, implement, and coordinate initiatives pertinent to the assigned projects, support to scale up activities, good practices, and expand knowledge base evidence.
โข Contribute to the development and implementation of emergency activities under the UNESCO Action Plan including supporting PSS training, crisis-sensitive system strengthening including planning, leadership, and instruction, and other programs associated with the priorities of the education section of UNESCO Beirut.
โข Contribute to quality assurance process of education tools, reports, guidelines and policies developed within the program.
Monitoring and Reporting:
Ensure timely control and monitoring of the assigned tasks.
Draft progress reports and final narrative reports, highlighting achievements, results, challenges faced, lessons learnt, and recommendations for future action or intervention.
Event management and Communication:
Contribute to the coordination and support the organization of visibility events and activities related to the above projects, including the coordination with multiple stakeholders, event logistics, follow up with visibility matters.
Ensure that visibility requirements and guidelines of UNESCO, donors and partners are respected and followed in the projects, activities and events.
Long Description
EDUCATION
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in education, management, social and human sciences, international development or related fields.
WORK EXPERIENCE
โข Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience with responsibilities gained progressively in the field of education or a related field, of which at least 1 year acquired at international level.
โข Experience in implementing education programs in crisis or emergency settings.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
โข Excellent project management skills, ability to coordinate complex and multiple projects and to take quality decisions.
โข Excellent coordination and communication skills, both verbal and written.
โข Proven ability to work with diverse team members, partners and stakeholders and build partnerships.
โข Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, to think strategically, to prioritize and manage multiple and complex tasks within tight deadlines and to deliver time-sensitive quality work.
โข Proven ability to draft high quality, clear, concise documents and reports.
โข Ability to build partnerships, work with diverse team members, partners and stakeholders
LEVEL OF EFFORT, TIMELINE AND DURATION
โข This is a full-time position, requiring daily attendance at the UNESCO Beirut Offices.
โข The duration of the assignment is up to eight months with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C)Communication (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Professionalism (C)
- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
Long Description
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 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.
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