Project Officer (TVET Education)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 5IQED 0026PA

Grade: P-3

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Baghdad

Job Family: Education

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 21/10/2026

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

In December 2024, UNESCO, with funding from the European Union, launched Phase III of the three-year Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reform project, “Green and Digital TVET for Enhancing Employability in Iraq.” The project supports the Government of Iraq in advancing the implementation of the National Education Strategy through future-oriented skills development, reskilling and upskilling initiatives that promote green and digital transitions.

Implemented within a dynamic and results-oriented programme framework, the project seeks to enhance the employability and economic participation of Iraqi youth, particularly young women and vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and refugees. The project also contributes to strengthening climate resilience and supporting Iraq's sustainable development objectives.

Through the establishment and strengthening of Centres of Vocational Excellence in eight Technical Universities and Polytechnics, eight Vocational Schools, and two Vocational Training Centres, the project aims to foster stronger linkages between education and labour market needs. Key interventions include curriculum modernization, innovative teaching and learning approaches, institutional capacity development, and the promotion of learner-centred education and training pathways.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Head of the UNESCO Office for Iraq, the overall supervision of the Chief of Education, the Project Officer shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Coordinating the implementation of TVET-3 project while ensuring the achievement of the expected results by:

• Update the workplan and budget to ensure the smooth implementation of project activities, in line with the rules and regulations of UNESCO and the donor.
• Support the implementation of project outcomes, outputs, and activities ensuring the alignment with the overall objectives of the Green and Digital TVET for Enhancing Employability in Iraq project.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with Iraqi Technical Universities. Facilitate activities related to greening and digitalization by organizing site visits, meetings, workshops, and training sessions in collaboration with international experts.
• Regularly conducting and attending meetings of the project steering and technical committees, Education Cluster, and other education coordination mechanisms related to TVET, and ensuring preparing minutes of meetings and action plans with clear responsibility and timeframe.
• Maintaining regular contact with the representatives of relevant government authorities and with representatives of the donor;
• Supervising and providing leadership, guidance and direction for the project team through periodic meetings and other relevant measures.

2. Ensure the monitoring and evaluation of project implementation and the reporting on project activities

• Offer advisory support to International and National Consultants and Project Team, guiding them in their interactions with Ministries and on project implementation tasks, particularly those related to integrating greening and digitalization practices.
• Contributing to monitoring and evaluating project activities and suggesting updates of the project log frames.
• Developing supplementary tools to support the available “office template reporting format” towards improved reporting for results.
• Recalibrating self-reported and evaluation information feeding into the results reporting using feedback mechanisms with government counterparts, donors, and the Education Sector.
• Presenting aggregate strategic analysis on project performance based on commitment of indicators and implementation of activities as well as output delivery.
• Regularly monitoring the financial status of the projects and preparing budget revisions.
• Conducting periodic project reviews with government counterparts and other partners, recording the results of the review meetings in minutes and action plans.
• Providing content on major achievements and the implementation of the projects for UNESCO's public information services to increase the visibility of UNESCO and the donor.

Long Description

3. Manage and Oversee the Procurement process for Project activities

• Ensure that all procurement processes, documents, Terms of Reference (ToRs), and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for TVET-3 project activities comply with UNESCO relevant rules and regulations and meet project and stakeholder expectations.
• Preparing plans for the procurement of goods and services, and drafting terms of reference of contracts
• Monitor the progress of vendors, contractors, and implementing partners' interventions onsite to confirm alignment with project standards, timelines, and specifications.
• Review and approve completion reports, documentation, and release of payments of onsite interventions.

4. Prepare project documentation and progress reports:

• Regularly review and update (upon the needs) the project document, workplan, progress, identify any delays, and advise the project team on adjustments to timelines, resources, or priorities. Ensuring documentation of changes and actions.
• Prepare reports, briefings, presentations, and other materials as requested by the Chief of Education emphasizing the integration and impact of greening and digitalization within the project.
• Preparing reports on project activities for UNESCO, donors, and partners, and ensuring effective visibility of the project results and achievements.
• Prepare the quarterly progress reports and donor reports by providing the required statistics and updated financial status.

5. Conduct Follow-up Field Missions:

• Undertake necessary field missions to TVET institutions in targeted areas to monitor activities, engage with local stakeholders, and provide support for on-the-ground implementation of project activities and as necessary and requested for project implementation in Iraq and elsewhere.

6. Perform Additional Duties:

• Provide support to the UNESCO Iraq Office in identifying and securing potential donors in the TVET sector by actively participating in consultation meetings, conducting thorough research, and developing concept notes and proposals in TVET.
• Support additional tasks as requested by the Head of Office and Chief of Education in line with the project objectives.

Organizational environment and partnerships

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Education, the incumbent will coordinate and manage the implementation of the TVET III Project, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of project activities and achievement of planned results. The incumbent will be expected to demonstrate a strong understanding of UNESCO's administrative, financial, procurement, and human resources policies and procedures relevant to project cycle management.

The incumbent will work closely with the Education Team to ensure coherence and synergy across TVET-related interventions and will collaborate with government counterparts, development partners, and other stakeholders to support the smooth implementation of project activities. The role requires effective coordination, partnership-building, and monitoring to ensure project objectives are achieved in line with UNESCO's strategic priorities and national development goals.

The incumbent will work closely with UNESCO colleagues in Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra, and engage with a broad range of external stakeholders, including donors, government institutions, TVET authorities, education and training institutions, implementing partners, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and beneficiary communities. The role requires strong coordination partnership-building, and stakeholder engagement skills to support the effective implementation of UNESCO's TVET programme in Iraq.

Expected results and duration

Expected results and duration of the assignment

• Expected results of the Project Officer assignment

1. UNESCO Iraq's TVET strategy effectively coordinated, implemented, and periodically reviewed in collaboration with key stakeholders.
2. Enhanced visibility, reporting, and resource mobilization for UNESCO's TVET programme through communication products, concept notes, and partnership development.
3. UNESCO effectively represented in education and TVET coordination forums, with strong partnerships maintained with government counterparts, donors, and development partners.

EU-Funded "Green and Digital TVET for Enhancing Employability in Iraq" Project

1. Effective coordination and delivery of project activities in line with project objectives, timelines, and quality standards.
2. Strong stakeholder engagement and partnerships supporting green and digital TVET reforms.
3. Timely and compliant implementation of procurement and operational processes in accordance with UNESCO and donor requirements.
4. High-quality organization, visibility, documentation, and reporting of project activities and results.

• Duration of Assignment

1. One (1) year, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

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 degree or equivalent) in Education, TVET, Social and Human Sciences, Public Policy, Development Studies, Business Administration, or another relevant field related to UNESCO programme areas.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in education, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) or closely related fields, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at the international level.
• Experience working on education and training or skills development projects.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Integrity, reliability, and sense of commitment in the execution of duties.
• Excellent coordination skill.
• Good knowledge of results-based and budget management tools.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships.
• Ability to work under pressure,
• manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines,
• paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
• Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software.
• Knowledge of UNESCOs mission and the Education Sector’s Programme.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbally and in writing), and sensitivity to the local context. Excellent project implementation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the Organization.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English Language (written and spoken).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience within UNESCO and UN entity and a good understanding of the Organization, including its administrative procedures and financial processes.
• Experience in the context of Middle East countries

language

• Good knowledge of another UNESCO official language especially Arabic will be an advantage.

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 93,092 USD

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) 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
• 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.