Programme Officer (Education)

Position Number: 4THED 0005TA

Grade:P-3

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Bangkok

Job Family: Education

Contract Type:Temporary Appointment

Duration of contract: From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to:Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 11/06/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization Integrity Respect for Diversity Professionalism

Duration of contract: 11 months with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

The UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok) covers Afghanistan Cambodia Lao PDR Myanmar Vietnam Singapore and Thailand. The office represents UNESCO in the United Nations regional architecture namely the Regional Collaborative Platform for Asia-Pacific and leads the regional coordination of Sustainable Development Goal 4.

The Education Section at UNESCO Bangkok is dedicated to strengthening the capacities of the Member States to provide equitable inclusive and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. Through targeted support UNESCO Bangkok assists Member States in designing reviewing financing and systematically monitoring their education sector policies and plans to develop transformative education systems aligned with SDG4.

In this context UNESCO supports programmes in higher education TVET skills development and digital transformation including emerging areas such as AI in education to help countries develop relevant skills for the future of work and improve education systems. Furthermore the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok is the Secretariat of the Tokyo Convention on Recognition of Qualifications and of the Entrepreneurship Education Network for Asia-Pacific.

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and the direct supervision of the Chief of Education section the incumbent will design plan coordinate implement and monitor the above-mentioned programmes:
(1) Support the implementation of the programmes in compliance with the programmes specific objectives activities and expected outputs by:
Ensuring quality achievement of the programme outputs;
Regularly monitoring and updating as relevant of the project work plan;
Planning and organizing procurement of goods and services and regularly monitoring its implementation;
Identifying programme implementation partners and providers of goods and services.
Following up on the implementation of the contracts assessing the quality of services provided and requesting disbursement of funds;
Building synergies with other programmes and activities of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and relevant programmes of other development partners in our region.
(2) Ensure the monitoring and evaluation of programmes implementation and the reporting on activities by:
Contributing to monitoring and evaluation of programme activities reporting on progress and suggesting updates to the programme timeframe;
Regularly monitoring the financial status of the programmes and promptly developing budget revision if needed;
Regularly preparing conducting and following up meetings of the programme coordination and technical mechanisms preparing their minutes and action plans with the clear division of responsibility and timeframe;
Presenting aggregate strategic analysis on programme performance based on commitment of indicators and implementation of activities as well as output delivery;
Preparing reports on programme activities for UNESCO the donor and partners;
Ensuring the implementation of the communication and visibility plan of the programmes in close coordination with the Communication Team;
Fostering exchanges of information experience identifying new strategies of action to improve delivery of services and to achieve the programmes requirements and objectives; and
Supervising and providing guidance and direction to the colleagues supporting these programmes.
(3) Liaise with the Government international and national stakeholders by:
Ensuring programmes alignment with Government reforms in education sector;
Maintaining regular relations with national counterparts and key stakeholders (Ministries providers regional and local authorities etc.) including private sector stakeholders UNESCO Chairs and UNEVOC Centres;
Mobilizing UNESCOs entities in support of the Government reforms including UNESCO HQs and UNESCO Institutes and liaising with other UNESCO Regional Offices and Field Offices as needed;
Sharing international experiences and facilitating access to information knowledge and good practices; and
Setting-up mechanisms and actions to ensure sustainability of programmes outputs.
Supporting UN engagement of the Office through UN planning exercises such as the development implementation and monitoring of UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) at country level.
Support the Office resource mobilization efforts in higher education TVET and digital transformation including through intersectoral programmes.

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Education Section and the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Bangkok. Within this framework the incumbent will operate with a moderate level of independence in implementing programme activities guided by established workplans UNESCO rules and operational procedures.

The incumbent will be responsible for the day to day coordination and implementation of programme activities including overseeing partnerships managing procurement and contracts and ensuring the timely delivery of outputs. While strategic direction and quality assurance will be provided by the supervisor the role requires sound judgment in managing implementation processes resources and associated risks. The incumbent may also provide guidance and supervision to consultants and support staff involved in programme delivery.

In carrying out these functions the incumbent will maintain regular working relationships with internal colleagues across UNESCO Bangkok as well as with UNESCO Field Offices Regional Offices Headquarters and Institutes. Externally the incumbent will liaise with government counterparts development partners donors and UN agencies as well as academic institutions UNESCO Chairs UNEVOC Centres private sector actors civil society organizations consultants and service providers to support effective programme implementation and partnership development.

The incumbent will also support UNESCO Bangkok role as Secretariat of the Tokyo Convention on Recognitions of Qualifications and the Asia-Pacific Network of National Information Centres (APNNIC) and liaise closely with Bureau members and the Secretariat of the Entrepreneurship Education Network for Asia and the Pacific with coordination with its national chapters.

Furthermore the incumbent will support the office mobilization efforts identify and engage with potential donors and partners.

EXPECTED RESULTS AND DURATION OF THE ASSIGMENT

The incumbent is expected to perform the duties and responsibilities mentioned above to achieve the following expected results:
Effective and timely implementation of programme activities in line with approved workplans ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs.
Strengthened coordination and partnerships with government counterparts UN agencies development partners and key stakeholders to support programme objectives as well as with potential new donors and partners.
High-quality technical analytical and financial reporting produced for UNESCO donors and partners ensuring accountability and transparency.
Improved monitoring and evaluation of programme activities contributing to evidence-based decision-making and enhanced programme performance.
Effective implementation of communication and visibility activities to promote programme achievements and knowledge sharing.
Strengthened sustainability and impact of programme results through strategic engagement and continuous improvement of programme delivery
The duration of the assignment is 11 months renewable subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The assignment is expected to start on 1 July 2026 and end on 31 May 2027.

• 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.

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of education social sciences international development or related area.

WORK EXPERIENCE

At least four (4) years of relevant work experience in Education including two (2) years acquired preferably at the international level in technical assistance and project management in the field of education;
Work experience in education-related programmes including TVET skills development higher education or digital transformation and AI in education.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Excellent project management skills including results-based management financial management monitoring evaluation and reporting;
Integrity reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties;
Excellent coordination and organizational skills;
Good analytical and problem-solving skills;
Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment;
Ability to work under pressure to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines paying close attention to detail and quality of work; and
Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software and online collaboration tools.

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset.

UNESCOs 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 96 159 USD.

For full information on benefits and entitlements please consult ourGuide to Staff Benefits.

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 addition candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the positions 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).

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