JOB DETAILS
Type of contract : Service Contract
Level : SC9
Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station : Islamabad
Work location : On site
Duration of contract : 12 months
Hiring open to : External candidates
Application deadline (Midnight UTC+5 Time) : 30/07/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
UNESCO is the United Nations specialized agency for education and leads global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on inclusive, equitable, and quality education and lifelong learning for all. In Pakistan, UNESCO works closely with the federal and provincial governments to strengthen education systems through policy development, institutional capacity building, teacher development, curriculum reform, education planning, and evidence-based decision-making. Recognizing the growing impacts of climate change on education, UNESCO is implementing the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Funded Climate Smart Education Systems Initiative (CSESI) in partnership with UNESCO International Institute of Education Planning (UNESCO-IIEP) and Save the Children, being the consortium partners to support the national and provincial stakeholders to integrate climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk reduction into education policies, planning, curricula, teaching and learning practices, and institutional systems. The initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of Pakistan's education sector by equipping institutions, educators, and learners with the knowledge, skills, and systems needed to respond effectively to current and future climate-related challenges.
The Project Coordination Officer will support the overall coordination and implementation of the CSESI in Pakistan, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of project activities in close collaboration with the UNESCO HQ and UNESCO IIEP, National and Provincial Local Education Groups (LEGs) Education Departments, development partners, and other key stakeholders. The incumbent will coordinate project planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder engagement, while ensuring compliance with UNESCO's programme management, administrative, and financial procedures.
Long Description
Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Country Representative in Pakistan, direct supervision of the Head of Education, and in close coordination with the UNESCO HQ team and UNESCO-IIEP team, the Project Coordination Officer will play a key role in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the Climate-Smart Education programme. The role involves coordination for stakeholder engagement and organization of workshops, and managing contracts and finances, in close consultation with the Administrative Officer of UNESCO Islamabad Office and ensuring compliance with GPE guidelines and UNESCO procedures, as well as addressing risks proactively to prevent delays or inefficiencies. The position also requires travel to field, in line with Organization’s mission policy, to facilitate the organisation of workshops and coordination with stakeholders. By producing quality reports, the officer ensures transparency and accountability while supporting evidence-based decision-making.
MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES
- Project Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
- Coordinate the day-to-day implementation of CSESI activities in accordance with the approved work plan.
- Maintain regular communication and follow-up with government counterparts, consortium partners, consultants, and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate and participate in regular internal UNESCO and meetings with UNESCO-IIEP and Save the Children to facilitate communication, monitor progress, and ensure effective collaboration among partners and follow-up on agreed decisions and action points.
- Facilitate coordination among national and international partners to ensure timely implementation of agreed actions.
- Consolidate, review, and disseminate project documents, technical inputs, and stakeholder feedback as requested by UNESCO HQ or IIEP when relevant.
2. Organization of Technical Meetings and Workshops
- Plan and coordinate the logistical and administrative arrangements for technical meetings, workshops, consultations, and missions in close consultation with the Administrative Officer of UNESCO Islamabad Office and in line with Organization’s mission policy.
- Prepare participant packages, meeting documentation, agendas, presentations, and other resource materials.
- Liaise with venues, service providers, participants, and partners to ensure the smooth organization of CSESI workshops, consultation and other events in consultation with the Administrative Officer of UNESCO Islamabad Office.
- Provide on-site coordination and administrative support during workshops and technical meetings.
- Prepare meeting reports, summaries, and records of key decisions and recommendations.
Long Description
Project Monitoring, Reporting and Knowledge Management
- Monitor the implementation of CSESI activities and track progress against the approved work plan and results framework.
- Develop, disseminate, and compile monitoring tools, including surveys and evaluation questionnaires for project activities.
- Coordinate the collection and consolidation of project information and stakeholder inputs for the preparation of the mid-term and annual CSESI reports, ensuring timely and accurate reporting on project progress and achievements.
- Prepare workshop outcome reports and quarterly progress reports highlighting achievements, challenges, risks, and recommended corrective actions.
- Maintain project documentation, records, and knowledge products to support effective project management and reporting.
- Contribute to evidence generation, documentation of good practices, and knowledge-sharing activities.
Long Description
Technical Documentation and Programme Support
- Contribute to the preparation of policy briefs, technical reports, lessons learned, and the project's final outcome report.
- Compile and submit documents developed during each reporting period together with planned activities for the subsequent quarter.
- Provide technical and administrative support in response to reporting and information requests from UNESCO and consortium partners.
- Contribute to the formulation of recommendations to strengthen education policy, planning, and project implementation based on lessons learned and emerging priorities.
- Undertake any other assignment or responsibility as needed by the Head of Education.
DURATION OF THE CONTRACT
One year with possibility of renewal depending upon funding availability and satisfactory performance.
COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)
- Communication (C)
- Accountability (C)
- Innovation (C)
- Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
- Planning and organizing (C)
- Results focus (C)
- Teamwork (C) For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Education, Project Management, Social Sciences, or a related field from a recognized institution.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Minimum five years’ experience working on issues related to the field of education and development or humanitarian situations, including in contexts involving forced displacement, emergencies, conflict, and disaster.
- Strong knowledge of educational planning and management, especially in the above-mentioned contexts with experience in climate change, considered an asset
- Strong understanding of conflict-sensitivity and risk management in education including with governments, donors, NGOs, the UN system and relevant international organizations.
- Experience in development and delivery of training materials. Experience with training in educational planning and/or crisis-sensitive planning is an asset.
Long Description
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
- Strong organization and coordination skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with proven ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment.
- Effective communication skills for preparing and presenting reports, briefs, and progress updates.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to work effectively, set priorities, and work within tight deadlines.
- Experience with monitoring and evaluation methodologies (including data collection, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making).
- Ability to draft high-quality, clear, concise documents, and reports.
- Ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent presentation skills and ability to communicate effectively.
- Excellent IT skills, including office productivity tools and online collaboration tools.
- Proven ability in contract and financial management, including budgeting and reporting.
LANGUAGES:
Good knowledge of English and Urdu is required.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Education, or a related field from a recognized institution.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in project planning, implementation, management, and coordination within the education sector.
Experience and knowledge of working with UN agencies, or GPE project management procedures and standards.
Experience in coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including government counterparts, implementing partners, and contractors.
Experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks.
Long Description
LANGUAGES:
Good knowledge of other local/ provincial languages spoken is desirable.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT 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 personnel 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.
- 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.
- The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
- UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.
