Programme Specialist (right to education) UNESCO

Post title : Programme Specialist (right to education)

Organisational unit : Section for Sector Policy Advice and ICT in education, Division of Planning and Development of Education Systems, Education Sector

Duty station : Paris, France

Grade : P-4

Post numbers : ED-060

Closing date : 7 December 2011

Main responsibilities :

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General, Education Sector, the Director of the Division for Planning and Devolopment of Education Sytems and the direct supervision of the Chief of Section for Sector Policy Advice and ICT in Education, the incumbent will work to promote normative action, policy analysis and legal advice as well as capacity development and international cooperation activities in relation to the right to eduation

· Coordinate the follow up of the Conventions and Recommendations in the field of Education, with particular attention to the right to education. Conduct periodic consultations of member states for the implementation of the concerned Conventions, including the Convention against Discrimination in Education, prepare documents for the CR, the Executive Board and the General conference. Represent the Secretariat in the sessions of the CR and ensure the follow-up of the decisions taken, implement the statutory tasks to be performed in the field of the right to education.

· Serve as Secretary of the Joint Expert Group (UNESCO -CR-/ECOSOC -CESCR) on the Monitoring of the right to Education, including the preparation of documents, organisation of the meetings and follow-up of recommendations. Contribute to the work of the UN Treaty Monitoring Bodies, especially the Committee on Economic, social and Cultural Rights and participate in their work as well as that of the Human rights council and other UN bodies related to the right to education.

· Conduct analytical and research activities and provide policy and legal advice to Members states in areas related to the promotion and monitoring of the right to education.

· Provide global coordination of UNESCO's work related to the right to education, as well as technical and methodological facilitation to the Regional Bureaux and Field Offices with regard to the implementation and monitoring of normative instruments and the development of advocacy and support activities related to the right to education. .

· Within the framework of the C/4 and C/5 formulation processes, contribute to the preparation of UNESCO's Education Sector strategies, programmes and budgets

Profile

· Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Law, Political Science, Economics, Sociology or related fields. A degree in International Law would be an asset.

· Seven to ten years of experience in the field of human rights and/or right to education at both national and/or international levels.

· Professional experience in research, normative work or advocacy in relation to the right to education would be an asset.

· Proven conceptual and analytical skills including the ability to provide advice on educational policy and strategic planning and management.

· Good knowledge of international normative instruments.

· Good knowledge of the UN system and UNESCO would be an asset.

· Experience in resources mobilization would be an asset.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both orally and in writing)

· Ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners and stakeholders.

· Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.

· Excellent knowledge of English or French; good knowledge of the other language would be an asset.

Conditions of employment

UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars but mainly paid in local currency. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates. For this post, the annual remuneration in local currency will start from around 86,600 Euros (80,600 Euros if without dependants), exempt from income tax. In addition, UNESCO offers an attractive benefits package including 30 days annual vacation, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. The initial appointment, which is for two years, includes a probationary period of 12 months, and is renewable, subject to satisfactory service. Worldwide mobility is required as staff members have to serve in other duty stations according to UNESCO’s job rotation policy. UNESCO is a non-smoking organization.

How to apply

When applying for UNESCO vacancies, please only use the on-line recruitment system at www.unesco.org/employment. Candidates without access to Internet may send a paper application by completing the official UNESCO CV form (available at Headquarters, UNESCO Offices, National Commissions in Member States, or any office of a United Nations Resident Representative) in English or French to Chief, HRM/RCR, UNESCO, 7 place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France, before the closing date, quoting the post number: ED-060

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNESCO and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: Recrutweb@unesco.org.