Associate National Project Officer (Education)

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level : SC8

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Tashkent

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 12 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−5 Time) : 06/09/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan is leading several key initiatives aimed at advancing the quality, inclusiveness, and relevance of education in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan’s education sector is undergoing significant reforms to improve the quality of teaching and learning. However, teacher capacity and professional development remain key challenges. Many teachers still rely on outdated pedagogical approaches that emphasize rote learning rather than competency-based, child centered instruction. There is a need to strengthen pre-service and in-service teacher training to equip educators with modern teaching methodologies, digital competencies, and inclusive education approaches.

The Teacher Education programme led by UNESCO in Uzbekistan aims to strengthen teacher training in Uzbekistan to enhance the quality of education. The programme focuses on addressing gaps in pre-service and in-service teacher training, professional development, and competency-based education (CBE).
The expected outcome is improved teacher capacity to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and competency-based education. Key activities include revising teacher training curricula to align with CBE, building teachers and school leaders capacity through digital and blended learning, establishing a mentorship system for continuous professional learning, and supporting teacher training institutions in implementing evidence-based professional development policies.

To support the successful implementation of this programme, UNESCO seeks an Associate National Project Officer who will contribute with technical expertise, coordinate with national and international partners, and assist in ensuring that the programme’s objectives align with the government’s broader education reform.

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MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES

Under the overall authority of the Head of Office and UNESCO representative, and the direct supervision of the Project Officer for Education, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

Education Programme Implementation and Technical Support:

• Provide technical inputs in the preparation and implementation of detailed work plans to facilitate the timely delivery of projects’ activities in accordance with the approved project documents and budget of UNESCO’s Education Programme particularly pre service teacher education.
• Provide technical support for the review and revision of teacher education curricula and programmes, including the development of new courses and the strengthening of methodology courses that promote learner-centered and competency-based approaches.
• Assist the Education Unit in coordinating and overseeing day-to-day programme activities to ensure they are carried out in line with agreed-upon work plans and timelines.
• Support the design and implementation of activities aimed at reforming pre- service and teacher education and establishing systems for continuous professional development aligned with Competency-Based Education (CBE) principles.
• Contribute to the design, testing, validation, and endorsement of a Competency-Based Education (CBE)-aligned practicum model that strengthens the link between theory and practice in teacher education programmes. Contributing to the institutional capacity building of pre service teacher training centres, education faculties, and professional development centers to deliver and sustain quality learning for educators at scale.
• Maintain regular communication with local implementing partners (pedagogical universities) to support the quality and timely delivery of project activities at the regional level.
• Ensure that all policy reform, curriculum revision, practicum development, and institutional capacity-building initiatives integrate UNESCO's priorities on quality, equity, inclusion, and gender equality.

Long Description

Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate strong communication and collaboration between UNESCO, the line ministries and its institutions and other national stakeholders involved in the Education Programme.
• Support the Education Unit in liaising with international and national development partners, to ensure synergies between UNESCO’s interventions and broader development efforts in Uzbekistan.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):

• Provide the technical inputs in the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the progress and impact of programme.
• Assist in the analysis of programme performance data, identifying key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned to inform future interventions.
• Support the preparation of regular progress reports and donor briefs in collaboration with the Education Unit.

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Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:

• Participate in organizing workshops, training sessions, and other capacity-building activities for government counterparts and education stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products and resources that will help national stakeholders sustain and expand the impact of UNESCO’s education interventions.

Long Description

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DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

The duration of the contract will be 12 months including 3 months probation period with possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

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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.

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of education, social sciences, international relations, ICT or other relevant field. An advanced university degree may be replaced by a first level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) and at least four (4) years of additional relevant experience.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in the field of general education.

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SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Good knowledge of results-based and budget management tools;
• Ability to work under pressure, manage heavy workloads and meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to details and quality of work;
• Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software;
• Strong analytical, problem solving and organizational skills;
• Ability to work as part of an international team in a multicultural environment. Ability to engage and form effective working relationships with counterparts and colleagues;
• Ability to work in a complex, rural and remote areas.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English and Uzbek languages (written and oral).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Work experience in pre-service teacher training.
• Work experience in in-service teacher training.

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SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with the administrative procedures of UN preferably UNESCO;
• Knowledge of UNESCO’s mission and the Education Sector’s Programme;

LANGUAGES

• Good knowledge of Russian

Long Description

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.